Have you or a loved one suffered an injury in an accident with a big truck? Commercial truck accidents can be scary and confusing. These large vehicles are powerful, and when something goes wrong, people can suffer serious injuries. You might worry about medical bills, lost work time, and your family’s future.
At Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law, we understand how hard this can be. We know you want answers and help. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way. We are Minnesota commercial truck accident lawyers who stand up for you when big trucking companies and their insurance teams try to push you aside. We handle the legal side so you can focus on healing and moving on with life.
Why Choose Our Minnesota Commercial Truck Accident Lawyers at Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law?
Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law has spent years helping people in Minnesota who have suffered an injury in big truck accidents. Our Minnesota truck accident attorneys work on tough cases where large trucking companies try to avoid paying victims what they deserve. We do not back down. We have the skills and the energy to stand up for you, no matter how big the other side is.
When a commercial truck accident happens, many laws can come into play. For example, Minn. Stat. § 169.783 discusses checking and fixing a truck after certain accidents. Other rules deal with how truckers should drive, how long they can be on the road, or how heavy their loads can be. This might sound complicated, but our team is well-versed in these rules. We use our knowledge to build a strong case for you.
Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law has offices located in Coon Rapids (near Crooked Lake) and Shakopee (near Rice Lake). From these locations, we help people all across the state. No matter where your accident occurred in Minnesota, we are ready to use our knowledge of local roads, laws, and courts to your advantage.
Minnesota Commercial Truck Accident Compensation
After a big truck accident, you might wonder how much money you can get to help cover your costs. Each case is different.
The amount you can recover depends on many things:
- Medical Bills: This includes hospital visits, surgery, therapy, or long-term care.
- Lost Income: If you miss work, you may get money to compensate for that lost pay.
- Pain and Suffering: A serious accident can cause stress, anxiety, and physical pain. This can play a role in how much money you get.
- Property Damage: If your car or belongings were damaged, you can ask for payment to fix or replace them.
- Future Costs: Some injuries last a long time. You might need extra care or more time away from work in the future.
Trucking cases can be complex. Many companies share responsibility. For instance, the truck driver, the trucking company, the company that loaded the cargo, or even the truck’s mechanic might be at fault. Minnesota law also has special rules about who must pay if a commercial truck is not properly insured or inspected. That is why it is so important to have Minnesota commercial truck accident lawyers who know how to look at all angles of your case.
We will gather evidence, such as crash reports, witness statements, and trucking logs. We might even work with professionals who can show how the accident happened. Then, we will figure out who caused the crash. From there, we will seek the money you need to get back on your feet.
Where Do Truck Accidents Occur in Minnesota?
Minnesota has many busy roads and highways where large trucks travel every day. Here are some common places where truck accidents happen:
- Interstate Highways: I-94, I-35, and I-90 are major highways with heavy truck traffic.
- Rural Roads: Big trucks also move through farming areas, carrying crops and supplies. Narrow or rough roads can cause accidents.
- City Streets: Trucks sometimes drive in downtown areas to deliver goods. Crowded streets can lead to crashes.
- Construction Zones: Road work can confuse drivers or narrow lanes, making it hard for large trucks to pass safely.
- Industrial Areas: Places near factories, warehouses, or loading docks often see more truck activity.
Understanding Commercial Truck Accidents in Minnesota
A commercial truck accident usually involves a big vehicle, like a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or large delivery truck. These vehicles can weigh many tons, making them more dangerous if they crash into a smaller car. In Minnesota, trucks must follow laws regarding inspections, maximum weight, and driving regulations. For instance, you must report an accident if it causes a certain level of damage or injury.
If a truck driver does not follow the rules—for example, by driving too many hours without rest or carrying loads too heavy—they can put other drivers at risk. Sometimes, the trucking company might fail to train the driver or keep the truck in good shape. This can lead to problems like tire blowouts, faulty brakes, or other mechanical failures. At Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law, we dig into every detail to see what went wrong and who is responsible.
Important laws to know in Minnesota include:
- 169.783 COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ACCIDENT; REINSPECTION: This law requires checking trucks involved in certain crashes to ensure they are safe to drive again.
- Minn. Stat. § 221.0314: This adopts federal rules for running a commercial truck safely in Minnesota.
- Minn. Stat. § 169.81: This covers the height and length of trucks on certain roads.
These laws are here to protect everyone on the road. But when a trucking company does not follow them, accidents can happen. If that is the case, our firm will use these laws to help show that the company or driver was at fault.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Minnesota
- Driver Fatigue: Truckers might drive too long without proper breaks.
- Distracted Driving: Checking a phone or messing with GPS can lead to crashes.
- Speeding: A heavy truck needs more time and distance to stop.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Worn tires or bad brakes can be deadly.
- Overloaded Cargo: Extra weight can cause tire blowouts or make the truck hard to handle.
- Weather Conditions: Ice, snow, or heavy rain make it tougher to control big trucks.
If any of these caused your crash, we will work to prove it. We check the driver’s logbooks, the truck’s inspection reports, and any maintenance records. If the truck driver or their company did not follow the rules, they can be responsible for your injuries.
Types of Injuries Caused By Minnesota Truck Accidents
Minnesota truck accidents can cause many different injuries:
- Broken bones
- Back or neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Burns or cuts
- Spinal cord damage
- Internal injuries
A serious truck accident injury can mean months or years of rehab. You might miss a lot of work. You cannot do everyday tasks on your own. In some cases, people need special equipment or a home health aide. These costs can add up fast. That’s why filing a strong claim matters. We will fight to secure the support you need now and in the future.
Fighting the Big Trucking Companies After an Accident in Minnesota
Standing up to a commercial trucking company can be intimidating. They often have huge insurance policies and their lawyers. They might try to blame you or say your injuries are not serious. They often push for a small settlement quickly to avoid paying more later. Without help, you might feel pressured to take an offer that is far too low.
At Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law, we know their tactics. We push back when they say it is your fault or you do not need fair payment. We will not let large companies bully you. We gather strong evidence like accident reports, professional opinions, and witness statements. Then, we use it to show who caused the crash. We are ready to take them to court if they disagree with a fair amount.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Minnesota
After a truck accident in Minnesota, there are certain steps you can take to protect your case: First, even if you feel okay, see a doctor. Some injuries take time to show up. Plus, having a medical record helps if you file a claim.
Next, reach out to our office as soon as you can. Trucking companies often start building a case immediately, so you should, too.
Trucking companies sometimes remove or hide evidence quickly. This can include driver logs, truck inspection reports, and other key records. Minnesota law says trucks must get rechecked after certain crashes. But if the company fails to keep good documents, or if they try to “lose” them, your case might get harder. That is why you should call us soon. We know how to protect and collect the evidence you need.
Bringing This Info to Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law
When you talk to us, bring all the details you can. This might include:
- Police or crash reports
- Photos or videos from the scene
- Medical records or bills
- Witness contact info
- Any letters from insurance companies
We will review everything to ensure a clear picture of what happened. Then, we will create a plan to get you the best outcome possible. Our truck accident attorneys will keep you in the loop and explain each step simply. We believe in open, honest communication.
Step 1: Free Consultation
We start with a free consultation. You share what happened, and we ask questions to learn about your situation. There is no pressure. We want to understand your story and figure out how best to help.
Step 2: Investigation
Next, we investigate the details. We collect the police report, take photos of the accident scene, and talk to witnesses. We might hire professionals to examine the truck’s parts or the driver’s schedule. We also checked whether the company followed laws like 169.783 (truck reinspection) or whether the driver had the right commercial license.
Step 3: Negotiation
Many times, the trucking company’s insurance will try to settle fast. But we do not jump at a low offer. We show them our evidence and push for a fair amount. If they still do not pay what you deserve, we are not afraid to file a lawsuit and go to trial.
Step 4: Trial (If Needed)
If a fair settlement is impossible, we take your case to court. We present the facts, bring in professionals, and argue your case to a judge or jury. Our team has trial experience, so we know how to fight for you in the courtroom.
Take the Next Step After a Truck Accident in Minnesota: Call Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law
A commercial truck accident is a life-changing event. It can leave you with serious injuries, big medical bills, lost paychecks, and worries about the future. The laws for big trucks in Minnesota can be confusing, and trucking companies are often ready to fight tooth and nail. One of the key reasons to hire a commercial truck accident attorney is their knowledge of the specific regulations and laws that apply to commercial trucks. These laws vary from state to state, making it important to hire a trusted Minnesota personal injury attorney.
At Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law, we stand up for you. We know how to handle tough commercial truck cases. Our goal is simple: secure the compensation you deserve so you can rebuild your life. We will listen to your story and answer your questions, investigate the crash to find out who is at fault, calculate a fair amount to cover all your losses, deal with insurance companies so you do not have to, and take your case to court if they refuse a fair settlement.
We offer a free consultation, so you have nothing to lose by calling. Let us show you how our knowledge, experience, and care can make a big difference in your case. We are ready to support you. Call us at (763) 317-4574 or complete our online form to schedule your free case evaluation. Our experienced Minnesota commercial truck accident attorneys will tirelessly ensure you receive the justice you deserve.