Trucking Accident
Accidents involving trucks usually result in much more serious injuries than car accidents. Trucking accidents also differ from car accidents in that the rules and regulations that govern trucking are very different from those that govern automobiles and automobile accidents. Trucks are under strict state and federal regulations forcing them to obey a higher standard of safety. Trucking accidents are unlike car accidents in that it is not solely the driver of the vehicle that can be held responsible for the accident. With trucking accidents, there are several parties that must distribute responsibility amongst themselves:
- Truck drivers themselves are jointly liable with the owner of the truck
- Owner of the truck is jointly liable with the driver of the truck
- Employer of the driver, as employers are liable for accidents caused by employees
- Employer of the owner
- Employer of the employer of the driver
There are also many more factors that contribute to trucking accidents that do not normally play a role in other automobile accidents, such as:
- Overloaded freight
- Driver fatigue
- Speed
- Drivers under the influence
- Trucks have less visibility
- Trucks have less ability to maneuver quickly.
Because many truck drivers are professional drivers, they are expected to keep detailed log books that show the number of hours driven and the breaks taken. These log books must be properly maintained and can provide valuable information for someone injured in an accident.
Statute of Limitations: Minnesota Trucking Accidents
Under Minnesota Statute of Limitations ยง541.05, Subd. 1(5), a plaintiff must file their claim within six years of the accident. However, wrongful death cases must be filed within two years.
Minnesota trucking accident attorney Fred Pritzker has over 30 years of experience representing victims of Minnesota trucking accidents throughout Minnesota including Minneapolis, St. Paul, St. Cloud, Mankato, Winona, Morris, Redwood Falls, Marshall and Waseca.