Top Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents in Minnesota
Most common causes of semi-truck accidents in Minnesota, such as speeding, fatigue, and mechanical failures, and the affects of these on fault and compensation in personal injury cases.
Semi-truck crashes are some of the most severe accidents on Minnesota roads. Because commercial trucks can weigh 20-30 times more than passenger cars, even a single mistake by a truck driver or trucking company can lead to life-changing injuries.
While every crash is different, many semi-truck accidents share common causes, often involving preventable human error, mechanical issues, or violations of state and federal trucking laws. Understanding what caused the crash is crucial to determining fault and maximizing compensation.
Truck Accidents Caused by Speeding or Tailgating
Speeding and following too closely are two of the most common causes of commercial-truck crashes. Semi-trucks require far more distance to slow down or stop than cars, making speeding especially dangerous. In Minnesota, winter weather conditions such as ice, snow, fog, or sleet make speeding even more hazardous.
Speed-related truck accidents often lead to:
- Rear-end collisions
- Multi-vehicle pileups
- Jackknifing
- Rollovers
Evidence such as the truck’s “black box” data, dashcam footage, and witness statements often shows whether the driver was speeding or following too closely before impact.
Truck Accidents Cause by Lane-Change and Blind-Spot Errors
Because of their long length and large blind spots (also known as “no-zones”), truck drivers need significant space to change lanes or merge. And because of their width and weight, they must pay careful attention to stay within their lane.
Common causes of lane-related accidents include:
- Failing to check blind spots
- Drifting into adjacent lanes
- Unsafe or abrupt lane changes
- Merging without signaling
Dashcam footage, traffic cameras, and nearby vehicle data can help prove an improper lane change and what caused it.
Truck Accidents Caused by Mechanical Failure or Poor Maintenance
Semi-trucks undergo immense wear and tear, and both Minnesota and federal law require regular inspections and maintenance. However, violations are common, especially when trucking companies prioritize speed over safety.
Mechanical failures frequently involved in crashes include:
- Brake failure
- Tire blowouts or worn tires
- Steering or suspension problems
- Burnt out headlights, taillights, or turn signals
- Broken hitches, couplings, or trailer components
When a mechanical issue contributes to a crash, liability can extend beyond the driver and trucking company to third-party maintenance contractors or manufacturers of defective parts.
Truck Accidents Caused by Overloaded or Unsecured Cargo
Improperly loaded or secured cargo is another major cause of semi-truck crashes. When freight is too heavy, unbalanced, or not tied down properly, it can:
- Shift during transport, causing loss of control
- Make the trailer sway or tip
- Fall into the road
- Hit nearby vehicles
When problems with cargo contribute to a crash, liability can extend beyond the driver and trucking company to cargo-loading teams, shipping companies, and third-party contractors.
Truck Driver Fatigue Accidents and Hours-of-Service Violations
Driver fatigue is a leading cause of deadly truck accidents. Commercial drivers must comply with strict Hours-of-Service (HOS) rules that limit how long they can drive without rest. However, these rules are often ignored due to tight deadlines and pressure from employers.
Signs of fatigue-related crashes include:
- Drifting between lanes
- Delayed braking
- Inconsistent speed
Key evidence in these cases includes electronic logging devices (ELDs), driver logs, delivery schedules, and employer communications.
Truck Accidents Caused by Distracted or Impaired Driving
Even a brief distraction behind the wheel of a semi-truck can lead to devastating consequences. Federal law prohibits commercial drivers from using handheld devices, but distracted driving remains a major problem.
Common distractions include:
- Texting or phone use
- Eating or drinking
- Adjusting GPS or radios
- Reaching for objects inside the cab
Although DUI among truck drivers is less common, alcohol, drugs, and stimulant use still contribute to serious crashes. Drivers can lose their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for even low levels of impairment.
Trucking Company Negligence
Truck crashes often result from systemic failures within the trucking company. Common examples of company negligence include:
- Unrealistic delivery schedules
- Inadequate driver training
- Failing to screen or supervise drivers
- Poor or incomplete truck maintenance
- Encouraging drivers to violate safety regulations
When a trucking company cuts corners to save time or money, they can be held legally responsible for resulting crashes.
How the Cause of a Truck Accident Affects Fault and Compensation
Determining exactly what caused the truck accident is essential because commercial-vehicle cases often involve multiple liable parties, and the cause almost always corresponds directly to violations of federal and Minnesota laws. Hiring an attorney who will conduct a detailed investigation, gain access to key records and data, and analyze legal regulations will make a substantial difference in maximizing your settlement value or damages award at trial.
Learn more about our process in truck accident cases.
The attorneys at Sieben & Cotter have extensive expertise with semi-truck injury cases. If you believe your case was caused by a factor mentioned here, call Sieben & Cotter at 651-455-1555 to arrange your free comprehensive consultation, or send a request for more information.