At about 7:20 this morning the driver of a Toyota Sienna “made contact” with a Sterling semi tractor at the intersection of Highway 3 and 280th in Dakota county, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.
Four people were injured and transported via air ambulance to Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) in Minneapolis. The driver of the minivan, a mother from Lakeville, MN, and one of the two children in the minivan were listed as seriously injured in the state patrol’s report. Two others were also injured, including another child, but the state patrol did not classify those injuries as serious.
The investigation into the accident is preliminary, and there is no information as to the how or why the minivan and the semi truck collided. The state patrol classified the crash as a “serious injury” broadside and stated the road was dry.
There are a number of questions that need answers:
- Was the semi violating any traffic laws?
- Was the semi violating any state or federal regulations for commercial vehicles?
- Is there evidence of negligence apart from violation of a law or regulation?
- Were there skid marks and what do they say about the crash?
- Is there evidence the truck driver was distracted?
- Was the truck driver at fault, even in part?
- Is a truck company or other business liable (legally responsible) for the serious injuries caused by this accident?
The family of the mother and 2 children injured in this crash deserve answers. As parents and attorneys who have helped many families, we know this is an extremely difficult time, and our thoughts are with the family.
Families should interview lawyers at at least 2 different law firms because it is important to hire a lawyer who the family trusts. Most personal injury attorneys in the Twin Cities, including Fred and Eric, make house and hospital calls. It makes it easier for the family.
