Minnesota Truck Accident & Commercial Vehicle Litigation Guide

One moment, you’re merging onto I-94 in Minneapolis or heading south on I-35 toward the Iowa border. The next, 80,000 pounds of steel is jackknifing across three lanes of traffic. An 18-wheeler doesn’t just “hit” you; it changes the trajectory of your life in a fraction of a second. In Minnesota, where winter whiteouts on I-29 and black ice on the Mississippi River bridges are seasonal realities, trucking accidents aren’t just traffic events—they are legal emergencies.

At Attorney911, we recognize that when you’ve been struck by a commercial vehicle, you aren’t just fighting a driver. You are fighting a multi-billion dollar corporation, their rapid-response legal team, and an insurance carrier whose only goal is to make your claim disappear. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has spent over 25 years in the trenches of high-stakes litigation, holding these corporate giants accountable since 1998. Since our founding, we have recovered over $50 million for families whose lives were shattered by negligence.

Our Minnesota trucking accident team brings an “unfair advantage” to your case. We include a former insurance defense attorney, Lupe Peña, who spent years working inside the very firms that now defend trucking companies. He knows their playbook. He knows how they evaluate claims, how they hide evidence, and exactly what it takes to force them to pay. We use that insider knowledge to fight for you.

If you’ve been hurt in a Minnesota truck accident, the clock is ticking. Evidence like black box data and electronic logs can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. You need a team that moves as fast as the trucking company does.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, 24/7 consultation. We represent victims across Minnesota on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win.

The Physics of a Minnesota Truck Accident: Why 80,000 Pounds Matters

To understand why 18-wheeler accidents in Minnesota are so devastating, you have to look at the physics. A standard passenger vehicle weighs about 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds under federal law. That is a 20-to-1 weight disparity.

When that mass is moving at 65 mph on I-90 or I-94, the kinetic energy is overwhelming. An 18-wheeler requires 40% more stopping distance than a car—at highway speeds, that’s nearly 525 feet, or almost two football fields. When a driver is fatigued, distracted, or operating with faulty brakes, they simply cannot stop in time to avoid a collision.

We see the results of this energy transfer daily: vehicles crushed beyond recognition, catastrophic brain and spinal cord injuries, and families left grieving a wrongful death. Whether your accident involved a Walmart 18-wheeler, an Amazon delivery van, or a specialized oilfield hauler near the North Dakota border, the physics remain the same. Mass times acceleration equals devastation.

Learn more in our video guide: The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries.

Minnesota Trucking Corridors and High-Risk Zones

Our firm understands the specific risks associated with Minnesota’s unique geography. Our state is a critical transit hub for the entire Midwest, connecting the Great Lakes to the Great Plains.

The I-94 Freight Corridor

Running from the North Dakota border through Moorhead, St. Cloud, and the Twin Cities, I-94 is the primary artery for East-West freight. It is notorious for heavy truck traffic and high-speed rear-end collisions, especially during the blinding “snow squalls” that can reduce visibility to zero in seconds.

The I-35 NAFTA Route

Stretching from Duluth down through the Twin Cities and into Iowa, I-35 carries a massive volume of international freight. The “Mixmaster” where I-35W and I-94 meet in Minneapolis is a hotspot for blind-spot accidents and wide-turn collisions involving delivery trucks and 18-wheelers.

The Port of Duluth-Superior

As the furthest inland port in the Great Lakes, Duluth sees thousands of trucks daily carrying grain, iron ore, and heavy machinery. Overloaded trucks and cargo shift accidents are common in this industrial zone.

Southern Minnesota I-90

The I-90 corridor across the southern edge of the state is a prime location for driver fatigue accidents. Long, flat stretches of highway through communities like Austin and Rochester often lead to “highway hypnosis,” where drivers violate 49 CFR Part 395 (Hours of Service) to make deadlines.

If you were hit on any of these routes, you need an attorney who knows Minnesota’s roads. Ralph Manginello lead our team with federal court admission and two decades of experience litigating in complex jurisdictions.

Don’t wait for your evidence to disappear. Call 888-ATTY-911 today.

Essential FMCSA Regulations: Proving Trucking Company Negligence

Commercial trucking is not governed by the same rules as your neighbor’s sedan. Every commercial vehicle in Minnesota must comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations found in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR).

When we investigate a Minnesota truck wreck, we look for violations of these specific federal laws. A violation of the FMCSA is often “negligence per se”—meaning the violation itself helps prove the company is liable for your injuries.

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)

Fatigue is the #1 killer in the trucking industry. Federal law is strict:

• Drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
• Drivers may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty.
• Drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving.

Trucking companies in Minnesota often pressure drivers to falsify their Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data to meet delivery windows for companies like Target or Walmart. We subpoena the ELD data immediately to catch these lies.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualifications

The trucking company has a non-delegable duty to ensure their drivers are qualified. This includes:

• Maintaining a Driver Qualification File (§ 391.51).
• Conducting annual driving record reviews.
• Verifying medical examiner certificates.
• Conducting 3-year background checks on prior employment.

If a company hires a driver with a history of DUIs or safety violations, they are liable for negligent hiring. Our firm’s associate attorney, Lupe Peña, uses his insurance defense background to find the gaps in these files that other lawyers miss.

49 CFR Part 393 & 396: Parts, Accessories, and Inspections

Trucking companies must systematically inspect and maintain their fleets.

• § 396.11: Drivers must prepare a written post-trip inspection report daily.
• § 393.40: Brakes must be in proper working order.
• § 393.75: Tires must have adequate tread and no defects.

In Minnesota, the salt and sand used on the roads during our brutal winters can cause rapid corrosion of brake lines and undercarriages. Failure to account for these local conditions is negligence.

18-Wheeler Accident Types Handled in Minnesota

Every truck accident has a specific mechanical cause. At Attorney911, we work with accident reconstruction experts to determine exactly how the crash occurred.

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer outruns the cab, swinging out at a 90-degree angle. This is often caused by improper braking on Minnesota’s icy roads or a violation of 49 CFR § 393.48 regarding brake system malfunctions. These accidents frequently cause multi-car pileups on I-35W.

Underride Collisions

Perhaps the most terrifying accident type, an underride occurs when a car slides beneath the trailer. This often results in decapitation or catastrophic head trauma. While federal law (49 CFR § 393.86) requires rear impact guards, many are poorly maintained or lack side-guards, which are essential for prevents side-impact underrides.

Rollover Accidents

Because of their high center of gravity, 18-wheelers are prone to rolling over, especially when carrying “liquid loads” (like fuel tankers) or shifting cargo. Excessive speed on curves—particularly the interchanges around the Twin Cities—is a leading cause.

Blind Spot Cracks (The “No-Zone”)

Trucks have four major blind spots: directly in front, directly behind, and along both sides. If a truck merges into your lane on I-694 without seeing you, they have violated the safe operation rules of 49 CFR Part 392.

Wide Turn “Squeeze”

A trucker swinging wide to make a right turn creates a dangerous gap. If they fail to signal and check their mirrors, they can crush a smaller vehicle between the trailer and the curb.

For more on these mechanics, see our video: The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents.

Beyond the 18-Wheeler: Other Commercial Vehicles

While big rigs get the most attention, Minnesota’s roads are filled with other heavy commercial vehicles that pose a significant threat.

Dump Truck and Gravel Hauler Accidents

With Minnesota’s constant construction season, dump trucks are everywhere. A loaded dump truck weighs 60,000+ pounds. They are notorious for overloading beyond legal limits and having “flying debris” accidents where unsecured gravel shatters windshields and causes multi-car wrecks.

Amazon and Last-Mile Delivery Vans

Amazon’s blue vans are on every street in Bloomington and Duluth. Amazon uses a “Delivery Service Partner” (DSP) model to try and shield themselves from liability, claiming the drivers are independent contractors. We don’t buy it. We know how to pierce that corporate shield by showing that Amazon controls the routes, the schedules, and the technology.

Garbage and Waste Management Trucks

Companies like Waste Management operate top-heavy vehicles with massive blind spots. These accidents often happen in residential neighborhoods, involving pedestrians or backing-up collisions.

Rental Truck Accidents (U-Haul, Penske)

U-Haul allows anyone with a standard driver’s license to drive a 26-foot truck. These untrained drivers often don’t understand the braking distance or height clearances of these vehicles, leading to bridge strikes and rollover crashes.

If you’ve been hit by any company vehicle, call 1-888-288-9911.

Liable Parties: Why Our Investigation Goes Deeper

Most lawyers only sue the driver. We know that in a Minnesota truck accident, the liability web is much larger. By identifying every defendant, we maximize the insurance money available for your recovery.

1. The Trucking Company (The Motor Carrier)

Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, the company is responsible for its driver’s actions. They are also liable for their own corporate negligence, such as placing a fatigued driver on the road to increase profits.

2. The Freight Broker

Brokers connect shippers with carriers. If a broker hires a “bottom-tier” carrier with a history of safety violations to save $200 on a load, they can be held liable for negligent selection.

3. The Cargo Loading Company

If a trailer was improperly loaded and the cargo shifted, causing a rollover on a curve in St. Cloud, the company that physically loaded the truck is liable under 49 CFR § 393.100.

4. The Maintenance Facility

If a third-party mechanic in Rochester signed off on a brake inspection without actually checking the pads, they are on the hook for the resulting crash.

5. Corporate Parent Companies

When a truck branded with a major retailer’s logo hits you, we look at the parent company. As Ralph Manginello often says, “If they put their name on the truck for the profit, they should take their name on the lawsuit for the damage.”

6. Government Entities

If a design defect on a Minnesota highway or a poorly marked construction zone on I-35 contributed to the crash, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) or a local municipality may be liable. Note: These claims have very short notice deadlines, sometimes as short as 180 days.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Rule

If you are reading this after an accident, minutes matter. Trucking companies have “Go-Teams”—attorneys and investigators who are dispatched to the crash scene before the police have even cleared the road. Their goal is to identify ways to blame you.

Our priority is to send a spoliation letter immediately. This is a legal demand that forbids the company from destroying or altering evidence. This includes:

• The ECM (Electronic Control Module): The truck’s “black box” that records speed, engine RPMs, and brake application in the seconds before impact.
• The ELD Logs: To prove the driver was violating federal rest rules.
• In-Cab Video: Many fleets like Amazon use AI cameras (Netradyne) that watch the driver for signs of distraction or phone use.
• Maintenance Records: To see if they were cutting corners on safe tires or brakes.

If we don’t send this demand within 48-72 hours, the company may “accidentally” overwrite the data or put the truck back on the road.

Call 888-ATTY-911 and let us lock down the evidence for you.

Catastrophic Injuries and Your Recovery

A truck accident isn’t a “fender bender.” It’s a life-altering trauma. Our firm has achieved multi-million dollar results for clients facing:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI ranges from “mild” concussions to permanent cognitive loss. We have recovered settlements in the $1.5M to $9.8M range for TBI victims. These injuries often require lifetime care and neuropsychological therapy. Learn more: The Ultimate Guide to Brain Injury Lawsuits.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

A crushed vertebra can mean a lifetime in a wheelchair. We fight for the funds to pay for home modifications, adaptive vehicles, and 24/7 nursing care. These cases frequently result in settlements between $4.7M and $25.8M.

Amputations

Crush injuries from a wide-turn “squeeze” or a rollover often result in the loss of a limb. We work with life care planners to ensure your settlement includes the cost of prosthetic replacements for the rest of your life. Amputation settlement range: $1.9M to $8.6M.

Wrongful Death

If you lost a spouse, child, or parent, no amount of money can replace them. However, a wrongful death claim provides for the financial security of the survivors. In Minnesota, these claims cover lost income, funeral costs, and the loss of “counsel, guidance, and companionship.” Wrongful death range: $1.9M to $9.5M.

Minnesota Statute of Limitations and Negligence Laws

Minnesota law is unique, and missing a deadline can bar your claim forever.

The 2-Year Deadline

In Minnesota, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent party. If the accident resulted in a fatality, the Wrongful Death statute of limitations is three years. However, don’t wait. A case filed 18 months after an accident is much harder to win than one filed in the first 18 days.

51% Modified Comparative Negligence

Minnesota follows the 51% rule. This means you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as your fault is not greater than the fault of the defendants (50% or less). If a jury finds you 20% at fault, your total award is reduced by 20%. If you are 51% at fault, you get zero.

Insurance companies will try to pin at least 51% of the blame on you to avoid paying. Using our “Insurance Defense Advantage,” we anticipate their arguments and shut them down with physical evidence and expert testimony.

Insurance Deep Dive: The $750,000 to $5 Million Reality

Commercial truck insurance is vastly different from your personal auto policy.

• General Freight Semi-Trucks: Required to carry at least $750,000 in liability.
• Oil and Heavy Equipment: Required to carry $1,000,000.
• Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT): Required to carry $5,000,000.

Most large fleets carry “excess” or “umbrella” policies that can reach $50 million or more. But they don’t hand this money over willingly. They will fight every nickel. We understand the MCS-90 endorsement, an insurance add-on that guarantees compensation to victims even if the trucking company violated their policy terms.

Watch our guide: The Definitive Guide To MCS 90 Auto Endorsements.

Minnesota Truck Accident FAQ

Q: Who pays my medical bills after a truck accident in Minnesota?
A: Minnesota is a “no-fault” state, meaning your own PIP (Personal Injury Protection) usually pays the first $20,000 of medical bills. However, in a truck accident, your bills will almost certainly exceed this amount within the first week. We pursue the trucking company’s massive $1M+ liability policy to cover everything your PIP doesn’t, including future surgeries and long-term care.

Q: Can I sue Amazon if their delivery van hit me?
A: Yes. Amazon may try to say the driver works for a separate company, but we investigate the “right of control.” If Amazon controls the timing, the GPS route, and the driver’s clothing, we can hold them liable as a “joint employer.”

Q: What if the truck driver was from another state?
A: This happens constantly on I-94. Because the accident happened in Minnesota, we can usually file your case in Minnesota courts. Furthermore, because these involve federal regulations, Ralph Manginello’s admission to federal court allows us to litigate your case in the U.S. District Court if the trucking company tries to move the case there.

Q: How much does it cost to hire an 18-wheeler accident lawyer?
A: At Attorney911, it costs zero dollars upfront. We work on a contingency fee. We pay for the investigators, the experts, and the court filings. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.

Q: How long do these cases take?
A: A simple case might resolve in 6-12 months. However, a catastrophic injury case against a Fortune 500 company can take 18-24 months. We never rush to settle for a small amount; we take the time to ensure your future is fully funded.

Why Choose Attorney911? The Manginello Difference

We are not a “settlement mill.” We are a boutique trial firm that treats you like family because we understand that you aren’t just a case number—you’re a neighbor in crisis.

• 25+ Years Experience: Lead attorney Ralph Manginello has been litigating against major corporations since 1998.
• Insider Knowledge: Associate Lupe Peña previously worked for the insurance companies. He knows how they think.
• Deep Pockets Combat: We have gone head-to-head with giants like Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, and BP. We have the resources and the “refinery litigation” experience to take on the world’s largest companies and win.
• 24/7 Availability: Legal emergencies don’t stick to business hours. Neither do we.
• Hablamos Español: Provide direct representation to Minnesota’s Spanish-speaking community without the need for translators.

As our client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We fight tooth and nail for our family.

Contact a Minnesota Truck Accident Lawyer Today

The moments after a truck accident are filled with confusion, pain, and overwhelming financial stress. You shouldn’t have to fight a billion-dollar trucking company alone.

Whether you were hit by a tractor-trailer on I-35, a delivery van in Minneapolis, or an oilfield truck in Western Minnesota, Attorney911 is ready to stand by your side. We will send the spoliation letters, we will hire the experts, and we will shield you from the insurance adjusters while you focus on healing.

Legal Emergency? Call ATTY-911.

1-888-ATTY-911 | (713) 528-9070
ralph@atty911.com
https://attorney911.com

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-288-9911.

Don’t let the trucking company win by waiting. Contact us now for your free, no-obligation case evaluation. We are ready to fight for every dime you deserve.

Additional Resources for Minnesota Victims

• MnDOT Crash Records: Access official police reports for accidents on Minnesota highways.
• FMCSA SaferSys: Research the safety record and out-of-service history of the trucking company that hit you.
• Attorney911 Video Library: Watch over 290 educational videos on your rights and the legal process.

Remember: In Minnesota, you have a 2-year window to file. The trucking company’s lawyers are already working. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 and get a fighter in your corner.