St. Cloud Truck Accident Attorney

After a St. Cloud truck accident, your injuries and damages may be significant, leaving you unsure with how you should proceed, and what legal options you available to you to recover compensation. While truck accidents differ significantly from other auto accidents, we can help you with the legal process to seek justice and recover compensation.

Navigating the legal aftermath requires an in-depth understanding of Minnesota’s transportation laws, insurance regulations, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations that govern the trucking industry. We are here to help, and your road to recovery starts with a call to our office to schedule a free initial consultation.

Know Your Rights and Protections

It is crucial to know what rights you have and what protections are provided by the law after a truck accident.

Minnesota Truck Accident Laws

In Minnesota, truck drivers and trucking companies are held to high safety standards. They must comply with state-specific regulations and federal guidelines, such as those set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

These rules cover hours of service, which limit how long a driver can operate a vehicle without rest, vehicle maintenance standards, and required documentation like logbooks and cargo records. Adhering to these regulations is crucial to ensure the safety of not only the truck drivers but also other road users.

Liability and Compensation

Understanding liability after a truck accident in Minnesota is vital. The state operates under a no-fault insurance system for personal injury protection (PIP). This means that individuals first turn to their insurance coverage for medical expenses and lost earnings, regardless of who caused the accident.  No-fault coverage provides for a minimum of $20,000 in medical expenses and mileage coverage, and $20,000 in wage loss and replacement services coverage.

However, in certain cases, the injured party may seek further compensation from any at fault party. This can involve multiple parties, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, cargo loaders, or vehicle manufacturers.  In order to step outside the no-fault system to pursue a claim against the at fault party, you must have incurred more than $4,000 in medical expenses, sustained a permanent injury, suffered a scar or disfigurement, or incurred 60 days of disability.

Liability is often hotly contested in trucking cases, and a thorough investigation of the accident and the scene is necessary to fight any liability defenses that can be raised by the trucking company.  This often involves hiring an accident reconstruction expert to investigate and inspect the accident scene and involved vehicles.

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations is a crucial aspect of Minnesota law. For truck accidents, individuals have a limited time to file a lawsuit for personal injury or property damage. Typically, this time frame is six years for property damage and personal injury from the accident date. It’s imperative to act promptly to ensure your rights are protected and to retain the ability to seek the compensation you deserve.

Comparative Fault Rule in Minnesota

Minnesota follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning that if you’re partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if your fault exceeds that of the other party or parties, you cannot recover any of your damages.  We strive to ensure the fault is placed where it belongs, protecting your right to fair compensation.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

After a truck accident, your immediate steps should be geared towards protecting your health and legal rights.

Seek Medical Attention

Your health should always be your top priority. Seek immediate medical care, even if you feel fine, as some injuries may not present symptoms immediately. Documenting your injuries early on is also crucial for your claim.

Gather Information

If possible, collect evidence from the accident scene. Take photographs, gather witness information, and obtain the truck driver’s details, including their employer information. This information will be critical for building your case.

Report the Accident

Report the accident to the authorities and cooperate with them at the scene. However, limit your comments about the accident, as anything you say could be used against you later.

Consult with the Attorneys at Nelson Personal Injury, LLC

Before dealing with insurance companies, consult us at Nelson Personal Injury, LLC. We offer the expertise you need to navigate the complexities of your case. Let us handle the negotiations while you focus on recovery.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

After a truck accident, you may be entitled to different types of compensation. These include:

Medical Expenses

Following a truck accident in St. Cloud, the cost of medical care can be astronomical. At Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, we believe you shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden of an accident that wasn’t your fault.

You are entitled to claim compensation for all medical-related expenses. This includes emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and ongoing medical treatments. We meticulously document all your medical expenses to ensure your compensation covers current and future medical costs.  We will also work with the appropriate insurance companies to make sure that your bills are being paid by the right parties.

Recouping Lost Wages

The aftermath of a truck accident often means time away from work, which can lead to a significant loss of income. We are committed to recovering compensation for the time you’ve been forced to take off.

If your injuries result in a reduced capacity to work or permanent disability, we’ll also pursue damages for loss of future earnings and diminished earning potential. Our goal is to secure a financial safety net that reflects your changed circumstances.

Compensation for Pain and Suffering

Beyond the visible losses, truck accidents inflict significant emotional and psychological trauma. Minnesota law recognizes the right to compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

These damages account for the physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other psychological impacts. We work closely with you to understand the depth of your suffering and fight for the non-economic damages you deserve.

Punitive Damages in Severe Cases

In cases of gross negligence, punitive damages may be awarded. These are not related to the direct costs you’ve incurred but are intended to punish particularly harmful behavior by the defendant. While punitive damages are rare, we assess every case to determine if they are applicable, and if so, we pursue them vigorously.

At Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, we ensure our clients receive complete and fair compensation for their injuries. We navigate the complexities of the law to maximize the compensation you may be entitled to, helping you rebuild your life after a devastating truck accident.

The Nelson Personal Injury, LLC Advantage

Choosing the right attorney can make a significant difference in your case. Here’s why clients choose us:

• Personalized Attention: Every client’s situation is unique. We provide personalized attention to understand every facet of your case and tailor our approach accordingly.
• Proven Track Record: Our history of securing favorable verdicts and settlements speaks for itself. We’re committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you.
• No Fee Unless We Win: We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
• Resourceful and Thorough Investigation: We employ a detailed investigative process, tapping into our network of experts to dissect every component of your accident.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

Dealing with a truck accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, we’re not just attorneys; we’re your advocates, your confidants, and your support throughout this ordeal.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and discuss how we can help you achieve the justice and compensation you deserve.

Remember, time is of the essence. Minnesota law limits the time you have to file a claim, known as the statute of limitations. Don’t wait until it’s too late to get the compensation you need to move forward.

We stand with you. We stand for justice. Let us be the firm that stands by your side.