A major disruption occurred along Interstate 94 near downtown Minneapolis after a semi-truck crashed inside the Lowry Hill Tunnel, resulting in a rollover and hours-long lane closures. Minnesota transportation officials confirmed that the crash, which happened late Friday morning, involved a truck carrying ammunition that struck the tunnel wall before overturning. The Minnesota State Patrol responded to the scene around 10:55 a.m., and early reports indicate the driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Because of the nature of the crash and the loss of cargo, the scene required extended cleanup and investigation. Incidents like this underscore why injured individuals often consult our Minneapolis, MN truck accident lawyer when large commercial vehicles are involved, as the investigations can become highly technical.
For several hours, the westbound lanes of I-94 were closed, creating extensive delays for drivers in the downtown corridor. The Minnesota Department of Transportation reported that the roadway reopened shortly before 1 p.m., although the full cleanup continued until approximately 4:30 p.m. No other vehicles were involved, but because the semi was carrying ammunition, emergency responders worked carefully to secure the scene and make sure that no hazardous materials posed risks to motorists or nearby residents. Accidents involving large trucks—even single-vehicle crashes—tend to raise questions about maintenance, load securement, and operator error, all of which may factor into ongoing investigations.
Events like this highlight the broader safety issues surrounding commercial trucking. Even without multiple vehicles involved, rollovers inside confined spaces such as tunnels create risks for nearby motorists, structural safety, and emergency personnel. These situations also reinforce the importance of compliance with federal and state trucking regulations—a key reason why people often turn to our truck accident lawyers for clarity after similar incidents.
How Comparative Fault Influences Minnesota Truck Accident Claims
Minnesota’s comparative fault system plays a significant role in determining compensation after truck crashes. Under state law, an injured party may recover damages so long as they are not more at fault than the other party. In truck-related cases, determining fault can be complicated due to multiple contributing elements such as driver behavior, roadway conditions, cargo securement, or mechanical failure. This is where guidance from our knowledgeable Minneapolis truck accident attorneys becomes essential. We evaluate driver logbooks, electronic data recorders, inspection reports, and cargo documentation to understand how responsibility should be allocated.
Comparative fault becomes even more important in situations involving hazardous cargo or commercial carriers with heightened safety duties. If investigations show that the truck was improperly loaded, those findings may influence liability. At the same time, if roadway design, visibility, or unexpected hazards contributed, those factors may be weighed as well. Professionals serving as our freight truck lawyers understand how these layers interact and how to present clear evidence on behalf of injured clients. We have over 40 years handling cases involving trucking accidents. That extensive experience allows us to provide the legal support our clients need after an injury. And since we offer 24/7 live call answering, we can offer guidance at any time of day or night.
At Johnston | Martineau PLLP, we help individuals understand Minnesota’s comparative fault system and how liability is assessed in commercial trucking incidents. Our tractor-trailer lawyers can evaluate the circumstances of your crash, identify contributing factors, and provide the guidance you need to move forward. As trusted Minneapolis truck accident lawyers, we’re committed to helping you pursue the recovery you deserve. If you or a loved one has been affected by a truck accident, contact us today. Our team is ready to listen, support you, and take action—reach out now to get started.
