A tragic truck accident in Burnsville, Minnesota claimed the life of a 29-year-old contract worker on Wednesday morning. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, Pierre Raymon Mack of St. Paul was working inside a marked construction zone on southbound Interstate 35W near Highway 13 when he was struck and killed by a truck with a boom attachment.
The crash occurred shortly before 9 a.m. The driver of the truck, identified as Kerry Don Ingram, 50, of North Branch, was not injured. Authorities say the incident happened within the construction zone and did not involve passing traffic. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Mr. Mack was working as a contractor for the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). His death adds to a growing list of fatalities involving road construction workers in Minnesota. Since 1960, 36 MnDOT workers and 16 contractors have died while working on Minnesota highways.
Understanding Legal Options After a Fatal Construction Zone Crash
When a fatal construction zone crash involves a commercial vehicle or heavy equipment such as a forklift, it may raise legal questions about who is responsible. While some cases are limited to workers’ compensation, others may involve third-party liability, which can allow families to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit in addition to any benefits provided through the employer.
What Is Third-Party Liability?
Third-party liability applies when a company or individual outside the victim’s employer causes or contributes to an accident. In these cases, surviving family members may have grounds to pursue a work injury claim in addition to any workers’ compensation benefits.
In a construction zone, potential third parties might include:
- A commercial trucking company
- A subcontractor operating within the work zone
- An equipment operator or company responsible for maintenance
- A party responsible for work zone traffic control or logistics
If a third party is found to have acted negligently for example, by operating a vehicle unsafely, failing to follow safety procedures, or violating traffic or workplace regulations, that party may be legally responsible for the death.
What Compensation Can Families Recover in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
After a fatal truck accident in a construction zone, many families are left wondering how they’ll cover funeral costs, medical bills, and the loss of their loved one’s income. A wrongful death lawsuit can help surviving family members seek compensation from a company or third party that may be legally responsible.
A wrongful death claim may include compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills related to the accident
- Lost income or future financial support
- Loss of companionship, care, and emotional support
While no amount of money can ever make up for the loss of a loved one, an experienced wrongful death attorney can help families seek justice and secure the support and resources they need in the aftermath of a tragic loss.
Why Early Investigation Matters in a Truck Accident Lawsuit
In construction zone truck accidents, determining liability often requires more than relying on a state agency’s review. An independent investigation led by an experienced truck accident lawyer can be critical to preserving evidence, identifying potential third-party defendants, and moving the case forward.
Key evidence may include:
- Truck maintenance and inspection records
- Operator logs and employment history
- Traffic control and safety plans for the work zone
- Witness statements or surveillance footage
- Crash reconstruction analysis
How Pritzker Hageman Helps After Construction Zone Truck Accidents
Pritzker Hageman represents individuals and families in serious injury and wrongful death cases involving construction zone truck accidents. These cases often involve multiple companies, including contractors, equipment operators, or commercial trucking firms, and require careful investigation to determine who is legally responsible.
In a recent case, our legal team secured a settlement for a worker who was struck by a truck while performing duties in a construction zone off the roadway. We understand how overwhelming these situations can be, especially when answers are unclear and multiple parties are involved.
Our truck accident attorneys are committed to helping clients navigate the legal process with care. We work to uncover the facts, identify all potential sources of liability, and pursue the accountability and compensation our clients deserve.
Talk to an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a construction zone truck accident, our legal team is here to help. We have represented clients in cases involving serious injury and wrongful death and are committed to providing the support and guidance you need.
Consultations are always free, and you will not pay anything unless we win your case. To speak with a truck accident lawyer at Pritzker Hageman, call 612-338-0202, text 612-261-0856, or fill out the contact form below.
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