Colliding with a truck poses an especially dire threat to drivers and passengers in other vehicles. Because trucks are larger, other vehicles generally have a safety disadvantage during an accident.
Every year, Minnesota’s Office of Traffic Safety releases a report on vehicular accident statistics. In the 2019 report, the following facts were presented in the section on truck crashes:
- During 2019, truck collisions resulted in 56 fatalities across the state.
- 1,431 people sustained non-fatal injuries.
- In two-vehicle accidents, the majority of the deaths and injuries took place among occupants of the other vehicle.
Of course, truck drivers aren’t invulnerable to death and serious injuries on the road. For example, a recent head-on collision south of the Twin Cities led to the deaths of a semi truck driver and the driver of a passenger car. But the size differential in vehicles often results in more deadly outcomes for the occupants of smaller vehicles.
Why Is It Crucial to Contact a Minnesota Truck Accident Lawyer?
Boosting Your Chances of Fair Compensation
A truck accident may lead to a variety of major expenses, including:
- Medical bills from hospital stays, surgeries, emergency room visits, outpatient care, and different forms of therapy. For example, traumatic brain injuries may necessitate a range of treatments, including psychological counseling and cognitive, physical, and occupational therapy.
- Lost wages from missed days of work or the costs of losing one’s job or livelihood entirely.
- Car repair or replacement costs.
- The need for wheelchairs and other assistive devices.
- Home modifications to accommodate disabilities.
- After fatal accidents, there will be funeral expenses and the costs of losing a loved one’s companionship and support.
When working with a reputable attorney, you’ll be in a better position to keep track of expenses, quantify your losses, and figure out the best ways of receiving a fair amount of compensation. Your attorney will help you handle insurance companies. If your case goes before a court, they’ll thoroughly prepare you and present your arguments with persuasiveness and compelling evidence.
Building the Strongest Case Possible
No two truck accidents are exactly alike. It’s important to have an attorney review your case and help you collect, organize, and analyze the available evidence. Pieces of evidence include medical records, receipts for various expenses, photos and video footage of the accident scene, police reports, and witness statements.
Sometimes, if you’re involved in a truck accident, your case may be a little more complicated. To give a few examples:
- Besides the truck, were there other vehicles involved in the crash?
- Is the truck driver’s employer liable for the accident?
- Could you be considered at least partially at fault for the collision?
- Were there any factors in the environment that may have influenced the collision, such as snow, ice, or poor signage?
- Are any key pieces of evidence missing from your case?
Your attorney will know how to strengthen your case and find the right approach to different complications or challenges. With your attorney’s advice, you’ll make well-informed choices about when to settle, how much to settle for, and when to take your case to court.
Reliable and Compassionate Support
The aftermath of a truck accident is often an extremely stressful time. One of the best things your attorney will do for you is provide you with firm support. They’ll make sure you aren’t missing critical deadlines or making costly mistakes with your paperwork or with your case as a whole. When you have questions or wish to discuss your concerns, they’ll respond promptly and provide you with compassionate and knowledgeable guidance.
Reach Out to Swor & Gatto
Don’t hesitate to contact us through our site or at 651-454-3600. We offer free consultations and can meet with you either at our office or at a location more convenient to you. As experienced and highly skilled attorneys, we take every possible step to help you achieve a fair outcome for your case. You should never have to struggle with the costs and stress of a truck accident on your own.