Unique Risks of Logging Truck Accidents in Northern Minnesota

Any motorist who has driven around a logging truck on the road or highway knows just how intimidating these vehicles are. The logs often seem as though they have been loaded precariously, and the thought of the load coming loose is very stressful. The fear of sharing the roads with logging trucks is not unfounded. These vehicles pose unique risks, and when they are involved in a crash, the injuries can be catastrophic.

If you have been injured during a collision with a logging truck or lost someone you love, you may be entitled to compensation. Below, we explain the unique risks associated with these collisions and how to get the help you need after an accident.

Why are logging trucks so dangerous?

Logging trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds under standard federal limits, and in some cases more under state permits or on designated roads, making them some of the heaviest vehicles on the road. In fact, once the ground is frozen, logging trucks in Minnesota are permitted to weigh up to 88,000 pounds making them even heavier and harder to stop on icy roads. For this reason, logging truck drivers must observe weight limits when driving and loading cargo.

Logging trucks are also massive, and they have four major blind spots, including areas in front, behind, and along both sides of the truck. Drivers are not always aware of these blind spots, and so, even when they are being cautious and trying to avoid an accident, they can still be involved in a crash.

Logging trucks also require much longer stopping distances because they are so heavy. When truck drivers are distracted, impaired, or otherwise acting negligently, they may fail to realize that they need to stop. This can cause them to hit a vehicle ahead of them, causing severe injuries to the occupants of that smaller vehicle.

Common causes of logging truck accidents

There are many factors that contribute to logging truck accidents. The most common causes of these crashes include:

• Violations of traffic law: Traffic laws are in place to help all motorists stay safe on the road. Improperly changing lanes, driving too fast for conditions, and failing to comply with traffic signs and signals can all result in a logging truck accident.
• Improperly loaded cargo: Loading cargo onto any truck is a very important part of the process, but this is particularly true with logging trucks. If the logs are not loaded onto the vehicle properly, they may become loose and fall off into traffic, causing catastrophic injuries and fatalities. Improperly loaded cargo can also shift during transport, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
• Truck driver error: When a truck driver violates traffic laws, that is a serious error that can easily cause a crash. However, truck drivers can also make other errors that are not necessarily a violation of the law, such as improperly judging the distance of other vehicles.
• Inclement weather: Minnesota, particularly the northern parts of the state, is known to have severe weather conditions, particularly during the winter. Snow, ice, and high winds can all make it difficult for a truck driver to safely operate their vehicle.
• Unsafe road conditions: Dangerous conditions on the roads can happen in a number of ways. This can include road defects such as potholes that could increase the chance of collisions, or debris on the roads, including trees and even other logs, especially in northern Minnesota’s heavily forested regions.
• Defective trucks or truck parts: When a truck or component of the truck is defective, it compromises how the vehicle functions and can cause a crash.

It is not always easy to determine what caused a logging truck accident. Our Minnesota truck accident lawyers can conduct an investigation to determine the cause and who is liable for paying compensation.

Determining liability for logging truck accidents

Liability for logging truck accidents in Minnesota is a complex issue. Multiple parties are often involved, and they typically shift blame to each other. Most commonly, in these cases, liability lies with one of the following:

• The truck driver: Truck drivers are often the first parties people think of when considering liability for a commercial vehicle accident. Just like other drivers on the roads, when log truck drivers speed, drive while distracted or impaired, or otherwise act negligently, they can be held liable if someone becomes hurt. Truck drivers throughout the country are also required to check their load periodically while in transit. Failing to ensure the logs are secured properly can also result in liability for the truck driver.
• The trucking company: Trucking companies can be held liable under a legal concept known as vicarious liability. Under this doctrine, employers can be held liable for the negligent actions of their employees while they are on duty. Trucking companies can also be held directly liable if they neglected to properly maintain the truck, failed to train the driver properly, or forced drivers to work beyond their legal hourly limits.
• Cargo loaders: Trucking companies often hire third-party loading companies to load cargo onto a truck. These individuals are also required to perform their job properly and ensure cargo is loaded and secured properly. An improperly loaded or overloaded log truck can shed logs, lose control, tip, and roll over.
• Maintenance companies: Just like cargo loaders, third-party maintenance companies and mechanics must ensure that they perform their jobs properly and that trucks are safe so they are not involved in a crash. Any failure to do this can result in liability.
• Manufacturers: All manufacturers have a duty to ensure that the products they manufacture are safe and free of defects. When they fail to do this, they can be responsible for paying compensation after a crash.
• Government entities: Road designs and maintenance are typically the responsibility of local, state, and federal governments. When improper road design or maintenance contributes to a crash, the government entity responsible may be held liable in certain circumstances, though claims are subject to statutory limits, immunities, and strict procedural requirements under Minnesota law. These claims are vastly different from other cases and are much more challenging.

Our truck accident lawyers in Minnesota can help

If you or someone you love has been hurt by a logging truck, you need legal help. At Bradshaw & Bryant, PLLC, our Minnesota truck accident lawyers can advise you of your legal options, determine who is liable for your injuries, and hold them accountable for paying the compensation you may be entitled to. Call us today or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys and to get the sound advice you need.