Yesterday, October 18, 2016, a fatal head-on collision in Winona County between two semi trucks killed both drivers.
Minnesota State Patrol Preliminary Investigation
A Kenworth semi was traveling eastbound on I-90 as a Freightliner semi was traveling westbound. The Kenworth crossed the median and entered the westbound lane of traffic, where it collided head-on with the Freightliner, causing the tragic death of the 37-year-old driver from Roseville, Minnesota, who was driving the Freightliner.
The Minnesota State Patrol preliminary report does not provide information as to why the driver of the Kenworth, who also tragically died, crossed the median.
Independent Investigation by Wrongful Death Attorney
Last year, attorney Eric Hageman helped the family of a truck driver who was killed on the road. He won a settlement for the family after proving the other driver (also a commercial truck driver) was at fault.
“It’s crucial to do an independent investigation in any commercial truck accident case, so we work closely with experienced accident reconstruction specialists and other experts to gather and analyze all of available evidence,” said Eric.
In a wrongful death crash caused by a commercial truck (like the Kenworth) it is important to have an attorney do an independent investigation, even in cases where one driver is clearly at fault. There are three primary reasons for this:
- The family of a person who is killed in a crash needs answers. Why did the crash happen? Was there something that could have been done to prevent it? Can something be done to prevent this from happening again?
- The independent investigation may provide evidence that can be used to sue a trucking company, manufacturer (if there is a defective part), diesel servicing business or another business. This is important because the truck driver’s insurance will probably not provide enough money to give the family full compensation.
- The independent investigation may provide evidence of gross negligence. In a wrongful death lawsuit in Minnesota, when gross negligence is found, the family can sue for punitive damages, which means the family can sue for an amount of money meant to punish bad behavior.
Help after a Wrongful Death
Fred and Eric have helped many families get answers, compensation and justice after the death of a loved one. It is free to talk with Fred and Eric about any questions you may have, and if you hire out law firm, we are not paid unless you win.
Attorney Eric Hageman is a member of the American Association for Justice Truck Accident Litigation Group and has spoken at national seminars on truck accident cases. He was named a Minnesota “Attorney of the Year*” in 2011 for a truck-accident wrongful death case, and again in 2015 for obtaining compensation for a family for the wrongful death of their young son. You can contact Eric for a free consultation here.
Eric is currently representing clients in cases involving other crashes on I-90.
Pritzker Hageman, P.A. is a Minnesota law firm with a national practice. We are listed in the current edition of U.S. News and World Report’s Best Law Firms. Our Twin Cities offices are in Minneapolis, and Fred and Eric travel throughout the state to meet with families.