Paige J. Donnelly, Ltd.Paige J. Donnelly, Ltd.2026-07-21T15:11:38Zhttps://www.paigedonnelly.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1502488/2021/09/cropped-site-icon-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of Paige J. Donnelly, Ltd.<![CDATA[Why preserving ELD data is critical after a truck collision]]>https://www.paigedonnelly.com/?p=481162026-07-21T15:11:38Z2026-07-21T15:11:38ZA serious collision with a commercial semi-truck changes your life in an instant. Medical bills stack up, injuries disrupt your ability to work, and insurance adjusters begin investigating the crash almost immediately. In the aftermath, proving what caused the wreck requires swift action to secure vital evidence before it disappears.
Among the most critical pieces of digital evidence in a commercial vehicle crash is the Electronic Logging Device (ELD). Federal regulations require most motor carriers to install these devices to record driving hours and operational activity. You can review the official Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration guidelines regarding theELD rule and driver requirements to understand how federal standards hold trucking companies accountable.
How Electronic Logging Devices track critical wreck data
An ELD connects directly to a commercial truck's engine. It automatically tracks when the vehicle moves, how long the driver stays on the road, miles driven, and engine power status. This data creates an objective record of whether a trucker followed federal hours-of-service laws or drove beyond legal limits.Driver fatigue remains a leading cause of severe highway crashes. Truckers who exceed allowable driving hours experience slowed reaction times and impaired judgment. ELD logs reveal whether a driver suffered from extreme fatigue, falsified duty status entries, or broke safety protocols right before crashing into your car.
Unlike paper logbooks from years past, digital logging systems do not store data indefinitely. While federal law requires motor carriers to retain ELD records for at least six months, data can be permanently lost or overwritten after that period—or sooner if unarchived onboard engine data is overwritten. Additionally, routine system resets, vehicle repairs, or simple neglect can permanently erase these crucial records.To prevent the destruction of this electronic proof, legal representatives issue a formal legal document known as a spoliation letter. This notice alerts the motor carrier and its insurer of pending litigation and legally obligates them to preserve all physical and digital evidence, including raw ELD files, telematics, and maintenance logs. Acting quickly ensures that valuable proof remains intact to establish liability and support your claim for full compensation.]]>On Behalf of Paige J. Donnelly, Ltd.<![CDATA[Why digital evidence is important in a rideshare accident claim]]>https://www.paigedonnelly.com/?p=481152026-07-21T01:30:15Z2026-07-21T01:30:15ZIt identifies the applicable insurance coverage limit
Digital evidence can be app logs, GPS telemetry and ride receipts. It objectively proves the driver's exact status at the moment of the crash. This is critical because under Minnesota law, the coverage that applies to your case depends on which phase of the ride the driver was in:
Period one: The driver is logged into the application but has not yet accepted a ride request. During this phase, state law requires primary liability coverage of at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury.
Period two: The driver has accepted a trip request but has not yet picked up the passenger.
Period three: The driver is actively transporting a passenger from the pickup location to the destination.
During periods two and three, Minnesota law requires at least $1.5 million in commercial liability coverage. Digital evidence is what locks in that higher limit because without it, insurers can argue for less.
Securing your digital evidence
Digital evidence overcomes human error, such as bias or memory uncertainty. It is why it can often be the deciding factor for a successful claim. However, rideshare companies often overwrite digital data quickly. Fortunately, you can send a legal notice to preserve the evidence and prevent the company from deleting it.
Gathering evidence on your own after a rideshare accident is hard. A legal counsel who knows how to draft data preservation letters and obtain official app logs can help. This ensures you get the full coverage you deserve.
]]>On Behalf of Paige J. Donnelly, Ltd.<![CDATA[Serious injuries can occur due to semitruck crashes]]>https://www.paigedonnelly.com/?p=481142026-07-09T15:20:50Z2026-07-09T15:20:50ZVarious factors contribute to semitruck crashes
While the cause of a crash doesn’t necessarily determine what injuries a person will suffer, it plays a role in how a personal injury claim is handled. It’s possible that a semitruck crash may have only one cause, but they commonly have multiple causes.
There are many different factors that can contribute to semitruck crashes. Many of these, such as speeding, fatigue, impairment or distraction, are also common in other types of crashes. Other causes that are specific to semitrucks might also be possible. They include things like improperly secured cargo or pressure to meet delivery deadlines. The cause of a crash can affect what parties are held liable in these cases.
For victims of semitruck crashes, burdens in the financial aftermath are often considerable, particularly if the injuries at issue are severe. Seeking compensation is an opportunity to try to recover the financial damages associated with the crash. State law limits the time victims have to get this done, so it’s likely best to work with someone familiar with these matters right away.]]>On Behalf of Paige J. Donnelly, Ltd.<![CDATA[Can you recover damages if you were not wearing a seatbelt?]]>https://www.paigedonnelly.com/?p=481132026-06-29T09:50:29Z2026-06-29T09:50:29ZHow Minnesota's comparative fault rule works
Minnesota follows a modified comparative fault system. Meaning, you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for an accident, as long as your share of fault does not exceed 50%. If your fault is 51% or more, you may not recover anything. If it is 50% or less, your percentage of fault reduces your damages proportionally.
What Minnesota law says about seatbelt evidence
Minnesota takes a different approach from many other states. Under Minnesota law, the law bars anyone from using evidence that a person was not wearing a seatbelt to establish fault or reduce damages in a personal injury or property damage case. In other words, the law cannot count the fact that you were not buckled up against you in a civil claim.
There is one narrow exception: if the case involves a manufacturing defect in a seatbelt or child passenger restraint system, seatbelt usage becomes directly relevant because the claim is built around the seatbelt itself. Outside of that context, the rule is clear — your failure to wear a seatbelt does not reduce what you can recover.
What insurance companies may still try
Knowing the law and navigating an actual claim are two different things. Insurance companies may still use your seatbelt non-use as leverage during settlement negotiations, arguing your injuries would have been less severe had you worn your seatbelt. While these arguments cannot legally affect your damages award in court, they can influence early settlement offers and are worth pushing back on.
Why legal guidance matters in fault-based claims
Minnesota law protects you from having seatbelt non-use held against you, but insurance companies do not always play by those rules during negotiations. Understanding how comparative fault applies to your specific situation and recognizing when an insurer is using tactics that are not legally permitted requires a working knowledge of Minnesota civil law.
Speaking with a personal injury attorney can help you understand where your claim actually stands and how to respond if an insurer is overlooking your rights.
]]>On Behalf of Paige J. Donnelly, Ltd.<![CDATA[What is the maximum weight for a tractor-trailer?]]>https://www.paigedonnelly.com/?p=481122026-06-21T11:33:05Z2026-06-21T11:33:05ZWhile there are different classifications for large trucks, the overall weight limit for most tractor-trailers is 80,000 pounds. This is why trucks are required to stop at weigh stations periodically and be weighed to ensure that they do not exceed the limit.
These limits are in place for a variety of reasons. In some cases, a truck that is too heavy may not be safe for local bridges or may even damage the roadway. The limit is in place to protect infrastructure, and some roads may be intentionally closed off even to trucks that are at or below the 80,000-pound limit. But another thing to keep in mind is that weight limits are correlated with serious truck accidents.
Increasing stopping distances
One of the most direct examples of this is that a heavier vehicle needs a longer stopping distance. A passenger car or a small pickup truck may be able to stop relatively quickly, perhaps in just 300 feet. But many large trucks need around 525 feet to stop.This is why truck drivers always need to be attentive and ready to brake earlier than the traffic around them. If a semi-truck driver has a delayed reaction, such as if they are distracted and do not hit the brakes right away, a heavy vehicle may not physically be able to stop before rear-ending a smaller car ahead of it.
Have you suffered injuries?
Have you been involved in an accident caused by a tractor-trailer and suffered serious injuries as a result? If so, you may deserve financial compensation for lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering and much more.]]>On Behalf of Paige J. Donnelly, Ltd.<![CDATA[Why some injuries have delayed symptoms after an accident]]>https://www.paigedonnelly.com/?p=481112026-06-11T22:46:52Z2026-06-11T22:46:52Zwhy does it take time to notice some injuries?
Adrenaline rush
Immediately after the brain perceives a threat, such as the sudden visual of an oncoming car or the impact of a crash, it triggers the "fight-or-flight" response. This floods the body with stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol to prepare it to confront the threat or flee the scene. The brain also releases endorphins to act as natural painkillers. When pain is masked, one can properly fight off a threat or escape.
While the fight-or-flight response is crucial, it can lead to someone underestimating the severity of their injuries or believing they are not injured at all. Consequently, they may skip seeking immediate medical attention. It can take hours for the symptoms of adrenaline rush to subside. By this time, an injury may have significantly worsened.
Inflammation
Some injuries, such as soft tissue damage, cause swelling, heat and pain (signs of inflammation). This notifies someone that they were injured. However, inflammation can take 24 to 48 hours or longer to develop. That’s why someone may only start to notice neck and shoulder pain, back pain, numbness, tingling or swollen joints days after a car accident.
This can also be the case when someone suffers a traumatic brain injury or internal bleeding. It can take hours or days for an internal injury to worsen to the point of having noticeable symptoms.
It’s critical to get an immediate medical evaluation after a car accident. Learn more about the steps to take after receiving medical care to protect your rights.]]>On Behalf of Paige J. Donnelly, Ltd.<![CDATA[Why brain injuries often affect future earning potential]]>https://www.paigedonnelly.com/?p=481102026-05-25T20:37:39Z2026-05-25T20:37:39ZWhy do brain injuries affect earning potential?
Moderate to severe TBIs actually cause permanent structural changes to the brain. Bleeding, swelling or trauma to the brain changes how the brain functions, which may produce a variety of debilitating, permanent symptoms.
There is no treatment that can reverse the damage caused by a serious TBI. A TBI can affect a person's cognitive capabilities, including their memory, their decision-making capabilities and even their personality. Additionally, brain injuries can affect motor function, causing issues with balance or challenges with fine motor control.
Some people even experience sensory disruptions, such as blurry vision and ringing in their ears. Any of those symptoms could affect a professional's ability to perform a job effectively. They are at risk of losing their job.
They may also have a harder time pursuing new positions with other employers or advancement opportunities because of their permanent functional limitations. In the worst cases, people may not be able to return to work at all after sustaining a TBI.
People with brain injuries and their close family members may need help pursuing compensation for this devastating, catastrophic injury. If insurance isn't enough to protect people from their losses, litigation can potentially help to address the financial impact of a TBI.]]>On Behalf of Paige J. Donnelly, Ltd.<![CDATA[Essentials for a truck accident claim case in Minnesota]]>https://www.paigedonnelly.com/?p=481092026-05-14T18:28:46Z2026-05-14T18:28:46ZTruck accidents often result in serious injuries, expensive medical treatment and major property damage. Because commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, these collisions can create long-lasting physical and financial challenges.
Understanding how Minnesota truck accident claims work can help you protect your rights after a crash.
Taking immediate action after the accident
The priority after a truck accident is safety. Injured individuals should seek medical care immediately and contact emergency services if needed.It is also important to gather information at the scene, including photographs, driver details, insurance information and witness contacts.
Understanding the Minnesota no-fault laws
Minnesota operates under a no-fault insurance system, which means that your own insurance policy may initially cover certain medical expenses, lost wages and related costs through personal injury protection benefits.However, serious truck accident injuries may allow injured parties to pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver or trucking company.
Determining liability in truck accident cases
Truck accident claims can involve several potentially responsible parties, which may include the truck driver, the trucking company, maintenance providers or even manufacturers of defective equipment.
Types of damages available
Truck accident victims may seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, reduced earning ability and vehicle damage.Claims may also involve non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress and wrongful death damages in fatal accidents.
Protecting your claim moving forward
Truck accident cases often involve large insurance companies and extensive investigations. To be on the safe side, it is crucial to preserve evidence and understand filing deadlines.Also, seeking experienced and reliable legal guidance may help you better understand Minnesota truck accident laws, evaluate liability issues and pursue fair compensation for your losses.]]>On Behalf of Paige J. Donnelly, Ltd.<![CDATA[Truck driver distraction and stopping distances]]>https://www.paigedonnelly.com/?p=481032026-05-05T04:57:11Z2026-04-30T21:25:16Zhandheld devices. In some cases, they can use simple hands-free systems so that they can still communicate without having to hold a phone in their hand.
The goal of these types of regulations is to reduce truck driver distraction. A driver who is looking down at the screen of their cellphone while driving an 80,000-pound vehicle could be very hazardous to those around them if they drift over the center line, run a stop sign or make other critical errors. In order to be safe, drivers always need to be focused on the road.
Extended stopping distances
A related issue is that a semi-truck has a stopping distance of around 525 feet. This is significantly longer than the roughly 300 feet needed by a 4,000-pound passenger car.
Distraction behind the wheel can delay reaction times. A driver who is looking at their phone may not notice that traffic is slowing down ahead of them, for example. But because that truck driver needs a greater physical distance to stop than the vehicles around them, they must be aware as soon as conditions change. They need to maintain safe following distances and brake quickly when necessary to avoid causing rear-end accidents and pileup collisions.
Seeking financial compensation
Have you been injured in an accident caused by a negligent truck driver, perhaps due to cellphone-related distractions? If so, you may have a right to seek financial compensation for medical bills and other costs.]]>On Behalf of Paige J. Donnelly, Ltd.<![CDATA[Who pays for your medical bills in a Minnesota hit-and-run crash?]]>https://www.paigedonnelly.com/?p=481022026-05-05T04:57:06Z2026-04-30T13:39:09ZA hit-and-run crash is more than just a physical trauma. Within hours, you face mounting medical bills, missed work and no clear answer about who will pay. The at-fault driver is gone and the financial panic sets in fast. Fortunately, Minnesota law gives you options and it starts with your own insurance policy.
Minnesota’s no-fault system has you covered
Minnesota is a no-fault state. That means your auto insurance steps in to handle your medical costs first, regardless of who caused the crash. Every Minnesota auto policy carries a minimum of $20,000 in medical benefits and another $20,000 for non-medical expenses under Personal Injury Protection (PIP). This coverage kicks in right away, even when no one ever identifies the driver who hit you. However, PIP only goes so far and serious injuries can quickly push you past that limit.
When happens when your PIP limit runs out
However, if your medical bills go beyond your $20,000 PIP limit, you still have another option. You can file an Uninsured Motorist (UM) claim against your own insurance policy. Minnesota law usually treats a hit-and-run driver as an uninsured motorist because no one can identify their insurance. Hence, your UM coverage can help pay for additional medical expenses, lost wages and other damages that your PIP does not cover. That said, your options do not stop there if law enforcement later finds the driver.
If the at-fault driver gets identified
Sometimes, authorities identify the hit-and-run driver after the incident. When that happens, your options grow significantly. You may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit directly against that driver. Under Minnesota law, you can pursue damages for pain and suffering if your medical bills exceed $4,000 or if you suffered a permanent injury or disability. Thus, identifying the driver can open the door to far greater compensation for your losses.
Know your options and protect your recovery
Between PIP claims, UM coverage and potential lawsuits, there are more paths to compensation than most people realize after a hit-and-run crash. Yet, sorting through all of them while still recovering from your injuries is a lot to manage on your own. Therefore, knowing which steps apply to your situation and when to take them, can shape how fully you recover, both physically and financially. ]]>