Commercial trucks are the lifeblood of the economy. They are a constant presence on our roads and highways, but there are significant risks associated with these massive vehicles. When 18-wheelers collide with passenger cars or trucks, the results can be devastating.

If a truck crash has injured you, our team of dedicated personal injury attorneys is ready to help. Complicated recovery processes can prevent you from obtaining the justice you deserve. Reach out to a Sleepy Eye truck accident lawyer at Maschka Personal Injury today to learn more.

Types of Truck Wrecks

An 18-wheeler can get into an accident in a variety of ways. While these crashes are often the result of human error, other factors, such as extreme weather or vehicle malfunctions, may contribute. Some examples of wrecks involving these heavy vehicles include:

  • Head-on collisions
  • Rollover wrecks
  • Rear-end collisions
  • Jackknife crashes
  • Side-impact collisions
  • Overweight truck accidents

Any of these incidents could change your life forever. Let our experienced commercial truck wreck attorneys investigate the circumstances surrounding your Sleepy Eye crash and help you seek justice.

Common Truck Crash Injuries

You can suffer any number of injuries in a collision with a commercial vehicle. Because these vehicles are so much heavier than a passenger car, the force of an impact with a truck can be deadly. Some of the most common injuries related to commercial vehicle accidents include the following:

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

Our dedicated attorneys can help you seek damages based on the extent of the injuries you suffered in a Sleepy Eye tractor-trailer collision.

Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident?

Determining liability in a truck collision is often more complex than in a standard car crash. Multiple parties may share responsibility, depending on how the collision occurred and what factors contributed to it.

Truck Drivers

Truck drivers are held liable if their own negligence caused the accident. This could include speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or violating federal Hours of Service regulations. A driver who fails to properly inspect their vehicle or ignores warning signs of fatigue can also be held responsible for resulting injuries and damages.

Trucking Companies

Employers often assume liability for their drivers’ actions, especially if unsafe practices—such as failure to maintain a vehicle—contribute to a crash. Some companies may also pressure drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines, encouraging dangerous behavior such as speeding or skipping mandatory rest breaks.

Manufacturers

If a defective part, such as a failed brake system, caused the accident, the manufacturer of that component may share liability. These defects can lead to product liability claims against the manufacturer or distributor. The process of holding these companies accountable differs from a typical negligence case.

Government Entities

Poorly maintained roads, missing signage, or unsafe construction zones can make local or state agencies partly responsible. If these conditions caused an accident, victims may pursue claims against the responsible government entity, but it is important to note that special deadlines often apply.

Our lawyers can help you understand each potential defendant in a tractor-trailer wreck case in Sleepy Eye.

Call an Experienced Attorney After a Sleepy Eye Big Rig Crash

If a collision with a commercial vehicle has injured you, you should seek legal help right away. Building a strong case for compensation starts with having the support of the right legal team. At Maschka Personal Injury, we are based in Mankato but help injured people hold negligent truck drivers accountable across the state. Contact us for a free private consultation with a Sleepy Eye truck accident lawyer today.