Highways across Minnesota are filled with all types of vehicles, from compact cars to massive commercial trucks. While both can be involved in collisions, trucking accidents are far from ordinary crashes. The sheer size, weight, and complexity of semi-trucks make these accidents more dangerous, and the legal process for recovering compensation is often much more complicated than in standard auto accidents.
If you or a loved one has been injured, it’s essential to understand the differences so you know what to expect when pursuing a claim. Osterbauer, your trusted truck accident lawyers, shares these distinctions to help stay informed.
Why Truck Accidents are More Severe
The first key distinction lies in the scale of damage. A commercial truck with a full load can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, while the average car weighs in at around 3,000 pounds. This disparity in size often results in the following effects.
- Catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or severe fractures.
- Greater property damage, often totaling passenger vehicles.
- Higher fatality rates, particularly in crashes involving smaller cars.
Because the stakes are so high, victims of trucking accidents often face long-term medical care, lost income, and lasting emotional trauma.
More Parties May Be Liable
In auto accidents, liability usually falls on one negligent driver. Truck crashes, however, may involve multiple responsible parties, including the following.
- The Truck Driver: For reckless or fatigued driving.
- The Trucking Company: Poor hiring practices, lack of training, or pushing unrealistic schedules can result in a crash.
- Maintenance Providers: Faulty repairs or ignored inspections may contribute to the crash.
- Cargo Loaders: Unsecured freight may cause the truck to become unstable.
This web of responsibility means that investigating a truck accident often requires more time and resources than a typical car crash.
Different Evidence Requirements
Truck accidents involve unique types of evidence not usually present in car accidents. Here are some types of evidence that may be needed.
- Driver logs, which can show hours-of-service violations or fatigue
- Electronic logging devices (ELDs) that track speed, braking, and hours on the road
- Truck maintenance records to verify whether inspections and repairs were performed
- Black box data, offering detailed information about the truck’s operation before the crash
Gathering and preserving this evidence is critical, and it’s one reason many victims turn to experienced personal injury lawyers in Minnesota for help.
Federal and State Regulations
Another key difference lies in the laws that apply. While car drivers are governed by Minnesota traffic laws, truck drivers and companies must also follow strict federal regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules cover everything from mandatory rest periods to weight limits and maintenance standards.
Violations of these rules can significantly impact liability in a personal injury claim. For example, if a truck driver exceeded their legal driving hours, this may serve as strong evidence of negligence.
Higher Insurance Coverage and More Aggressive Defense
Trucking companies are required to carry insurance policies with much higher limits than those for regular auto accidents. While this means there’s more coverage available for victims, it also means insurers fight harder to minimize payouts. Trucking companies often deploy legal teams immediately after a crash to protect their interests, which can leave injured victims at a disadvantage if they don’t act quickly.
Compensation in Trucking Accident Claims
Victims of truck crashes may seek compensation for the following damages or expenses.
- Medical expenses, both current and future
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Rehabilitation and long-term care needs
Because damages are often more extensive, these cases frequently result in higher settlements or verdicts than car crashes. Still, securing fair compensation requires strong evidence and skilled negotiation.
Why Legal Representation Is Essential
The complexities of truck accident cases make legal representation not just helpful but vital. Skilled personal injury lawyers in Minnesota, like our team, can provide the following solutions.
- Investigate the accident thoroughly.
- Identify all liable parties.
- Preserve and analyze critical evidence.
- Negotiate aggressively with insurers and defense attorneys.
- Represent you in court if necessary.
Without legal guidance, victims risk settling for less than they deserve or missing key opportunities to prove liability.
Final Thoughts on Truck Accidents in Minnesota
While car crashes and truck crashes may seem similar at first glance, the legal and practical differences are significant. From the scale of injuries to the involvement of multiple parties, trucking accidents present unique challenges that require specialized knowledge and resources. Understanding these differences is the first step toward protecting your rights and securing fair compensation.
Contact our law firm today to schedule a consultation and start your comeback journey.