If you’ve been involved in a crash with an 18-wheeler, you need our seasoned Minneapolis, MN 18-wheeler accident lawyer to help you through the legal process. At Johnston | Martineau PLLP, we have the experience and dedication to handle even the most challenging cases, providing personalized legal services to clients who have been injured in trucking accidents. With over two decades of experience, our attorneys are trusted by the Minneapolis community for our commitment to delivering favorable results for our clients. Contact us to learn how we can help with your case.
Primary Causes Of 18-Wheeler Crashes
Several factors can contribute to accidents involving 18-wheelers. One of the most common causes is driver error. Truck drivers are often under immense pressure to meet deadlines, leading to fatigued or reckless driving. Driving while distracted, such as texting or using a mobile device, is another contributing factor. Additionally, poor maintenance of the truck itself, such as issues with the brakes or tires, can lead to catastrophic collisions.
In some cases, the trucking company itself may share in the responsibility for an accident. If the company failed to properly train the driver or allowed an unsafe truck to be on the road, they may be held liable. Manufacturers of auto parts can also be held accountable if a defective part contributed to the accident. By working with our knowledgeable big rig lawyer, you can be sure that the responsible party or parties are held accountable.
Injuries Resulting From 18-Wheeler Accidents
Due to the size and weight of these vehicles, accidents involving 18-wheelers often result in severe injuries. Victims may suffer from traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and internal injuries requiring long-term medical treatment, including surgeries, physical therapy, and/or rehabilitation.
Victims may also experience emotional distress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the accident. The mental and financial strain that accompanies these injuries can be overwhelming, especially when victims are unable to work or require ongoing care. Our semi-truck lawyers can help you achieve appropriate compensation that best represents your situation.
Recovering Damages In An 18-Wheeler Accident Case
If you’ve been involved in an 18-wheeler accident, you may be entitled to compensation for various types of damages. Our Minneapolis 18-wheeler accident attorney will work diligently to make sure you receive the financial support you need during your recovery process. Medical expenses are one of the primary forms of compensation, covering everything from emergency treatment and surgeries to medications, physical therapy, and long-term care. If your injuries have left you unable to work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages during your recovery period.
Property damage compensation may also be available to cover the repair or replacement of your vehicle if it was damaged or destroyed in the collision. Our Minneapolis 18-wheeler accident lawyer will guide you through this process, verifying that all eligible damages are accounted for and that you receive fair compensation for your losses.
How We Can Help
Working with our tractor-trailer attorney means having a dedicated advocate who will represent your best interests. Our team has extensive experience in handling trucking accident cases and will conduct a thorough investigation into your case, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and represent you in court if needed to secure the best possible outcome for your case. If you’ve been involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler, contact Johnston | Martineau PLLP to recover the compensation you deserve and hold those responsible for the accident accountable.
Determining Fault For An 18-Wheeler Crash
Being involved in an 18-wheeler crash can be overwhelming, especially when you’re concerned about how fault may impact your ability to recover compensation. Our Minneapolis, MN 18-wheeler accident lawyer knows that Minnesota operates under a no-fault insurance system, which can be different from many other states. If you’re partially at fault in an accident with an 18-wheeler, you may still be entitled to compensation, but the process is unique. At Johnston | Martineau PLLP, we guide clients through these situations and help them understand how the state’s no-fault laws apply. We specialize in many different types of truck accident cases, so call us to see how we can help.
Minnesota's No-Fault Insurance System
Minnesota’s no-fault insurance system means that after a car accident, regardless of who was at fault, your own insurance will pay for certain expenses, such as medical bills and lost wages, up to the limits of your policy. This is especially helpful for accidents involving 18-wheelers, as you can begin seeking compensation from your own insurance company right away, without needing to determine fault. However, there are limits to what no-fault insurance covers, particularly when it comes to serious injuries.
When You Can Step Outside The No-Fault System
Although Minnesota’s no-fault system covers many aspects of a crash, there are situations where you can step outside the no-fault system and pursue a claim against the at-fault party, such as the truck driver or the trucking company. Our Minneapolis 18-wheeler accident lawyer knows that this is typically the case when your injuries are deemed serious or catastrophic—such as permanent disfigurement, broken bones, or significant scarring—or if you exceed the personal injury protection (PIP) limits on your policy. In these cases, the question of fault becomes more important, and you may be able to seek additional compensation from the other party.
Even if you were partially at fault, you can still file a claim against the truck driver or trucking company if your injuries meet the threshold for a serious injury claim. The degree of fault may affect how much you can recover, but you can still pursue compensation for damages that go beyond your no-fault coverage.
Determining Fault In An 18-Wheeler Accident
When it comes to determining fault in a crash with an 18-wheeler, it’s crucial to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and understand common causes. Evidence such as police reports, eyewitness statements, black box data from the truck, and maintenance records can all play a role in establishing whether the truck driver, trucking company, or another party contributed to the accident. Even if you were partially at fault, proving that the truck driver or another party was primarily responsible for the crash can help build your case.
In Minnesota, the no-fault system may shield the at-fault party from being directly responsible for your initial damages, but a thorough investigation into the accident can show if negligence on their part made the accident worse. If the truck driver violated any regulations or acted recklessly, they may still be held accountable.
What Happens If I Was Partially At Fault?
If you are partially at fault for the crash, your compensation may be affected by the degree of fault assigned to you. However, in Minnesota’s no-fault system, your own insurance will generally cover medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who is to blame. If your injuries meet the state’s serious injury threshold, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party, even if you bear some responsibility for the crash. Your compensation may be reduced in proportion to your level of fault, but you can still pursue additional damages.
Working with a legal team that understands the no-fault insurance system can be crucial in helping you maximize your recovery, especially if your injuries exceed the limits of your policy. At Johnston | Martineau PLLP, we help clients in Minnesota who are dealing with complex cases involving 18-wheeler crashes and multiple parties at fault. For help, call our trusted Minneapolis 18-wheeler accident lawyer for a free consultation.