Working with our award-winning St. Paul, MN truck accident lawyer after an accident could be key to securing the compensation you deserve to get your life back on track. At Johnston | Martineau PLLP, our knowledgeable Super Lawyers are committed to providing experienced and compassionate legal representation for those injured in truck accidents. With years of experience handling a variety of accident cases, our team is ready to advocate for the best outcome possible for you. If you're in need of legal help after an accident, don't hesitate to reach out to our team for a consultation.
How Truck Accidents Happen
One of the leading causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue. Long-haul truck drivers often work extended hours, leading to exhaustion. When truck drivers are not well-rested, their reaction times slow down, and they may make dangerous driving decisions, increasing the risk of accidents. Another significant factor is distracted driving, where truck drivers engage in activities like texting or using navigation devices while operating their vehicles. Distractions can take a driver's focus off the road, causing them to miss important cues and react too late in an emergency situation.
Truck accidents may also be caused by improper maintenance. These large, heavy vehicles require regular inspections and maintenance to stay in good working condition. If a trucking company or driver neglects to properly maintain their vehicle, mechanical failures like brake malfunctions or tire blowouts can lead to accidents.
Proper load balance and weight distribution are also important factors. Trucks carrying loads that are not properly secured or are too heavy for the vehicle may lose control, leading to serious crashes. Freight truck lawyers can determine if the vehicle involved in the crash was improperly loaded or unbalanced during the time of the collision.
Accidents involving large vehicles like semi-trucks can be devastating. Understanding the causes and potential legal recourse after such accidents can help victims make informed decisions about their next steps. Our St. Paul truck accident lawyer can provide crucial guidance in these situations.
Benefit From Seasoned Accident Lawyers
Our St. Paul truck accident attorneys can evaluate your case and help you secure appropriate compensation for damages sustained in truck accidents. This compensation can cover medical expenses and lost wages, and in some cases, victims may also be entitled to compensation for emotional distress, rehabilitation costs, and property damage.
Our skilled big rig attorneys help victims determine who is at fault in a truck accident case. Depending on the situation, multiple parties could be liable, including the truck driver, the trucking company, maintenance crews, and even third-party manufacturers if faulty equipment or parts are involved. In cases of driver negligence, the trucking company may also be held accountable for failing to enforce proper safety measures, such as driver fatigue regulations.
A thorough investigation of the accident is necessary to identify all responsible parties and make sure that they are held liable for their role in the crash. That’s why trusting our dedicated semi-truck lawyer is essential. We can help determine who is at fault and attain the compensation that matches your needs.
Why Choose Us
At Johnston | Martineau PLLP, we provide knowledgeable, dedicated, and effective legal support to every client. We are here to guide you through the entire legal process and help you rebuild your life after a truck accident. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, contact our team today for a consultation.
5 Key Pieces Of Evidence For Your Truck Accident Claim
Our St. Paul, MN truck accident lawyer knows that when you’re involved in a truck accident, determining liability is one of the most important aspects of your claim. Liability refers to who is responsible for the crash and the resulting damages. Establishing fault can be complicated, especially in truck accidents where multiple parties might be involved, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and vehicle manufacturers. At Johnston | Martineau PLLP, we work closely with our clients to collect and present the strongest evidence to support their case. Attorney Chris Johnston has been recognized as a Rising Star and can help you.
Police Reports And Accident Documentation
One of the first pieces of evidence to secure after a truck accident is the police report. Officers typically arrive at the scene, assess the situation, and file a report documenting the accident. This report often includes important details such as the location of the accident, road conditions, and whether any traffic laws were violated. Additionally, the officer may provide insight into who appeared to be at fault based on the evidence they gathered at the scene.
The police report can serve as an important starting point for your claim, helping to establish key facts about the crash. However, it is essential to remember that police reports may not always assign fault definitively, so it’s crucial to gather other supporting evidence.
Witness Testimonies
Our St. Paul truck accident lawyer knows that eyewitness testimonies can play a critical role in determining liability. If there were any witnesses to the accident, their statements can help corroborate your version of events. Independent witnesses can provide an unbiased account of the crash, which can be useful if there’s a dispute over who caused the accident.
Witnesses may describe the speed of the vehicles involved, whether any traffic signals were disregarded, or if the truck driver was driving erratically. Their testimonies can serve as strong support for your claim, especially when the truck driver or trucking company contests liability.
Driver And Vehicle Logs
In truck accident claims, the truck driver’s logbook can offer valuable insight into what led to the crash. These logs typically record important information such as the number of hours the driver has been on the road, rest periods, and details about the route they took. This information can help determine if the driver was fatigued, driving beyond legal hours of service, or violating any other regulations related to trucking.
Additionally, maintenance records for the truck itself can also be critical. If the truck was not properly maintained, such as failing brakes or faulty tires, it could point to negligence on the part of the trucking company or maintenance personnel.
Traffic Camera And Dashcam Footage
In many cases, traffic cameras or dashcams can provide crucial visual evidence to support your claim. Surveillance cameras on nearby buildings or traffic signals can capture footage of the accident, showing exactly what happened before, during, and after the collision. Dashcam footage from the truck itself or from nearby vehicles can also offer a clear picture of the crash, including the actions of the truck driver.
In some instances, dashcam footage might even show the driver’s behavior prior to the accident, such as distracted driving or aggressive maneuvers. This type of footage can be persuasive in proving liability, especially if the truck driver’s actions directly contributed to the crash.
Expert Testimony And Accident Reconstruction
Sometimes, the facts of a truck accident are not immediately clear, especially when it comes to technical aspects like speed, force, or the impact of the crash. In these cases, expert witnesses and accident reconstruction specialists can be brought in to analyze the evidence and provide a professional opinion on what happened.
An accident reconstruction expert can review factors like skid marks, vehicle damage, and witness statements to create a detailed reconstruction of the accident. Their findings can be invaluable in determining the cause of the crash and identifying who is at fault.
Taking Action In Your Truck Accident Claim
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, gathering the right evidence is essential for proving liability and securing the compensation you deserve. At Johnston | Martineau PLLP, we understand how important it is to have strong evidence in your corner. Our team is committed to helping you collect, review, and present all the necessary documentation to support your claim. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, contact us today for a consultation. Attorney Chris Johnston earned the title of Up and Coming Attorney of the Year in 2007. He can help you. Our St. Paul truck accident lawyer is here to help you fight for justice and hold the responsible parties accountable.