Car Accident Law Blog

Texting Ban on Truck and Bus Drivers

2010-01-26T15:57:00.000-08:00

U.S Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced federal guidance to expressly prohibit texting by drivers of commercial vehicles such as large trucks and buses. The prohibition is effective immediately.

“We applaud the U.S. Department of Transportation for taking this measure to prevent senseless accidents involving texting while driving,” stated Attorney Eric Hageman. “Because trucks are heavier, harder to maneuver and more difficult to slow and stop than passenger vehicles, it is important that we continue to hold truck drivers to the highest possible standards.”

The texting ban on truck and bus drivers is the result of the Department's interpretation of standing rules. Truck and bus drivers who text while driving commercial vehicles may be subject to civil or criminal penalties of up to $2,750.

In addition to the federally-imposed penalty, truck and bus drivers, the companies they work for and others can be held liable for injuries and death caused by texting while driving. Contact our law firm about holding drivers accountable and compensation for accident victims and their families.

To contact an injury lawyer MN about a lawsuit against a truck driver, bus driver, trucking company or bus company, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or submit our online form for a free consultation.

Information Sought on Michigan Semi-Tractor Trailer Accident

2009-12-19T20:27:00.000-08:00

Our law firm has been retained by a Lake City, Michigan family following a deadly crash on November 30, 2009 on M-55 near Menzies Road in Missaukee County.

A westbound semi-tractor trailer operated by Jeffery Lofquist and owned by USF Holland, lost control and slid into the eastbound lane where it collided with an automobile operated by 41-year-old Michelle Ash. Ash’s 15-year-old son, Alexander, was killed. Michelle Ash remains hospitalized in Traverse City with a severe traumatic brain injury.

Our truck accident lawyers are investigating whether the crash was due in part to the condition of the truck or trailer. Firm president, Fred Pritzker, stated, “Unfortunately, we often see large truck companies running equipment in violation of state and federal law. If the condition of this truck increased the risk of this horrible loss, we want people with information about it to come forward.”

Pritzker Olsen law firm represents survivors of truck crashes in cases throughout the United States and has collected millions of dollars on their behalf. Anyone with information about this incident should contact the firm at 1-888-377-8900, email Fred Pritzker or submit our contact form.

Fatal Minneapolis Head-On Collision May Have Been Caused by Drunk Driver

2009-12-09T11:00:00.000-08:00

A fatal Minneapolis head-on collision may have been caused by a drunk driver.

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, Connie Stroud, 42, may have been drunk when she drove the wrong way on the I-94 ramp to 49th Avenue in Minneapolis. Her Toyota pickup truck collided head-on with a car driven by Yia Vang. An unborn baby was killed, and the mother, Tao Thao, is still in critical condition. Yia Vang, Tao Thao’s husband, and five children between the ages of 3 and 10 were also injured in the Minneapolis head-on collision.

Tao Thao has been the sole breadwinner in the family since Yia Vang was laid off from his welding job.

A benefit fund has been set up in Yia Vang’s name. Donations can be taken at all Wells Fargo locations.

Lao Thao, Tao Thao’s brother has asked the community for help because the Vang family is not able to buy food or clothes or to pay for housing.

Liability of Bars, Liquor Stores and Other Sellers of Liquor under the Minnesota Dram Shop Law

If Ms. Stroud was drinking at a bar or similar establishment before the head-on collision, that bar may be liable for the death and injuries resulting from the accident under Minnesota's dram shop law.

Minnesota law holds bars, restaurants and other "dram shops" responsible for the dangerous actions of an intoxicated person when they illegally sell liquor to that person.

Under Minnesota Statutes, Section 340.801, Subdivision 1:

A spouse, child, parent, guardian, employer, or other person injured in person, property, or means of support, or who incurs other pecuniary loss by an intoxicated person or by the intoxication of another person, has a right of action in the person’s own name for all damages sustained against a person who caused the intoxication of that person by illegally selling alcoholic beverages.

If your family has been hit by a drunk driver, contact a Minnesota car accident lawyer for a free consultation: 1-888-377-8900 (toll free), email Fred Pritzker or submit our online consultation form.

Bus Driver Who Allegedly Hit Teenager While Driving Drunk is Arrested

2009-11-06T10:33:00.000-08:00

A former Billings, Mont., bus driver was arrested Wednesday in Washington state and is accused of hitting a teenager in a crosswalk while driving drunk, local news media report.

The accident occurred Sept. 25, 2009 on Timothy Whalen’s routine high school bus route. Witnesses told authorities he got out to see if the girl was hurt and then kept driving. He returned to the scene hours later where authorities tested Whalen’s blood alcohol level, which was .118. The legal limit for commercial drivers is .04.

The girl suffered a broken leg and other minor injuries. Whalen is charged in Yellowstone County with negligent vehicular assault, criminal endangerment and failure to remain at the scene of an accident. These are criminal charges.

For the girl injured in this accident to recover compensation, she will need to pursue the responsible parties in a civil action. Compensation generally includes amounts for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, disability, loss of quality of life and other damages. The amount of compensation should reflect both past and future expenses, losses and pain and suffering.

To contact a bus accident attorney at Pritzker Olsen law firm, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free), email Attorney Fred Pritzker, or submit our online form for a free consultation.

Truck School Bus Collision Injures Children

2009-11-04T20:30:00.000-08:00

A collision between a truck and a school bus carrying 39 children in Ruskin, Florida, resulted in 10 children taken to the hospital with minor injuries, reports the St. Petersburg Times.

The driver, 39-year-old Olga Guerrero, was cited with violating the right-of-way when she made a left turn into the path of an oncoming truck Wednesday morning. She was also taken to the hospital for minor injuries. The Times also reported that Linda Cobbe, spokeswoman for Hillsborough County Schools, said Guerrero has a clean driving record but will be tested for drugs and alcohol as standard procedure.

Right-of-way mistakes are one of the primary causes of traffic accidents. Violation of a right-of-way law is negligence unless there is a clear and convincing justification.

For a free consultation with a bus accident attorney, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free), email Attorney Fred Pritzker or submit our online consultation form.

Burlington Northern Train Collision Lawsuit

2009-10-17T13:58:00.000-07:00

Burlington Northern Train-Car Collision Lawsuit Update: Burlington Northern was penalized $4.2 million dollars for abuse of evidence and misrepresentations to opposing counsel and the court.

In June 2008, an Anoka County jury issued a $21.6 million verdict against Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad Company for a car-train collision that killed four people. The plaintiff’s argued that the car was hit by the Burlington Northern freight train when the gates and warning lights at a railroad crossing malfunctioned.

In October of 2009, a Washington County District Judge ruled that the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad abused evidence and penalized an additional $4.2 million for its conduct.
District Court Judge Ellen Maas wrote in her ruling:

"The breadth of (the railroad's) misconduct in this case is staggering; beginning within minutes of the accident, up to and through the trial. The plaintiffs have established that (the railroad's) misconduct did indeed strain the limits of the civil justice system."

The judge ruled that Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad Company destroyed, mishandled and tampered with evidence and made so many misrepresentations that the judge “lost count.”

Free Consultation Regarding
a Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad Lawsuit

To contact a railroad accident lawyer regarding a Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad car-train collision lawsuit, please call Pritzker Olsen Attorneys at 1-888-377-8900 (toll free), email Attorney Fred Pritzker or submit our online free consultation form.

Keywords: Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad Company lawsuit, car-train collision lawsuit, lawyers, attorneys, Burlington Northern accident suit, car hit by a Burlington Northern train, auto hit by a Santa Fe Railroad train.

Tractor Trailer Rear End Accident Suit

2009-10-15T06:45:00.000-07:00

A man who was allegedly rear-ended by a tractor-trailer truck has filed suit against the tractor-trailer driver and 5 trucking companies, Motor City Express Inc., Challenger Motor Freight, James Group International, James Group International II Inc. and James Group Midwest.

While the man was stopped in bad traffic, the semi tractor trailer failed to stop for traffic and slammed into the rear of the automobile. The impact caused the car to collide with vehicles in front.

According to the complaint, the driver of the car suffered the following as a result of being rear-ended by the tractor-trailer truck:

Injuries that needed medical attention, resulting in medical costs
Pain
Suffering
Disability
Emotional distress
Disfigurement
Lost wages
Loss of quality of life and an impaired ability to participate in normal activities

The complaint filed in the tractor-trailer accident suit alleges that the driver of the tractor-trailer was at fault for the following reasons:

Negligent failure to maintain proper control of his vehicle
Failure to keep a proper lookout
Speeding—driving too fast for the conditions
Failure to decrease his speed to avoid a collision
Failure to properly yield to the vehicle in front of him
Driving too close to the vehicle in front of him, the plaintiff’s car

If you have been in a rear-end collision with a tractor-trailer truck, contact our national law firm for a free consultation by calling 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or submitting our online form.

Our truck accident lawyers have been interviewed by The Associated Press, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Lawyers USA and other publications.

Madison County Circuit Court (Illinois) case number: 09-L-1059.

Collision Attorney

2009-10-13T12:10:00.000-07:00

Collision attorney Fred Pritzker settled a semi truck accident collision case this month for 2.56 million dollars. The clients, a husband and wife in their sixties, were returning from a family reunion when their automobile was hit from behind by a semi-truck. The initial impact caused their vehicle to lose control, cross the center median and collide head-on with an SUV traveling in the opposite direction. The husband suffered a traumatic brain injury and both the husband and wife had extensive orthopedic injuries.

Below are more of Fred Pritzker's million-plus recoveries for his clients:

Motorcycle Crash - $6,000,000 on behalf of a 26 year-old female passenger whose right leg was traumatically amputated when the motorcycle on which she was a passenger was struck by a drunk driver.
Collision and Product Liability - $3,750,000 on behalf of a 39 year-old man whose left leg was amputated below the knee following injuries sustained in a recreational vehicle crash caused by a defective control mechanism.
Car Accident - $3,500,000 on behalf of a child who suffered significant brain damage in a multi-vehicle crash. The vehicle in which she was a passenger lost control after attempting to avoid a collision with another vehicle. Her vehicle then crossed the median and collided with two other vehicles.
Truck Accident - $2,850,000 on behalf of the family of a man who was killed when his vehicle was struck by debris from a truck. The man was survived by his wife, two minor children and two adult children from a previous marriage.
Truck Accident Wrongful Death- $2,000,000 on behalf of the heirs of a 37 year-old male who was killed when his delivery truck was struck from the rear at high speed by a garbage truck.
Truck-Pedestrian Crash - $1,700,000 on behalf of a 42 year-old man who was run over by s semi-tractor as the man stood beside the road while assisting another motorist who crashed in an earlier accident. The victim sustained a number of fractures and internal injuries from which he never fully recovered.
Medical Product Liability - $1,800,000 in a case involving a medical product that caused permanent injury.
Truck-Pedestrian Crash - $1,536,921 on behalf of a 36 year-old man whose wheel chair was struck by a garbage truck as the man tried to cross a busy road. He used a motorized chair due to pre-existing rheumatoid arthritis. The crash resulted in a hip fracture that required surgery and caused the man to lose additional function.
Collision with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) -( Farm-Implement/Automobile Crash) - $1,225,666 on behalf of a 50 year-old female who suffered a severe traumatic brain injury when the vehicle she was operating was struck by a farm sprayer that failed to stop at a rural intersection.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) - $1,100,000 on behalf of a 26 year-old male whose motorcycle was struck by a left turning automobile operated by a 16 year-old driver.

Auto Accident Lawsuit

2009-10-13T10:59:00.000-07:00

An auto accident lawsuit is filed when a settlement agreement cannot be reached. The filing consists of a summons and complaint, legal documents that summon the defendant (one being sued) to court to answer specific claims outlined in the complaint.

The complaint filed in the auto accident lawsuit outlines the damages sought to compensate you for your injuries, past and future. The specific amount money sought does not need to be stated in the complaint.

Once a lawsuit is filed, both sides can ask for additional documentation, conduct depositions ("interviews" of witnesses and others), hire expert witnesses and take other measures to gather evidence and build a case.

Throughout the auto accident lawsuit process, our lawyers continue to negotiate with the defendant's lawyers to try to reach a settlement. If a settlement is not reached by the trial date, our lawyers will proceed to trial. They have tried and won numerous trials and frequently lecture on trial tactics.

If you would like a free consultation regarding an auto accident lawsuit, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free), email Attorney Fred Pritzker or submit our online contact form.

Beet Truck Accident

2009-10-02T09:56:00.000-07:00

A beet truck accident in Wahpeton, North Dakota took the life of Antionette Gjesdahl, an 18-year-old, on September 29, just hours after the start of the beet harvest started.

According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol, Antoinette Gjesdahl was driving a 2005 Pontiac about 1:30 p.m. and entered an intersection on the Interstate 29 bypass on the west side of Wahpeton when her vehicle was hit by a 2005 International semi-truck and trailer driven by Cathleen Dean. The semi-trailer was hauling sugar beets for Minn-Dak Farmers, a sugar beet cooperative. The Pontiac was pushed into a third vehicle at the intersection, driven by Mary Motzko, 38, of Wahpeton. Mary Motzko was taken to an area hospital. Antoinette Gjesdahl was dead at the scene, the patrol said.

Who is at Fault for This Tragic Death?

Our goal as accident lawyers is to hold drivers, their employers and others accountable for their negligence by winning as much money as possible from them for our clients.

In this case, negligence abounds.

The driver was not qualified, had a criminal record, including driving with a suspended license and several drug-related charges, and flew through a red light, crashing into the car driven by Antionette Gjesdahl.
The party that hired Cathleen Dean to drive the beet truck, a roadway giant, should never have hired her.
Minn-Dak Farmers and the beet grower whose beets were being transported should not have had a dangerous driver hauling their beets.

Both North Dakota and Minnesota relax transportation regulations for the beet harvest, but this does not excuse anyone’s negligence.

Pritzker Olsen Attorneys is a Minneapolis, Minnesota law firm with a national practice. To contact a lawyer about a beet truck accident, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or submit our online form for a free consultation. You will not have any up-front costs, and we are not paid unless you win.

Cell Phone and Texting Accidents

2009-10-01T11:35:00.000-07:00

Nearly 6,000 people died in 2008 in crashes involving a distracted or inattentive driver, and more than half a million were injured, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

“Talking on cell phones and texting while driving have become national pastimes, and they are high-risk activities,” stated Attorney Fred Pritzker. “We represent people in injury and wrongful death cases involving distracted driver accidents. Lives are ended or changed forever because drivers think it is more important to talk on the phone or text a friend than to focus on driving.”

One merely has to stand on a busy street corner to know that a large number of people drive while using cell phones. With advanced technology, these phones can also be used to text, surf the Web, play video games and watch movies.

“We now know that the worst offenders are the youngest, least experienced drivers,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Unfortunately though, the problem doesn't end there. Distracted driving occurs across all age groups and all modes of transportation, from cars to buses and trucks to trains. We must work together to find solutions that will prevent crashes caused by driver distraction.”

Pritzker Olsen attorneys agree with Secretary LaHood and propose a three-pronged approach:

Legislation: Several states have bans or partial bans on cell phone use and texting while driving. Every state needs to address this life-threatening problem and enact effective laws. These laws need to have teeth—violators should be adequately punished.
Enforcement: The laws need to allow police and other traffic enforcement officers to pull over a vehicle if the driver is observed talking on a cell phone or texting. Traffic enforcement officers need to make the effort to enforce these laws.
Education: The public needs to be educated about the laws and the consequences of violating those laws.

To contact a car accident lawyer at Pritzker Olsen law an accident involving a driver who was talking on a cell phone or texting, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or submit our online form for a free consultation.

Semi Truck Driver Negligence

2009-08-31T06:22:00.000-07:00

Two semi truck accidents that involved semi truck driver negligence have claimed the lives of innocent victims in Minnesota.

On August 27, 2009 a semi truck rear-ended a minivan near Hugo, MN. Two women died: Carolyn Anderson, the driver of the minivan, and Rosemarie Bongivanni, a passenger in the minivan and Ms. Anderson's aunt. Marlene Wanner, another passenger in the van, was critically injured. The minivan was slowing down on Highway 61 to turn onto 159th street when the accident happened. Read more about the Hugo, MN semi truck accident that critically injured Marlene Wanner and killed Carolyn Anderson and Rosemarie Bongivanni.
On August 30, 2009 a semi truck rear-ended a car on Highway 212 in Carver County. The force of the impact sent the car into the side of a pickup truck. Two people died: Sandra Babatz, the driver of the car, and Juan Olvera, the driver of the pickup. Four passengers in the pickup truck were critically injured: Nancy Castillo, 29, Andira Olvera, 8, Narley Overa, 9, and Galylea Overa, 7. Read about the Carver County, MN semi truck accident and wrongful death compensation for families of Sandra Babatz and Juan Olvera and MN semi truck accident compensation for Nancy Castillo, Andira Olvera, Narely Olvera and Galylea Olvera.

Semi Truck Driver Negligence

"When a semi rear-ends another vehicle, semi truck driver negligence is almost always the cause of the accident," stated Attorney Fred Pritzker, who recently recovered several million dollars for the family of a man who died in a truck accident. "Our experience has been that most of these cases involve driver inattention and/or speed. These drivers are supposed to be professionals, and yet we have seen a rise in commercial truck accidents."

Under federal and state law, semi truck drivers are held to a higher standard in cases involving semi truck driver negligence. This means that a semi truck driver may be found negligent in cases where the driver of a car may not be found negligent.

Most cases of semi truck driver negligence are based on violations of state and/or federal laws. When a semi truck driver violates a law, it is prima facie evidence of negligence. This means that the truck driver is negligent unless there is clear and convincing evidence of a justification for the violation.

The most common federal and state law violations involve the following:

Speeding
Driving too fast for conditions
Failing to keep a careful lookout
Failing to maintain proper control of their truck
Failing to stop, swerve, slacken speed, and/or maintain control of a truck when there is a reasonable likelihood of a collision with another vehicle
Driving a motor carrier in excess of the hours allowed pursuant to §395.3 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
Driving a commercial truck when impaired through fatigue or likely to become impaired through fatigue in violation of §392.3 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations

To contact a Minnesota semi truck accident lawyer at Pritzker Olsen law firm about an accident involving semi driver negligence, please call 612-338-0202, call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or submit our online form for a free consultation. We are not paid unless you win.

List of injured and killed semi accident victims provided by the Minnesota State Patrol:

HUGO SEMI TRUCK ACCIDENT
MARLENE A. WANNER, 72, OF OAKDALE, MN, PASSENGER OF DODGE CARAVAN, CRITICAL CONDITION

ROSEMARIE A. BONGIVANNI, 88, OF ST. PAUL, MN, PASSENGER OF DODGE CARAVAN, DECEASED

CAROLYN A. ANDERSON, 59, OF EAGAN, MN, DRIVER OF DODGE CARAVAN, DECEASED

CARVER COUNTY SEMI TRUCK ACCIDENT
SANDARA J. BABATZ, 45 , OF NORWOOD MN, DRIVER OF PONTIAC VIBE , DECEASED

JUAN S. OLVERA, 35 , OF SULLIVAN TX , DRIVER OF CHEVROLET PICKUP , DECEASED

NANCY E. CASTILLO, 29 , OF BIRD ISLAND MN , PASSENGER OF CHEVROLET PICKUP , CRITICAL CONDITION

ANDIRA OLVERA , 8 , OF BIRD ISLAND MN , PASSENGER OF CHEVROLET PICKUP, CRITICAL CONDITION

NARLEY OLVERA, 9 , OF BIRD ISLAND MN , PASSENGER OF CHEVROLET PICKUP, CRITICAL CONDITION

GALYLEA OLVERA, 7 , OF BIRD ISLAND MN , PASSENGER OF CHEVROLET PICKUP, CRITICAL CONDITION

Charter Bus Accident Injures Special Olympics Athletes

2009-08-04T14:28:00.000-07:00

A Wisconsin tour bus accident has injured at least 20 passengers, most of them Special Olympics athletes. One of the passengers had to be airlifted to a hospital in Neenah because of concern over internal injuries.

According to WKOW-TV out of Madison, Wisconsin:

Officials say the bus went off the right side of the roadway at which time the passenger side mirror struck a road sign. The bus continued northbound striking a guardrail - that's when the bus began to actually rotate.

The driver steered back onto the road and thanks to the guardrail, they were able to stay up off the embankment. But the sharp movements caused the bus to tip onto its side. (WKOW-TV)

To contact Pritzker Olsen law firm, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or submit our free consultation form.

Keywords: Charter bus accident, Wisconsin bus accident, bus accident lawyer, tour bus accident lawyer.

MN Dump Truck-SUV Collision

2009-07-28T15:54:00.000-07:00

A tragic accident in Independence, Minnesota has left four people dead, two of them children. According to news reports, a dump truck was heading west on County Road 6 when an SUV crossed the center line and collided with the dump truck.

Some of the family members of the passengers of the SUV will probably be contacted by the SUV driver’s auto insurance company within the next few days.What they need to know is that they are probably entitled to some financial recovery from the insurance company. If you would like to discuss family compensation with a lawyer, contact our law firm for a free consultation:

612-338-0202,
1-888-377-8900 (toll free), or
submit our free consultation form.

Yamaha Rhino Lawsuits Update

2009-06-17T10:33:00.000-07:00

Pritzker Olsen law firm has a leadership roll in litigating Yamaha Rhino lawsuits nationwide that have been consolidated for pre-trial purposes. Pritzker Olsen attorney Eric Hageman was appointed to the multidistrict litigation (MDL) panel by U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer Coffman.

"We are representing several people seriously injured in Yamaha Rhino rollovers," stated Mr. Hageman. "Most of these cases involve crushed hands, arms, legs and feet. We allege that the design of the Yamaha Rhino ATV involved in the accident was a bad design that allowed rollovers on flat surfaces while the Rhinos were traveling at slow speeds."

Consolidation of Yamaha Rhino Lawsuits in MDL Benefits Victims

The Yamaha Rhino lawsuits were consolidated in MDL instead of in a class action lawsuit because MDL allows for more personal represention. With MDL, the pre-trial preparation is consolidated, but each claimant has the opportunity to obtain a separate settlement or jury verdict.

"MDL will streamline the Yamaha Rhino lawsuits and should result in victims being compensated for their injuries as quickly as possible," explained Mr. Hageman. "We prefer MDL over class action because we want each person injured to have the right to their own day in court. This allows each client to obtain a compensation package that will meet the client's needs and fully and adequately compensate the client for all physical and emotional inuries and financial losses."

If you or a loved one has been in a Yamaha Rhino rollover accident, please contact Pritzker Olsen law firm about our Yamaha Rhino lawsuits:

1-888-377-8900 (toll free)
Submit our free consultation form

If you would like to talk with attorney Eric Hageman, please ask for Eric. He is easy to talk with and takes pride in the personal service that he gives each client.

For more information, please see our Yamaha Rhino lawsuit blog.

School Bus Accident in Minneapolis Injures Elderly Man

2009-05-27T07:39:00.000-07:00

May 26, 2008 -- A Minneapolis school bus hit an 81-year-old man who was walking in a crosswalk with a walk sign and a green light. The school bus was waiting at a stoplight, then turned left when the light turned green. According to Minneapolis police, the bus driver didn’t see the man.

The man is in critical condition at Hennepin County Medical Center.

The bus involved in the accident is owned and operated by Minneapolis Suburban Bus Company, and contracted by the Minneapolis Public Schools. This means that the man injured in this accident may have claims against both Minneapolis Suburban Bus Company and Minneapolis Public Schools.

Contact Pritzker Olsen Attorneys for a free consultation regarding medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress and disability: 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or submit our free consultation form.

Rochester MN Accident Lawyer

2009-05-26T17:47:00.000-07:00

Our MN accident lawyers represent accident victims and their families in Rochester, MN and throughout Minnesota. Pritzker Olsen Attorneys Fred Pritzker, Elliot Olsen and Eric Hageman were named Minnesota "Super Lawyers" by Law & Politics (August 2009 edition). Fred Pritzker was also named a "Top 100 Minnesota Super Lawyer" and a "Top 40 Minnesota Personal Injury Lawyer." He is listed in the current edition of The Best Lawyers in America (2010 edition). Contact us about a Rochester, MN accident.

Accident Victim Compensation

Medical expenses. Minnesota no-fault law requires insurance companies to provide no-fault coverage of up to $20,000 in medical expenses (Minn. Stat. Sec. 65B.41). To get medical expenses paid beyond that amount, an injured person must seek payment from the insurance company of the at-fault driver.
Pain and suffering. Minnesota no-fault does not cover pain and suffering compensation. People injured in an accident must seek pain and suffering compensation from the at-fault driver's insurance company. Pain and suffering includes money payments for physical pain, emotional distress, disfigurement and disability.
Lost wages. Minnesota no-fault insurance may cover up to $20,000 of lost wages. For amounts not covered by no-fault, the injured person may seek compensation from the at-fault driver's insurance company.

Accident Wrongful Death Compensation

If someone dies in a Minnesota car accident, the family can sue the parties at fault for compensation. Minnesota law provides some basic MN no-fault survivors' benefits, but compensation in accident death cases can be hundreds of thousands of dollars—even millions of dollars—beyond these basic survivors' benefits.

Accident death cases in Minnesota are governed by Minnesota Statutes, sec. 573.02 and case law interpreting the statute. Under Minnesota law, families may be entitled to compensation for the following:

Funeral expenses
Medical expenses, past and future
Earnings, past and potential, that the decedent would have provided his loved ones if not for the wrongful death
Loss of advice, care, comfort and companionship the deceased would have provided had he or she lived
Punitive damages, upon clear and convincing evidence that the acts of the defendant showed deliberate disregard for the rights or safety of others.

CONTACT PRITZKER OLSEN ATTORNEYS ABOUT ACCIDENT COMPENSATION >>

Broadside Accident in Olmsted County Kills Four and Injures Two
Four people died in a drunk driving accident in Olmsted County on May 23, two were critically injured. The victims were in a van that was broadsided at the intersection of highway 36 and highway 30 by a drunk driver. The driver of the van, Terry Milholland of Beecher, Illinois, was killed along with passengers Heidi Newell and Jarah Beers of Rochester, MN., and Raymond Milholland from Minnesota. The other two passengers, Rita Seha and Carter Newell of Rochester, are in the hospital in critical condition.

Rochester, MN Family Injured in Head-On Collision
Christina Sheldon, Kenneth Sheldon, and two children, all from Rochester, MN were injured when another car driving westbound on highway 14 in Olmsted County, swerved into the eastbound lane and hit the Ford Focus driven by Ms. Sheldon. Christina Sheldon, is in critical condition. The accident happened May 23, 2009.

Broadside Accident in Olmsted County, MN

2009-05-25T12:17:00.000-07:00

Four people died in a crash in Olmsted County on Saturday, two were critically injured.

The victims were in a van that was broadsided at the intersection of highway 36 and highway 30 by a driver who had consumed alcohol. The driver, Christopher Frisch of Winona, MN, who was not apparently injured, was arrested. Alcohol was not detected on any of the victims.

The driver of the van, Terry Milholland of Beecher, Illinois, was killed along with passengers Heidi Newell and Jarah Beers of Rochester, MN., and Raymond Milholland from Minnesota. The other two passengers, Rita Seha and Carter Newell of Rochester, are in the hospital in critical condition.

Drunk Driver Liability

When a drunk driver causes an accident in Minnesota, the injured and families of those killed look to the drivers insurance to compensate them for pain and suffering, emotional distress, medical expenses and lost wages (above MN no-fault limits in applicable situations), and, in some cases, punitive damages. Read more about car accident compensation.

Under Minnesota Statute, Section 169A, it is a violation of Minnesota law to drive with an alcohol concentration of .08 or more. If someone violates this law, it is prima facie evidence of negligence in a civil case (Minnesota Statutes, Section 169.96 (2006)).

Liability of Bars, Restaurants and Other "Dram Shops"

Generally, bars, restaurants and other sellers of liquor (referred to in the law as "dram shops") are liable for car accidents in Minnesota when they have violated a law or regulation. This means that the bar, restaurant or other seller of liquor could be responsible for the following:

If the victim of the drunk driving accident survives: medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and punitive damages
If the victim is killed in the drunk driving accident: funeral expenses, loss of potential earnings, loss of advice and comfort, and punitive damages.

The illegal sale of intoxicating beverages includes the following:

Selling liquor to an obviously intoxicated person;
Selling liquor without a license to do so;
Selling liquor after hours; or
Selling liquor to a minor.

Our Minnesota car accident lawyers have successfully obtained significant compensation from dram shops for victims of accidents and their families.

Contact a Minnesota car accident lawyer at Pritzker Olsen Attorneys for a free consultation. We can meet you wherever it is convenient for you. Our toll-free number is 1-888-377-8900. If you reach us after business hours, please leave a message with our on-call attorney, and he will get back to you as soon as possible.

Minneapolis Bicyclist Killed by Truck Driver

2009-05-20T17:01:00.000-07:00

A tragic accident that killed a bicyclist near downtown Minneapolis during the morning rush hour Wednesday has put the Twin Cities bicycling community on alert once again to the dangers of inattentive car and truck drivers.

The bicyclist, Dennis Dunn of Minneapolis, was crushed by a commercial truck when the driver turned into the cycling lane on Park Avenue, near East 14th Street.

The accident happened about 7:40 a.m. and investigators were sent to the scene to reconstruct the accident.

As a one-way street with its own bike lane, Park Avenue near downtown is a heavily traveled route for bicyclists during the morning commute.

The accident happened on the same day as a previously scheduled National Ride of Silence for victims of bicycle accidents.

This latest Minnesota fatal bicycle accident is reminiscent of a crash last August that claimed the life of Twin Cities resident Julie Casey, a beautiful person in the prime of her life. Julie was on a ride up north with friends when she was struck by a semi-truck-trailer combination at a busy intersection near Clearwater, Minnesota.

Her husband and children are represented by Minneapolis-based Pritzker Olsen Attorneys, a firm that specializes in obtaining justice for bicyclists involved in collisions with motor vehicles.

Attorney Fred Pritzker, founder and president of the Minnesota bicycle accident law firm, is a former bicycle racer who himself rides to work. In Julie's case, he was able to establish that her death was caused by the negligence of the truck driver and was entirely preventable if the driver had been looking where he was going and paying attention to bicyclists traveling on an adjoining bicycle path. Read about bicycle accident death compensation.

In memory of Julie, and to prevent similar tragedies in the future, Julie’s husband, Jon Sandberg, and a graphic-artist friend of the family designed a bumper sticker to encourage attentiveness from motorists. The LOOK sticker is a fitting tribute to Julie, her family and friends and a reminder to motorists to look out for bicyclists.

For more information about Pritzker Olsen and the firm's strident approach and proven results in representing bicycle accident victims and their families, please call 1-888-377-8900 or complete an online form for a free case consultation.

Car Accident Lawyer MN Law Violations

2009-04-11T14:15:00.000-07:00

A violation of a Minnesota traffic law is prima facie evidence of driver negligence, meaning it is considered negligence if the defendant fails to introduce evidence of an excuse or justification for violating the traffic law. If a driver involved in a car accident is found negligent, persons injured in the accident may sue for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering (includes physical pain, emotional distress, disfigurement and disability) and other expenses.

CONTACT A LAWYER ABOUT MINNESOTA LAW AND VICTIM COMPENSATION >>

Traffic law violations frequently involved in Minnesota car accidents include the following:

Failure to Yield Right-of-Way: Minnesota statutory law regarding right-of-way can be found in Minnesota Statutes, Section 169.20. Includes provisions on intersections, left turns, stop signs, emergency vehicles, entering the highway and transit buses. Read about Minnesota accidents and failure to yield right-of-way.

Speeding: Minnesota Statutes, Sec. 169.14 provides specific speed limits for different roadways. For example, the speed limit for noninterstate expressways and noninterstate freeways is 65, unless otherwise stated on a traffic sign. All of the speed limits listed can be modified and the lower speed limits posted. Drivers are responsible for knowing the speed limit. Read about a Minnesota accident caused by a speeding driver.

Turning, Signaling, U-Turns and Changing Lanes: Minnesota Statutes, Sec. 169.19 provides laws governing turning at an intersection, signaling to turn, signaling to stop, u-turns, changing course (includes changing lanes) and starting from a stopped position. The law states that all drivers are responsible for driving in a manner that is safe. Read about an accident involving failure to signal, an illegal turn, a u-turn or recklessly changing lanes.

Drunk Driving (DUI): Under Minnesota Statute, Sec. 169A, it is a violation of Minnesota law to drive with an alcohol concentration of .08 or more. In a civil action against a drunk driver, the injured party may have a claim for punitive damages, which, depending on the circumstances, can be significant. A criminal charge or conviction is not a prerequisite to consideration of punitive damages. Read about a Minnesota drunk driving (DUI) accident.

Cell Phones and Text Messaging: Under Minnesota Statutes, Sec. 169.443, subd. 9, a school bus driver may not operate a school bus while communicating over, or otherwise operating a cellular phone for personal reasons when the vehicle is in motion. This restriction applies whether the style of the cell phone is hand held or hands free. This also includes texting. Minnesota Statutes, Sections 171.05 and 171.055, states that provisional license holders and instruction permit holders who are under the age of 18 may not use cell phones when driving. Read about a Minnesota accident involving cell phone use or test messaging.

If you have been injured by a car, commercial truck, motorcycle or other vehicle in Minnesota, contact our law firm at 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free) or 612-338-0202. If you would prefer to send us an on-line message, please submit our free consultation form.

MN School Bus Hits and Kills Six-Year-Old

2009-04-08T05:39:00.000-07:00

Six-year-old Dominick Strey was hit and killed by his school bus April 6, 2009. According to the Itasca County sheriff, he exited his bus and walked in front of it. The bus rolled forward and knocked him down.

Dominick died at the scene.

The accident happened near Calumet, Minnesota.

Liability for School Bus Wrongful Death

A bus driver is required to use “the utmost caution” to ensure the safety of the passengers (Urban v. Minneapolis St. Ry.). If this tragedy was caused by the driver’s failure to use this high degree of caution (driver negligence), the driver, Greenway Public School District and others may be liable to the family for their loss.

Please contact our Minnesota law firm to talk to an attorney. For each of the families we represent in wrongful death cases, we are dedicated to seeking justice by both:

Obtaining the best possible compensation for the family and
Fighting for any changes needed to prevent similar tragedies.

To contact our law firm about a bus accident, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or submit our free consultation form. An attorney from our office can meet you at a location that is convenient for you.

Pritzker | Olsen attorneys have appeared on CBS News, Fox News, KARE-TV, KSTP-TV and WCCO-TV. They have also been quoted by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Lawyers USA, Minnesota Lawyer, Minnesota Law & Politics, the Star Tribune and other publications. Several of our lawyers have also been named Minnesota “Super Lawyers” by Law & Politics magazine.

CONTACT AN ATTORNEY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION >>

Reference: Urban v. Minneapolis St. Ry., 256 Minn. 1, 5, 96 N.W.2d 698, 700 (1959).

Keywords: MN school bus hits child, Minnesota school bus kills child, school bus accident liability, school bus death, attorney MN, Grand Rapids, Duluth, Minneapolis, lawyer for school bus accident.

Semitrailer Truck Accident on Icy Roads

2009-03-13T08:54:00.000-07:00

When there is a traffic accident on an icy road, one factor contributing to the accident may be that a driver did not use reasonable caution given the road conditions.

On March 10, a man was killed in a Minnesota traffic accident on icy roads:

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a northbound semitrailer truck driven by a man from California jackknifed into the southbound land of highway 15 north of Kimball (Stearns County). Glenn J. Imholte, who was driving a minivan, collided head on with the semitrailer truck. Mr. Imholte died. The truck driver was not apparently injured.

Even given the icy road, the semitrailer truck driver, his employer, the owner of the freight and others may be liable for this accident. Read about truck accident liability.

For more information about a Minnesota semitrailer truck accident lawsuit, please contact a Minnesota truck accident lawyer at our law firm: call 612-338-0202, call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free), or submit our free consultation form.

Minneapolis School Bus Accident

2009-02-25T11:49:00.000-08:00

A 5-year-old boy slipped under a school bus this morning and was run over. The Star Tribune reported that the boy was waiting for the school bus with his mother at E. 32nd Street and Elliot Avenue.

Minneapolis police spokesman Bill Palmer told the Star Tribune, "When the driver pulled up, the mother asked him whether it was her son's bus. When he told her it wasn't, they stepped back, the driver closed the door, looked around and started to move."

The boy apparently slipped on ice and the bus rolled over him, Palmer told the Star Tribune.

The boy survived the accident, but is in serious condition, suffering a broken leg and broken pelvis, injuries that required surgery.

This accident may result in slip and fall claims. Municipalities and other governmental bodies are provided some immunity from liability for injuries arising from slips and falls on slippery streets and sidewalks, meaning most of the time they are not liable for these injuries. But there are exceptions to their immunity. In a recent Minnesota case involving slip and fall on ice and snow, the court stated that immunity “does not protect the municipality in the case where an accumulation of ice and snow is negligently permitted to remain for such a length of time as to cause the formation thereon by artificial means, of slippery and dangerous ridges, depressions and irregularities to such an extent as to render the street or sidewalk dangerous and unsafe for use”. Read about Minnesota slip and fall on ice and snow.

This Minneapolis school bus accident may also involve claims against the driver of the bus, the bus company and others. Buses are common carriers and are obligated to provide a higher level of safety. They fit into the same category as trains and planes. Liability issues in bus accidents often involve driver negligence, driver training, dangerous roadways and weather conditions. Read Minnesota bus accident attorney information.

Posted February 25, 2009.

Yamaha Rhino Side-By-Side Recall

2008-03-27T15:21:00.001-07:00

Yamaha Motor Corporation has announced a Yamaha Rhino side-by-side recall due to risk of brake failure. The recalled Yamaha Rhino products are Model Year 2008 Yamaha Rhino YXR450 and YXR700 Side-by-Side Vehicles—about 7,800 vehicles.

This Yamaha Rhino side-by-side recall involves potentally-defective brakes. According to the Yamaha Rhino ATV recall announcement, the brake caliper on the left front wheel could have been made incorrectly, resulting in brake fluid leaking. This can cause a loss of braking and control of the vehicle, posing a serious safety risk to the driver and passenger.

For more information, see our Yamaha Rhino ATV recall information.

Polaris Outlaw Recall

2008-03-10T11:27:00.000-07:00

The CPSC has announced a Polaris Outlaw recall—about 11,300 Polaris Outlaws, certain model year 2006-2008. According to Polaris Industries Inc. of Minnesota, a retention bolt can come loose causing the rear wheels to lock up, which poses a risk of serious injury to the rider.
Polaris has received 11 reports of loss of control, including one rider who suffered a strained leg muscle.

The Polaris Outlaw recall involves select 2006-2008 Polaris “Outlaw” ATVs with Independent Rear Suspension (IRS). The affected models are:

2006 OUTLAW 500 “IRS”
2007 OUTLAW 500 “IRS”
2007 OUTLAW 525 “IRS”
2008 OUTLAW 525 “IRS”

The model name is printed on decals located on either side of the fuel tank.

The recalled Polaris Outlaw ATVs were sold at Polaris dealers nationwide from January 2006 through January 2008 for between $6,900 and $7,400. Read about other ATV recalls.

Posted March 2008.

Car Accident Law Blog

Texting Ban on Truck and Bus Drivers

Information Sought on Michigan Semi-Tractor Trailer Accident

Fatal Minneapolis Head-On Collision May Have Been Caused by Drunk Driver

Liability of Bars, Liquor Stores and Other Sellers of Liquor under the Minnesota Dram Shop Law

Bus Driver Who Allegedly Hit Teenager While Driving Drunk is Arrested

Truck School Bus Collision Injures Children

Burlington Northern Train Collision Lawsuit

Free Consultation Regardinga Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad Lawsuit

Tractor Trailer Rear End Accident Suit

Collision Attorney

Auto Accident Lawsuit

Beet Truck Accident

Who is at Fault for This Tragic Death?

Cell Phone and Texting Accidents

Semi Truck Driver Negligence

Semi Truck Driver Negligence

Charter Bus Accident Injures Special Olympics Athletes

MN Dump Truck-SUV Collision

Yamaha Rhino Lawsuits Update

Consolidation of Yamaha Rhino Lawsuits in MDL Benefits Victims

School Bus Accident in Minneapolis Injures Elderly Man

Rochester MN Accident Lawyer

Accident Victim Compensation

Accident Wrongful Death Compensation

Broadside Accident in Olmsted County, MN

Drunk Driver Liability

Liability of Bars, Restaurants and Other "Dram Shops"

Minneapolis Bicyclist Killed by Truck Driver

Car Accident Lawyer MN Law Violations

MN School Bus Hits and Kills Six-Year-Old

Liability for School Bus Wrongful Death

Semitrailer Truck Accident on Icy Roads

Minneapolis School Bus Accident

Yamaha Rhino Side-By-Side Recall

Polaris Outlaw Recall

Free Consultation Regarding
a Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad Lawsuit