Some of the most devastating collisions on the roads and highways near Slayton involve commercial vehicles. These trucks are substantially larger than the cars they share the road with, which increases the risk of serious injuries in a crash.

If you were hurt in a semi-truck wreck through no fault of your own, a personal injury attorney may be able to help. The legal system offers you the chance to recover a monetary award for your injuries. Before you attempt to resolve your case alone, consider discussing your options with a Slayton truck accident lawyer.

Factors That Contribute to Truck Accidents

If you have been hurt due to the carelessness of a commercial driver, it can be helpful to understand why and how the accident happened. Numerous factors can combine to cause a crash.

Stopping Distance

Large trucks take longer and require more space to come to a complete stop than smaller cars. Even a slight delay in responding to slowing traffic or a red light can cause a crash.

Weight

The size and weight of commercial vehicles make them harder to maneuver. Truckers are trained to navigate the roads safely, but even a moment of carelessness can lead to a collision.

Impairment

Wrecks can also happen if drivers are impaired by drugs or alcohol. These substances make it difficult to react in time to avoid a crash.

A lawyer can help identify the factors that contributed to your Slayton truck wreck and pursue compensation from the responsible parties.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

A truck wreck can cause many serious injuries. This can be due to the size difference between commercial trucks and passenger cars, with 18-wheelers often weighing more than 80,000 pounds. Some common injuries include the following:

  • Paralysis
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Severe burns
  • Internal bleeding
  • Bone fractures
  • Lacerations
  • Sprains and strains

Each of these conditions can serve as legal grounds for compensation. A Slayton truck crash attorney can investigate your claim, review your medical records, and help you understand your legal options.

Responsible Parties

Following a Slayton truck collision, one of the first things an attorney will do is identify the responsible parties. Depending on the facts of a case, multiple people may share fault for a crash.

It is common to first look at the driver of the 18-wheeler because most truck accidents are caused by human error. Whether a trucker violated federal regulations regarding mandatory rest breaks or was driving at an unsafe speed, a single error can have devastating consequences.

However, the driver may share responsibility with the trucking company. This is common in cases where the trucker was acting within the scope of their employment at the time of the crash. In these situations, both the driver and the company can be liable for damages. The employer can also be held responsible if negligent hiring or training practices played a role in the collision.

Third parties can also contribute to an accident. Examples of liable third parties include mechanics who made faulty repairs and logistics companies that improperly loaded trailers.

Consult an Attorney About a Slayton Truck Crash Claim Today

If you have been injured in a tractor-trailer collision, you may be able to seek a monetary award and justice from the person responsible. These cases can be challenging, given that trucking companies typically have substantial resources to fight back.

Getting the best possible outcome will take the support and guidance of a Slayton truck accident lawyer. Call us today to speak with one of our out-state, Southern Minnesota attorneys. We are based in Mankato but serve the surrounding areas.