A 90-year-old man was injured Wednesday morning after a collision involving a garbage truck in Hayfield Township, Minnesota. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the crash occurred just before 8:30 a.m. on Highway 30, near mile marker 205. Authorities say Darren Allan Reddel, 38, of Riceville, Iowa, was driving a 2024 Freightliner garbage truck and was pulling out of a driveway when he collided with an eastbound 2011 Ford Ranger driven by Raymond Richard Kyllo of Hayfield. Kyllo sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin. Reddel was not injured. Our Minnesota garbage truck accident lawyer knows that garbage trucks can cause accidents due to several factors, including limited visibility from large blind spots, sudden stops or sharp turns during neighborhood pickups that can catch other drivers off guard, and improper backing up when exiting driveways or alleys.
Victims of garbage truck accidents should seek legal help as soon as possible. These cases can involve private waste management companies or municipal agencies, each with different legal procedures and liability rules. An experienced accident lawyer can help preserve evidence, identify all responsible parties, and ensure proper compensation is pursued.
Overview Of SF 294 (2025): Changes To CDL Exam Fees And Road Skills Testing
Being injured in a garbage truck accident can leave you with unexpected medical bills, missed work, and uncertainty about how to move forward. Because these vehicles are often operated by commercial waste companies or city departments, the legal process can be more involved than a typical car crash. A garbage truck accident lawyer can help you understand what to do next and how to protect your rights.
Attorney Christopher P. Martineau, who began his career as a claims adjuster, brings a valuable perspective to these cases. He understands how insurers and employers handle truck accident claims—and how to challenge them when necessary. Whether the truck was managed by a private company or a government agency, your attorney will move quickly to gather the information needed: crash reports, driver and maintenance records, and witness statements. These steps are essential in building a strong claim.
Garbage truck accidents are often caused by limited visibility, sudden stops, or improper backing—especially in residential areas. Recent changes in Iowa law, specifically SF 294 (2025), have introduced updates that could directly impact the way garbage truck accident cases are evaluated. This law now permits third-party providers to charge fees for conducting the road skills portion of the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) exam. While this change is intended to improve access to testing and reduce scheduling delays, it also raises important questions about the consistency and quality of training. When drivers are tested outside of state-run facilities, there may be variations in how road skills are assessed, depending on the provider.
In cases where a garbage truck driver causes a crash, your attorney may look into whether the driver received proper training and whether their road test met the required legal and safety standards outlined under SF 294. If the driver was recently licensed or upgraded under these new rules, and there are signs of negligence or inexperience, that information could be critical in determining fault and liability. Your legal team can also evaluate whether the company hiring the driver followed appropriate screening and oversight procedures in light of these licensing changes.
Turn To A Team You Can Trust
At Johnston | Martineau PLLP, we have handled truck accident cases for years and understand how to pursue claims involving waste management vehicles. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a garbage truck accident, you don’t have to face the process alone. We’re here to support you, answer your questions, and take action when it matters most. Reach out to discuss your situation today through a free consultation.