Minnesota fatalities involving large trucks numbered 61 in 2017. The Minnesota State Patrol reported 380 traffic deaths in 2018. What are some of the reasons for these motor vehicle accidents and injuries? According to Mike Hanson, traffic safety director at the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, accidents occur because of:
- Multitasking while operating a vehicle
- Driving while intoxicated or impaired
- Speeding
- Weather-related road conditions
- Pedestrian mistakes
- Unaware cyclists
- Driver fatigue
Across the US, truck crashes take place every day. Over 400,000 truck crashes occur each year in America. Minnesota Personal Injury Lawyers, Swor & Gatto, know how to help those who are victims of Minnesota truck accidents.
Why So Many Truck Crashes?
- Truck driving is a dangerous job. Truck drivers are required to do a full circle checkof their vehicle before they get in the cab to drive. This inspection means checking every aspect of their truck’s mechanics, wheels, sight lines, oil levels, and so forth. However, sometimes this step is not taken.
- Truck drivers have blind spots. The most dangerous blind spot is on the right side of the truck. Passing on the left side of the 18-wheeler is a bit safer. But, commercial vehicles have no rear-view mirrors. If you cannot see the driver in the side mirror of the truck, the driver cannot see you.
- Black ice makes driving dangerous for any motor vehicle driver. This invisible hazard can catch a driver off-guard. When behind the wheel, the ice looks like a wet spot, but the thin layer of ice is extremely slippery.
- Because of the size of semi-trucks, merging into one lane can be tricky for automobile drivers near the vehicle. The best idea is to pull in behind a truck as you blend into the line of traffic.
- When a truck driver has to make a right turn, the driver usually needs a two-lane width of space to negotiate the turn. This maneuver means the driver may be in the left lane at an intersection but has his right-turn signal on to communicate his intent. If you find yourself in the driver’s blind spot on the right of the truck, you could be in danger of being dragged or hit by the driver of the commercial vehicle.
Minnesota Commercial Vehicle Laws
The definition of a commercial vehicle is a motor vehicle that weighs over 26,000 pounds. Regulations targeted for commercial trucks include:
- Since it takes approximately three to five seconds longer to pass a commercial vehicle, drivers must allow enough time to get by trucks or buses.
- Once the driver has passed, he or she must return to the right lane before coming within 100 feet of any approaching traffic.
- If you intend to exit or turn off the road soon, do not pass a commercial vehicle, but remain behind the truck or bus until you reach your exit.
- Move back into your lane after passing when you can see the front of the commercial vehicle in your rearview mirror. Allow commercial vehicles to pass by slowing down somewhat and maintaining your speed during the time the truck is passing.
- Maintain a safe following distance to allow for a sudden commercial vehicle stop.
- Do not pass a semi-truck that has stopped at a railroad crossing.
After a Commercial Vehicle Crash
In Minnesota, anyone who is involved in a traffic crash must stop at the site of the accident. Notify law enforcement and an ambulance if necessary. Anyone who has sustained injuries in the collision should receive reasonable assistance. All involved drivers should exchange names, addresses, vehicle license plate numbers, and drivers’ licenses if a request is made to do so.
If able, take photographs of the crash scene and document as much as you can while still there, such as:
- Weather conditions
- Time the crash occurred
- Road conditions
- Any traffic signs at or near the accident
- Get the police report if there is one
- Do not admit guilt
- Sign nothing
- Call your insurance company as quickly as possible (describe what has occurred, but do not make a statement)
If there are witnesses, they too should offer their addresses and vehicle license plates. Law officers investigating the crash will ask for evidence of vehicle insurance. A report must be filed with the Driver and Vehicle Services within ten days of the accident if the incident results in injury, death, or total property damage of $1,000 or more. The report may be mailed or delivered, in person, to the DVS Records/Evaluation Counter.
Documents and forms may be acquired here.
Auto Insurance in Minnesota
In most cases, a licensed vehicle in Minnesota must have personal injury protection, liability insurance, uninsured motorist coverage, and underinsured motorist coverage. Collision and comprehensive insurance coverages are optional in Minnesota.
- Minnesota is a No-Fault state.
- You will collect your “Personal Injury Protection (PIP)” benefits whether you or the other driver are at fault. This section of your policy is the No-Fault part of your insurance agreement. No-Fault pays only injuries sustained in the accident.
- If the other driver is at fault, you can bring a claim against the other driver’s liability when your PIP benefits run out.
- If the other driver’s liability is insufficient, you collect from his or her’s underinsured benefits for PIP coverage.
- If the other driver had no insurance, you would collect your uninsured benefits from your PIP coverage.
What Types of Injuries Occur Due to Truck Crashes?
Injuries from large truck accidents can include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Lacerations
- Blunt force trauma
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Coma
- Wrongful death
- Paralyzation, and more
What Types of Damages Occur Due to Truck Crashes?
The results from injuries due to commercial vehicle crashes include:
- Loss of wages
- Loss of consortium
- Permanent physical disabilities
- Medical bills
- Ongoing medical expenditures
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Disfigurement, and more
Swor & Gatto, Minnesota Personal Injury Lawyers
If you have experienced an 18-wheeler crash, you will need an experienced and knowledgeable attorney who is well-versed in handling these types of accidents. A truck crash can be a life-changing event. At Swor & Gatto, we know what needs to take place because we have helped hundreds of other people who have gone through the same thing you are currently navigating.
Call today to receive the compassionate, informed, and trustworthy legal advice you need to get the compensation you deserve.