Minnesota Semi-Truck Accident? Get Paid What’s Owed

First steps after a Minnesota semi-truck crash

• Call 911 and get medical care. Even if you feel okay, adrenaline can mask injuries.
• Report the crash to law enforcement and your insurer.
• Preserve evidence: photos, dashcam video, witness names, and the truck’s DOT/MC numbers.
• Be cautious with insurers: do not give recorded statements to the trucking company or its insurer before you talk to counsel.
• Organize your records: bills, wage records, repair estimates, and a symptom journal.

Minnesota is a no-fault state, but trucking claims often go beyond PIP

Minnesota uses personal injury protection (PIP) that can pay certain medical expenses and wage loss regardless of fault. See Minn. Stat. § 65B.44.

To pursue pain-and-suffering or other tort claims for bodily injury against an at-fault driver, Minnesota requires that one of the statutory thresholds be met (for example, over $4,000 in medical expenses, disability for 60 or more days, permanent injury, permanent disfigurement, or death). See Minn. Stat. § 65B.51, subd. 3.

Property-damage claims are not restricted by the no-fault thresholds, and in serious crashes with commercial trucks, damages often exceed PIP. Commercial carriers typically have higher liability limits, and multiple policies may apply.

Who can be responsible in a semi-truck case

• Truck driver (negligence, fatigue, distraction)
• Motor carrier/employer (hiring, training, supervision, hours-of-service compliance)
• Freight broker/shipper (potentially for negligent selection or loading issues, depending on the facts)
• Maintenance providers and parts manufacturers (defects)
• Other motorists or entities responsible for roadway hazards

Evidence that can make or break your claim

• Electronic logging device (ELD) data and hours-of-service records
• Engine control module (ECM) “black box” downloads (speed, braking, throttle)
• Bills of lading, dispatch notes, and load securement documentation
• Pre/post-trip inspection reports and maintenance logs
• Driver qualification file (DQF), training, and drug/alcohol testing records
• Scene evidence: skid marks, gouge marks, debris field, and camera footage
• 911 audio, police reports, and commercial vehicle inspection (CMV) reports

Prompt preservation letters help prevent deletion or overwriting of critical data.

Compensation you may recover

• Medical expenses and future care
• Wage loss and diminished earning capacity
• Repair or total loss value, and potentially diminished value
• Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life (if thresholds are met for bodily injury claims)
• In wrongful death cases, specific damages may be available to eligible next of kin under Minnesota law

Every case is different; the value depends on liability, injuries, insurance limits, and proof.

Comparative fault in Minnesota

Minnesota follows a modified comparative fault system. If you are partly at fault, your recovery can be reduced by your percentage of fault, and recovery is barred if your fault is greater than the fault of the party (or combined parties) you pursue. See Minn. Stat. § 604.01.

Deadlines and notice requirements

Deadlines for bringing claims can vary by claim type and party. Claims involving governmental entities may have special notice rules (for example, municipal notice requirements). See Minn. Stat. § 466.05. Evidence from trucks and roadway cameras can be overwritten quickly, so acting promptly helps protect your rights. Speak with counsel as soon as possible to evaluate the applicable timelines.

What to do if the trucking insurer calls

• Be polite, but you do not need to provide a recorded statement.
• Do not speculate about fault or your injuries.
• Do not sign blanket medical authorizations.
• Refer them to your attorney once represented.

How a Minnesota truck accident lawyer helps

• Rapid investigation and preservation letters to the carrier and its insurer
• Coordinating vehicle inspections and ECM/ELD downloads
• Working with reconstructionists and medical experts
• Identifying all coverage: primary, excess/umbrella, UM/UIM
• Negotiating medical liens and presenting a documented demand
• Preparing your case for trial if the carrier won’t pay fairly

FAQ

Do I have to meet a threshold to claim pain and suffering?

Yes. For bodily injury tort claims in Minnesota, you must meet a statutory threshold such as over $4,000 in medical expenses, 60-plus days of disability, permanent injury, permanent disfigurement, or death.

What if I am partly at fault?

You can still recover if your fault is not greater than the fault of the parties you pursue. Your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.

How soon should I contact a lawyer?

Immediately if possible. Critical trucking data can be lost quickly, and preservation letters should go out early.

Will PIP cover all my losses?

PIP can help with certain medical bills and wage loss regardless of fault, but serious truck crashes often exceed PIP, requiring claims against at-fault parties.

Cost to hire our firm

We offer free consultations and handle truck crash cases on a contingency fee—no fee unless we recover for you. We may advance investigation costs where appropriate and recover those costs only if we obtain a settlement or verdict.

Ready to get answers?

If you or a loved one was injured in a Minnesota semi-truck crash, contact us for a free, no-pressure case review. We can step in immediately to preserve evidence and help protect your claim.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for general informational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and apply differently depending on the facts. Consult a licensed Minnesota attorney about your specific situation.