*The results are conditioned to the unique circumstances of each case. These results do not guarantee your case will result in the same compensation.
Those affected by a truck accident in Minnetonka can count on the seasoned attorneys at Schmidt & Salita Law Team for unwavering legal advocacy and personalized attention. Known as a trusted Minneapolis truck accident lawyer team, we proudly represent individuals throughout Minnetonka and nearby communities who are navigating the aftermath of devastating trucking collisions. With a deep commitment to justice and a track record of results, our firm brings together legal knowledge, compassionate guidance, and aggressive courtroom strategy. Our Minnesota team understands the profound impact a truck crash can have on one’s health, finances, and future, and stands ready to pursue full and fair compensation. Every case is treated with the care and determination it deserves.
Trucking companies operating in Minnesota must comply with both federal and state regulations. These include rules governing driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, and maximum driving hours. For instance, Minnesota law requires that commercial trucks meet specific size, weight, and safety standards while on state highways. Violations can lead to serious consequences if they result in injury or property damage.
Additionally, Minnesota Statute Section 221 outlines the operational standards for intrastate motor carriers, ensuring public safety through enforced compliance. Failure to meet these standards can be used to establish negligence in a personal injury case.
Federal commercial vehicle law is the law for large commercial trucks weighing as much as 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. In most states, large commercial trucks can be as long as 53 feet, with longer truck and trailer combinations allowed under special circumstances. These size and weight considerations make it difficult for large commercial trucks to maneuver on the highways and cause additional difficulties with the maintenance of a proper lookout due to “blind spots.”
Large commercial vehicles, including semi-truck/trailer combinations, account for a large percentage of the usage of the highways of the United States. Recent statistics show that large trucks account for approximately 4% of the registered vehicles on the roadway and 9% of the vehicle miles traveled. Statistics show that the percentage rate of fatal crashes per mile traveled is roughly the same for large commercial vehicles and regular passenger vehicles. Accordingly, because of the higher rate of miles traveled, it logically follows that large trucks will be involved in a higher percentage of injury-related collisions.
According to the statistics of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), in 2014, 3,660 people died in crashes involving large trucks. 68% were occupants of passenger vehicles. 15% were pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists. Only 16% were truck occupants.
*The results are conditioned to the unique circumstances of each case. These results do not guarantee your case will result in the same compensation.
Large truck collisions are often complex and involve multiple contributing factors. Below are the most frequent causes seen in Minnetonka and the greater Minneapolis area:
According to the IIHS, driver fatigue is indeed a contributing factor to a significant number of truck crashes. IIHS found that truck drivers who have driven for more than eight hours are twice as likely to become involved in a collision. IIHS’ research found that truck drivers who violate the hours of service requirements are also more likely to have fallen asleep behind the wheel recently. Another study also found that truck drivers who do not properly maintain their logbooks, in which they record their hours of service, are more likely to have been involved in a collision.
Many studies have determined that semi-tractor trailers with defective equipment are twice as likely to be involved in a collision in comparison with trucks that are properly maintained.
Brake defects were most common, occurring in 56% of the semi-tractor-trailer crashes. Steering equipment defects were found in 21% of the crash-involved trucks.
Multiple parties may share legal liability in a truck accident case, and identifying them is critical to securing full compensation. Potential defendants include:
Minnesota law, under Minn. Stat. §169.88, confirms that any party responsible for damage due to negligence in operating a motor vehicle is legally liable.
Due to the massive size and force involved in commercial truck collisions, the resulting injuries are often life-altering and medically complex. These types of accidents frequently leave Minnetonka residents with serious and permanent damage, requiring extensive and ongoing care. Common injuries sustained in truck crashes include:
Such injuries often demand extended hospitalization, intensive rehabilitation, and significant financial resources, placing long-term stress on both victims and their families.
You generally have six years to file a personal injury claim in Minnesota, according to Minn. Stat. §541.05. However, the statute of limitations may vary depending on the specific details of the case, such as whether a government entity is involved or if a wrongful death occurred.
Failing to file within this time frame can result in losing your right to pursue compensation entirely.
Early in his career, Doug Schmidt, senior trial lawyer at the Schmidt & Salita Law Team, successfully represented the family of an Iowa truck driver who was driving an 18-wheeler semi-truck for a Minnesota company when involved in a fatal crash in North Carolina. The crash was the result of the “blowout” of one of the tires on the front steering axle, resulting in a steering failure. A suit was filed against the tire manufacturer, B. F. Goodrich, and White Freightliner, the manufacturer of the semi-truck. The case was successfully settled before trial, which would have occurred in the US District Court in Iowa.
In another major case, the Schmidt & Salita Law Team represented an Iowa boy who was riding with his father in an 18-wheeler that crashed into the rear of another semi-truck/trailer on Interstate 90 in Southern Minnesota when the truck collided with the rear-end of another semi-truck in heavy fog near Fairmont, Minnesota. After years of protracted litigation, the case was settled for a figure in excess of $2 million.
In yet another trucking collision case, the Schmidt & Salita Law Team represented the passenger in a van that was involved in a collision with a large construction semi-tractor/trailer combination. It was a 38-wheeler! Yes! That is no typographical error. It was a semi-tractor pulling an articulated (two-part) construction trailer.
The case was vigorously defended and tried to a conclusion before a jury in New Ulm, Minnesota, at the Brown County Courthouse. The result was a very favorable jury verdict in favor of Doug Schmidt’s client.
Recently, the Schmidt & Salita Law Team successfully settled yet another case involving a large commercial vehicle 18-wheeler, that entered a construction zone on I-94 between Minneapolis and St. Cloud, Minnesota. The truck driver failed to reduce speed and drive with care in violation of a reduced speed zone in the construction area.
The Schmidt & Salita Law Team recently concluded a settlement for its client who was injured in a collision involving a semi-truck that was being operated with defective equipment. The semi-truck driver experienced vision problems when a radiator connection came loose in the engine compartment and sprayed the windshield with radiator fluid, causing reduced vision for the truck driver. The Schmidt & Salita Law Team uncovered evidence in the maintenance records of the truck that there had been leakage prior to the collision that had not been properly repaired.
I understand how overwhelming this can be. Let me handle the legal complexities while you focus on your recovery and getting back to normal.
Our Lawyers recently settled a case for a Minnesota woman who sustained a brain concussion injury for $1.5 million. The truck collided with the rear of the woman’s car. Accident reconstruction determined that the semi-truck with a gross weight of nearly 80,000 lbs.. collided with the rear of the car, which was stopped, at a speed of 35 mph.
Doug Schmidt, the senior trial lawyer, settled a case against International Harvester for defective gas tanks (saddle tanks) on a semi-tractor in a case involving a crash fire. The driver sustained major burn injuries. The co-driver suffered fatal injuries. The case involved a collision between a semi-truck-trailer unit and a “bobtail” (tractor-only trailer) tractor.
Our Truck Accident Lawyers in Minnesota successfully represented the family of a Minnesota high school student who was killed when his car was rear-ended by a large commercial truck whose driver was traveling at an excessive speed in bad weather conditions.
Schmidt & Salita lawyer Doug Schmidt successfully represented a southwest Minnesota farmer who sustained a very serious spinal injury when struck by a falling object during the unloading of a truck.
The Schmidt & Salita Minneapolis Team successfully represented the family of a Twin Cities construction worker who was crushed by a large crate during the process of unloading a truck at a Bloomington, Minnesota construction site. They also successfully produced a settlement in a wrongful death claim against the large Indiana company that negligently loaded the truck.
The Schmidt & Salita Law Team Brings Experience and Skill to Big Truck, Big Crash, Big Injury Cases. Contact our expert lawyers now to get a free consultation today at 952-900-2891 or by filling out our form here.
Dean Salita is a seasoned Personal Injury lawyer with over 30 years of experience, specializing in workplace injuries and occupational diseases like asbestos-related illnesses. He’s the chair of the Minnesota Association for Justice Workers’ Compensation section and has been recognized as a Super Lawyer with an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell. Dean is dedicated to providing personal, compassionate legal support to his clients, guiding them through trials and the legal process.
Client Reviews
Google Review Schmidt Law Firm is so much more than the usual out for their back pocket firm they are a group of truly caring people. I was hit by a car & have memory loss. I don’t know how many times they all had to go over and over the same thing with me. They even gave me reminder calls for my doctors appointments. When things were so overwhelming I would call and all I could do is cry and they listened and never once complained or cut me short. Doug and Vanessa were all very helpful so was the rest of the staff. God Bless them all. By the way they got me a lot more than I had hoped for. You really don’t want to be on the opposing side of the table of Doug, he will rip you before you know he did it and he does it in such a nice way.
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When you schedule your free consultation with a personal injury attorney in Minnesota, you should come prepared with specific questions for us to address. Some of the common questions clients ask us are:
You may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages, including:
Every claim is different, and our team can help you assess what types of compensation apply to your situation.
Minnesota does not impose a cap on compensatory damages in personal injury cases. That means there is no legal maximum for the amount you can recover for medical bills, pain and suffering, or lost income. However, punitive damages (intended to punish egregious behavior) require court approval and must meet strict legal criteria.
The value of your truck accident case depends on several factors, such as:
Our team works closely with medical professionals, accident reconstructionists, and financial experts to determine a fair case value.
Yes, Minnesota follows a comparative fault rule. This means you can recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your total award will be reduced by 20%.
This is why it’s critical to work with a skilled Minneapolis truck accident lawyer who can advocate for a fair assessment of liability and protect your rights.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, please fill out the form below for your free consultation or call us at (952) 473-4530
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“I wanted to extend my personal thanks and appreciation, as well as that of my siblings. We are appreciative of the representation you extended to our father. He always battled for the “little guy,” and you did that for him thru this process. Please extend this thank you to Molly as well. Thank you.”
“Doug Schmidt and his team were a godsend – they were compassionate and professional in helping my sister and I navigate our mother’s Wrongful Death. They were easy to communicate with, and I always felt my concerns and opinions were being heard. I would recommend Schmidt Law Firm to anyone who asks.”
“I feel very lucky to have Mr. Schmidt working for me. He took my case when my first lawyer would not and could not fight his way out of a paper bag. My case was very involved but Mr. Schmidt made it look so easy.”
“Doug and his team are top notch. They are hard working and meticulous with getting the best results… I felt like I was in good hands through the entire process. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”
“I wanted to tell you thank you for everything you have done for me I really appreciate it…I truly appreciate everything you did just taking the time to answer my questions, makes me feel good about what was going on and understanding what was happening and everything and just being patient with me. Again I truly appreciate ha...
“Just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you and your staff for all your efforts to collect benefits on behalf of my husband. Your kindness and sympathy during our initial visit with you was very much appreciated.”
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Dean M. Salita, with more than 30 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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1600 Hopkins Crossroad
Minnetonka, MN 55305
Phone (952) 473-4530
Toll Free 1-800-656-8450
Fax (952) 544-1308
call us: 952.473.4530
