The sheer size and weight of 18-wheelers and other commercial trucks put smaller passenger vehicles at an extreme disadvantage in a crash. Victims often face life-altering injuries, leaving them vulnerable as they embark on the long road to recovery.
If the truck accident was not your fault, proving negligence by the trucker or another party can be crucial in obtaining fair compensation for your injuries.
What does negligence mean in truck accidents?
Under Minnesota negligence laws, it is a failure to act with reasonable care. Think of it as someone doing something that most reasonable individuals would find extremely reckless or unsafe.
Negligence in a trucking accident can manifest in several ways. Here are some examples where the trucker can be at fault:
- Impaired driving: Operating a truck under the influence of drugs or alcohol is exceptionally dangerous, slowing the driver’s reaction time and impairing their judgment.
- Driving too fast: Speeding can significantly increase stopping distances for massive trucks, making them plow through unexpected situations dangerously.
- Distracted driving: Driving distractions can have devastating consequences when piloting a multi-ton vehicle, often leading to commercial truck accidents.
- Maintenance issues: Since trucks require meticulous upkeep, failing to fix faulty brakes or other critical components is a recipe for disaster.
- Recklessness and aggression: Reckless driving, such as weaving through traffic and across lanes, or aggressive driving maneuvers often results in truck accidents.
Other parties responsible for commercial trucks can potentially be at fault as well. Ensuring that your accident claim accounts for all your losses can save you considerable stress and worry about future financial hardships and medical needs.
Legal guidance and knowledge of Minnesota injury laws can help you secure the compensation you need to heal and move forward.