3 FAQs About Distracted Driving Truck Accident Claims

When truckers focus on anything other than the task of driving, they put everyone on the road around them at risk. Tractor-trailers require a longer stopping distance than smaller vehicles, and they’re far less maneuverable. That means a moment’s inattention could be all it takes to cause a devastating crash.

If you were hurt in a distracted driving truck accident, there’s good news and bad news. The good news is you may be entitled to compensation for all resulting damages. The bad news is recovering a fair settlement often involves an uphill legal battle.

To prevail in your claim, you’ll need strong evidence to prove liability and damages. This is where a skilled truck accident attorney may be able to help.

Read on to learn the answers to a few FAQs about these cases:

1. How Can I Prove a Trucker Was Distracted While Behind the Wheel?

Proving liability for a distracted driving accident can be challenging. Unlike drunk driving collisions, there’s no chemical test to confirm that a motorist wasn’t focusing on the road. There are, however, other kinds of evidence your lawyer might use to build a strong claim. Examples include:

• Cellphone records;
• Eyewitness testimony;
• Photographs of the wreckage;
• Dash cam footage of the trucker in the seconds leading up to the crash;
• Surveillance recordings of the accident;
• The official police report; and
• Black box data.

2. What Kinds of Damages Can I Pursue?

If you were seriously hurt in a crash that another party caused, you may be able to pursue compensation for the following damages:

• Ambulance fees and emergency medical care;
• Anticipated health care as you progress through the various stages of recovery;
• Lost wages while you’re unable to work;
• Lost benefits and loss of future earning capacity;
• Property damage;
• Home care;
• Alternative transportation;
• Domestic help;
• Child care;
• Home and vehicle modifications;
• Other economic damages;
• Humiliation;
• Mental anguish;
• Loss of enjoyment in life; and
• Pain and suffering.

3. How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit After a Distracted Driving Truck Accident?

In Minnesota, truck accident victims typically have six years from the date on which they were injured to bring their case to court. If their injuries end up being fatal, though, surviving loved ones have three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. And if you want to bring a claim against a government entity, you must submit a formal notice of claim within 180 days of the accident.

Call 800-770-7008 for a Free Consultation with a Minneapolis Truck Accident Attorney

If you were hurt in a collision with a tractor-trailer, contact Bradshaw & Bryant. We have the resources to go up against even the largest motor carriers and insurance companies.

We accept cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t owe any attorney’s fees unless we win. Call 800-770-7008 or use our Online Contact Form to set up a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer in Minneapolis.