What Should I Do if the Insurance Company Offers a Quick Settlement?

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Insurance companies often offer compensation to victims very quickly. They know victims are anxious to receive compensation because of mounting medical expenses, car damage, rental bills and wage loss. Sometimes insurance companies will try to settle the property claim and then add a few dollars for the “rest of the claim” when an injured person does not understand what they are settling for. Insurance companies also know victims have no idea what a “case” is worth, and that people receive on average three times more with legal representation.

However, it rarely is a good idea to accept a quick settlement. Learn more about why insurers make settlement offers to victims and how you should respond.

Reach out to an experienced Bloomington personal injury lawyer from TSR Injury Law to discuss the insurance company’s settlement offer. We may be able to help you obtain fair compensation for the damages you have sustained.

Initial Offers are Usually Too Low

If an insurance company offers a settlement soon after a crash, it is likely to be worth much less than the full value of your damages. The insurance company is looking to close out the claim quickly and pay out the lowest amount of compensation it can. Insurance companies are not concerned about you receiving fair compensation or fully recovering for the losses from your crash. They are businesses focused on profit. The less they pay out for claims, the more profit they make.

Insurance companies like to offer quick settlements because victims often take them, out of fear they may not get another offer. They also may feel anxious as bills and expenses pile up and they cannot work.

Once you settle your claim, you give up the right to pursue more insurance compensation and the right to file a lawsuit. This is devastating if you later find out your injuries were more severe than you first knew or discover the true value of the claim was short by a multiple of three.

Can I Counter?

Many accident victims are afraid to reject an insurance company’s offer because they fear that they will not make another offer. However, the first offer is usually not the last one the insurance company will make. The insurance company has an incentive to settle claims outside of court to avoid the cost and uncertainty of trial. They expect you to negotiate. The greater issue is injured people do not know the “value” of the claim. A first or last offer is usually much less than what the same claim is worth with legal representation. Why? Because attorneys that specialize in the area have thousands of other claims to compare to and most importantly, if the insurance company does not act fairly, a lawyer can hold them legally accountable. Injured people can only be mad about low offers.  An attorney can actually do something about it and the firm’s reputation of prior litigation success also plays into the insurance company offer. The law allows for a multitude of claims. They include:

  • The cost of past medical bills
  • The anticipated cost of future medical care
  • Property damage
  • Lost wages

In addition to damages that are easier to calculate (like wage loss) there are “soft” damages to consider. These include the effects the accident may have on your life, such as:

  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Emotional Distress
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of companionship

When Should You Settle?

The reality is that most personal injury claims settle, many before a lawsuit is ever filed. It is your case and ultimately your decision when you decide to settle. However, it is a good idea to discuss the situation with an experienced lawyer, who can help determine the fair value of your claim. A free legal consultation is key to any educated decision.

Your lawyer will likely advise you not to settle your claim until you have healed from your accident. At that point, your lawyer can better determine the cost of future medical care and how your injury may affect your life moving forward. A lawyer can also settle part of the claim and keep other parts open.  For example, the car damage and rental can be settled quickly, but the end injury claim can remain open if the proper release is used.

Contact TSR Injury Law for Help

You do not have to confront the insurance company alone. The experienced attorneys at TSR Injury Law may be to help you pursue maximum compensation from the insurance company. You do not have to accept a lowball settlement offer from the insurance company that will not fully compensate you for the damages you suffered.

Contact us today to schedule your free case review. (612) TSR-TIME

How Does Minnesota’s No-Fault Insurance System Affect Car Crash Claims?

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In most states, car crash victims pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance policy after an accident. However, Minnesota is one of a handful of states that follows a no-fault insurance system for motor vehicle accidents.

This system can have a significant impact on your ability to recover full compensation for your damages or pursue a claim against the at-fault party.

The experienced Minneapolis car accident lawyers at TSR Injury Law have represented many injury victims, helping them to obtain compensation. Call today to request a free, no-obligation consultation. We are ready to discuss your situation, answer your legal questions and explain more about Minnesota’s no-fault system.

What Does No-Fault Mean?

There are a lot of misconceptions about no-fault coverage. No-fault means that fault is not a consideration in awarding compensation for medical bills, wage loss or some property damage claims. Rather than pursuing compensation for these damages from the at-fault party, injured victims must file a claim with their own insurance companies. The insurance company will provide compensation for covered losses, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.

That said, no-fault does not mean the insurance company will pay for all the losses victims suffered in the crash. No-fault insurance only covers the expenses that directly result from your injuries.

No-fault insurance is also called Basic Economic Loss Benefits.

Deadline for Filing a No-Fault Claim in Minnesota

A no-fault claim must be presented within a reasonable amount of time after a crash. Each policy will contain language determining the time, but the general rule is the sooner after a crash you file a claim, the better.

If you were injured in a crash, call your agent and set up a claim immediately. Legal help can ensure the forms are correctly filled out and preclude the insurance company from gathering improper information.

It is common for insurance companies to ask for an Application for Benefits, medical releases, wage loss forms and statements of crash facts. Some require an independent doctor to review them before bills are processed.

What Are the Pros and Cons of No-Fault?

The no-fault system was established to ease the burden on courts and allow accident victims to receive prompt treatment for their injuries without worrying about who was at fault or if the bad driver even had proper insurance.

In other words, it takes a lot less time to process these claims compared to claims against the other driver’s liability insurance. This means less stress and fewer hassles for injured victims.

However, there are disadvantages to Minnesota’s no-fault insurance system. The biggest disadvantage is that this system limits your ability to file a bodily injury claim against the at-fault driver. Your claim must clear a certain threshold, otherwise, you cannot seek compensation for pain and suffering and other non-economic damages from the liable driver.

Another downside to no-fault claims is that they do not hold the other driver accountable. Although this may be disappointing to some crash victims, they can still recover significant compensation from their no-fault coverage.

When Did Minnesota Become a No-Fault Insurance State?

Minnesota’s no-fault car insurance law took effect on January 1st, 1975. Since then, several more states have enacted their own no-fault laws. As of January 2023, there are 11 other no-fault states, including Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania and Utah. The remaining 38 states have fault-based systems, also called tort systems.

What Are the No-Fault Benefits in Minnesota?

Minnesota law requires all licensed drivers to purchase Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which is the no-fault component of your insurance.

Minimum Requirements for PIP Coverage

The state minimum for PIP coverage is $40,000 per person per accident. The $40,000.00 is divided into two $20,000.00 claims. Up to $20,000 of this amount can be used to pay for hospital and medical expenses and the remaining $20,000 covers non-medical expenses like lost wages and replacement services like housekeeping.

There are limits and time considerations for each claim. For example, the first 7 days are free for replacement services.

What Medical Expenses Are Covered by No-Fault Insurance?

Minnesota crash victims can seek compensation for all reasonable medical expenses for necessary care, which may include:

  • Surgery
  • Rehabilitation services
  • Prescription medications
  • Hospital stays
  • X-rays
  • Transportation to the hospital in an ambulance
  • Chiropractic care
  • Prosthetic devices
  • And more

Income Loss Benefits

If the injury you suffered in the crash prevents you from working, your PIP insurance provides up to 85 percent of your present and future gross income, with a maximum of $500 per week. This includes the cost of hiring someone else to do the things necessary to maintain your income if you are self-employed.

Funeral Expenses

PIP also covers $5,000.00 for funeral expenses in case the crash caused death.

Increasing Your PIP Coverage

You can purchase more than the minimum amount of PIP insurance if you want to. If you own multiple vehicles with the same company, “stacking” the benefits is also available. This will double or triple the coverage available. For example, if you own two cars and stack benefits, you will have $40,000.00 in medical and $40,000.00 in wage coverage. The weekly wage benefits would also go from $500 to $1000.00 and replacement services from $200.00 a week to $400.00.

What Are the Priorities for No-Fault Coverage in Minnesota?

There may be various no-fault policies that may cover you in the event of an accident.

While there are exceptions, these are the typical priorities for no-fault coverage:

  1. The vehicle you own and are insured with;
  2. If you do not own an insured vehicle, you may get coverage from a resident relative’s policy;
  3. If you do not live with a relative who has an insured vehicle, you may be covered by the car insurance of a vehicle you were a passenger in or that struck you as a pedestrian.
  4. Assigned Claims is free no-fault coverage that is available to certain injured people. If you do not own an insured vehicle, do not reside with anyone who owns an insured vehicle and the car that you are in (but do not own) or that hits you has no insurance, then you may qualify for free coverage.

How No-Fault Affects the Ability to File a Car Accident Lawsuit

After a crash, you must first collect on your PIP benefits. After that, and if you meet the injury threshold, you may be eligible to file an injury claim (also called a bodily injury claim) for pain and suffering against the at fault driver’s insurance. There are five thresholds.

  1. Death
  2. $4,000.00 in medical treatment not including X-Ray or MRI scans
  3. Permanent injury
  4. Unable to attend work for at least 60 days
  5. Have a permanent disfigurement, like a scar, from the crash

Some crashes may meet one of these criteria, which is why all Minnesota drivers are required to carry the minimum insurance coverage of:

  • $30,000 in liability insurance for one person’s bodily injury
  • $60,000 of liability insurance for injuries to two or more people
  • $10,000 for damage to the victim’s vehicle

What if the At-Fault Driver is Uninsured or Underinsured?

Minnesota law also requires drivers to carry uninsured coverage of $25,000 for injuries to one person, $50,000 for injuries to two or more people and $10,000 for property damage. Additionally, drivers must carry underinsured coverage of $25,000 for injuries to one person and $50,000 for injuries to two or more people.

You can make a claim under these policies if the other driver’s liability insurance is insufficient to cover the damages stemming from the crash. You may also be able to make a claim under your comprehensive or collision coverage.

What Compensation Can You Recover in a Car Accident Lawsuit?

If your crash was so severe that you have the right to step outside of the no-fault system to file a liability insurance claim or lawsuit, you can seek compensation for the damages not covered by your PIP insurance.

These damages may include:

  • Physical pain and emotional suffering: These are the physical pain and psychological/emotional toll caused by your injuries, such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, lost enjoyment of life and lost companionship.
  • Medical expenses that exceed PIP coverage: Some examples include ongoing medical care that arise after the conclusion of your case.
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Lost wages
  • And more

How an Injury Lawyer Can Help

If you were injured in a crash, it is important for you to seek medical attention. After that, you should contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your claim.

Although no-fault insurance is intended to make the claims process easier, many of our clients have not had this experience until they hired us. Their claims are sometimes wrongfully denied, or they are subjected to unnecessary delays.

The personal injury team at TSR Injury Law is dedicated to helping victims receive maximum compensation. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your claim in more detail.

Contact us today to learn about your legal rights. (612) TSR-TIME

Compensation After an Accident in a Minnepolis Rental Car

signing up to rent a carThe last thing people want to deal with after renting a car is an accident. You may be renting a car because your regular car was damaged in an accident. You may also be on vacation.

If this type of accident happens, there may be a few options for pursuing compensation for damages. The dedicated Bloomington car accident lawyers at TSR Injury Law are prepared to guide you through this process, if you have a valid claim and hire us to represent you.

Insurance Coverage for Rental Car Accidents

The first question is to determine what type of insurance coverage you have. You may be financially on the hook for damages caused to the rental car even if someone else caused the accident, based on the agreement that you made with the rental car company, so it is important that you try to identify what insurance policies may apply to your situation.

Minnesota law requires every auto insurance policy to provide of minimum $30,000 in liability coverage without a deductible for any property damage to a rental car. When a driver rents a vehicle in Minnesota, there must be a separate notice attached to the rental contract that notifies the driver of this coverage.

The notice must also state that a collision damage waiver or similar insurance is not necessary if the driver’s auto policy was issued in Minnesota. In fact, car rental companies cannot sell any collision damage waiver or other insurance on the rented vehicle unless the driver signs a document saying that he or she read and understands the notice.

If your damages exceed the Minnesota rental car coverage limit or you did not purchase an auto insurance policy in Minnesota, you may have other options for covering your auto accident damages.

Rental Car Company Insurance

You may be offered additional insurance coverage by the rental car company. Some insurance products that are frequently offered during this transaction include the following:

  • Collision damage waiver – This type of coverage prevents you from being liable for any repair or replacement costs if you are in an accident or the vehicle is stolen. However, there are some exceptions.
  • Liability coverage – This coverage pays for the property damage, injury and medical expenses that others incurred as a result of your negligence.
  • Personal accident insurance – This type of insurance pays for the injuries you and your passengers sustained while in the rental vehicle.
  • Personal effects coverage – This coverage pays for your personal belongings that are damaged during the accident in your rental car.

Your Car Insurance

Your own car insurance coverage may apply to damage that occurs while you are in a rental car. In some situations, your own coverage may overlap with what the rental car company is offering you. You might be required to provide proof of your insurance coverage from your own auto insurance policy if you decline coverage from the rental company.

Credit Card Company Insurance

If you rent the vehicle with a credit card, you might have insurance that automatically applies to your rental car.

Deductibles and Coverage Limits

Your insurance policy may have specific deductibles and coverage limits. It is important that you understand these terms in your policy.

The deductible is the amount that you pay out of pocket before the claim can be resolved. For example, if you have a $1,000 deductible, you would have to pay $1,000 before the insurance carrier would cover the rest of the loss. Even though Minnesota’s rental car coverage does not require a deductible, a deductible may apply to other aspects of your accident.

The insurance company will only pay up to the coverage limits of any insurance policy you have with it. You will be responsible for any damages that exceed the coverage limits.

When purchasing insurance for your rental car, be sure that you contact your own insurance company to determine the type of coverage you have already, the policy limits and the deductible.

Contact TSR Injury Law for Help

If you were involved in an accident in a rented car, the claims process may be complicated. The experienced attorneys at TSR Injury Law understand the many factors involved and have a track record of recovering fair compensation for car accident victims.

Our dedicated personal injury lawyers work diligently to secure maximum compensation to help victims move forward after an accident.

The consultation is free and there is no obligation so there is no risk to you. Call (612) TSR-TIME today.

Woman Drives Drunk with Son Inside, Causing Crash

A woman from Eagan has been accused of drunk driving, causing a crash, while her 15-year-old son was in the car with her. The incident occurred late in November and charges were filed in Dakota County Court in early December.

Jean Marie Williams, 45, was charged with two counts of second-degree DWI, misdemeanors, in connection with an accident that occurred on November 27. The criminal complaint states that the crash occurred at 250th Street on Highway 52 at approximately 11 a.m. The Minnesota State Patrol responded at around 11:20 a.m. to find an intoxicated Williams with her teenage son.

It was found that Williams had been driving the car southbound on 52 and attempted to make a U-turn so she could go northbound. This maneuver caused another vehicle heading northbound to hit a center median. Aside from Williams’ son, her husband was also in the vehicle with her.

In the complaint, the officer says he smelled the odor of alcohol on her, so he gave her a preliminary breath test. The result showed a blood alcohol concentration of .20, which is more than twice Minnesota’s .08 legal limit.

At the time of the crash, no injuries had been reported. If Williams is convicted, she could pay $6,000 in fines and spend up to two years in jail. There is no word on if the victim in the other vehicle that struck the median has developed any complications as a result of the crash.

If you are injured in a collision with a drunk driver, it’s important to contact a reputable auto accident lawyer in Bloomington, MN for legal advice. You may be eligible to receive compensation for property damage and injuries that may have been sustained in the collision. For more information, call (612) TSR-TIME.

TSR Injury Law – Free Consultation.

Man Charged with Criminal-Vehicular Homicide

A man from Albert Lea is facing criminal-vehicular homicide, a felony, in Faribault County.

According to the complaint, Jared Bowman is facing one count of criminal-vehicular homicide stemming from a December 10th incident that authorities have said involved Bowman crossing the center line while traveling east on Minnesota Highway 109.

When he crossed the center line, this caused a car traveling westbound to swerve to avoid the accident. When the car swerved, Bowman hit the car behind that car. As a result, 49-year-old Ronald Hinderman was killed in the collision.

According to a witness, Bowman was looking down at something right before his pickup truck crossed over into the other lane.

The State Patrol said that Bowman was driving as a distracted driver. Distracted driving is something that the State Patrol is always warning about because it is a factor in so many accidents.

The complaint says that Bowman was also traveling 71 miles per hour in a 55 mph zone.

According to court documents, Bowman could face a penalty of up to $20,000 in fines and 10 years in prison. He is due in court on June 3rd.

Upon review of past documents, Bowman was convicted of DWI in 2011. However, the State Patrol reconstruction report says that alcohol was not a factor in this crash.

Head on accidents can be devastating for all parties involved. If you or a loved one has sustained an injury due to the negligence of another driver, contact a Bloomington car accident lawyer from TSR Injury Law today.

Free Consultation – Ph: (612) TSR-TIME.

DWI Patrols Increased for Holiday Weekend

In an effort to NOT repeat the Memorial Day accident statistics, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety announced on Thursday that State Patrols will be prolific and diligent this weekend — against drunk drivers. The department will conduct Operation NightCAP (night time concentrated alcohol patrol) in a thirteen county area: Anoka, Blue Earth, Crow Wing, Dakota, Hennepin, Itasca, Ramsey, Rice, St. Louis, Sherburne, Stearns, Washington, and Wright. (They will also crack down on seat belt violations. Citations may now be issued even if there are no other violation.)

Last 4th of July weekend, 70% of the deaths were alcohol-related. There were nearly 2,000 arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated. Operation NightCAP was very effective last year, issuing nearly 150 seatbelt citations and nearly 200 DWI arrests.

TSR Injury Law and MADD Minnesota applaud this additional effort taken to prevent a deadly weekend. Founding partner, Steve Terry, and MADD Minnesota Executive Director, Jean Mulvey, filmed a PSA commercial that will be airing this weekend. It is addresses the issue of drunk driving and the importance of a designated driver.

Unfortunately, drunk driving accidents are all too common in Minnesota. If you have suffered injury due to a negligent drunk driver, contact a Bloomington car accident lawyer at TSR Injury Law. We will help you through the legal maze, handle all of the paperwork, negotiate with the insurance adjusters, and file your claim. Our partners have years of experience in personal injury law, including car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and bicycle accidents. Call (612) TSR-TIME or submit our free consultation form.

Roseville, MN 7 Car Crash Leaves 1 Dead

At 4 p.m. today, a minivan crashed into a line of vehicles stopped at a red light, setting off a chain reaction. In total, seven vehicles where involved in the crash. One woman died and the driver of the minivan is in critical condition at Regions Hospital, St. Paul.

According to Roseville Police, six vehicles were heading west on County Road C and stopped for a red light at Snelling Avenue. A white minivan, also heading west and driven by a man who is suspected of having a medical problem, approached at a high rate of speed and was not able to stop.

The first vehicle that was hit by the van was being driven by a woman from Montrose. That woman died at the scene.

The Roseville Police and Minnesota State Patrol were on the scene. The accident will be reconstructed and investigated. Alcohol is not suspected in the crash. Names of victims have not been released.

Help For Victims and Families

Any accident is traumatic. A multi-car crash is terrifying. With a rear-end collision, very frequently victims sustain soft tissue injuries. Soft tissue injuries can be difficult to proof. The insurance companies will do everything in their power to destroy your claim — they will question your integrity and the competency of your doctors. You need legal representation to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Contact a Minneapolis auto accident lawyer at (612) TSR-TIME. We will fight for your rights.

Elderly Couple Injured in Bus Crash

A tour bus carrying Minnesota baseball players and coaches crashed when a white 4-door Buick heading southbound turned in front of the northbound bus on 34th Street in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The police report says that the elderly female driver and her elderly male passenger were transported to a local hospital as trauma alerts. Approximately an hour after the accident, police released a statement that said the woman had died as a result of her injuries.

What police later found out was that the woman had “coded,” but she was brought back. Police were then told that the woman was alive, but was not expected to survive. She died on March 20.

The elderly man in the vehicle is still in the hospital as a trauma alert, but he is expected to survive.

According to police, the couple’s Cocker Spaniel was unrestrained in the back seat of the car. The dog had sustained minor injuries and was transported to a veterinary clinic for treatment.

On the bus there were 41 people from the Rochester Community and Technical College. Police say the baseball team and coaches were in town for a baseball tournament at the Walter Fuller Park.

School Bus Accident – Mendota Heights, MN

Tuesday morning started out cool and rainy on Hwy 110 in Mendota Heights. After 30 students had been picked up, Raymond Baar, the driver of a Monarch Bus Service school bus, was driving eastbound and needed to turn left onto Charlton Street. He failed to see a westbound vehicle approaching, turning in front of the Pontiac Gran Prix, resulting in a collision.

Justin Kalenberg, 24, driver of the Pontiac, was transported to Regions Hospital and is in serious condition. Six children were taken to Regions Hospital, as well, where they were treated and released.

The accident occurred about 9 a.m., according to Minnesota State Patrol records. The bus was transporting students to Tarek ibn Ziyad Academy, a K-8 Inver Grove Heights charter school. The impact resulted in the bus going into the ditch. The roof of the car had to be removed, with the “jaws of life”, to get the driver out. State Patrol reported that the driver was conscious and talking by the time he was extricated.

State law requires a bus driver to pass a written test, road test, and physical exam. Additionally, their criminal history and driving record are pulled and checked each year. Minnesota State Patrol will review the bus driver’s records to determine whether he was qualified to drive. Baar is on leave pending the investigation.

Do Passengers Have a Claim?

All of us want our children to be safe while they are being transported. School bus accidents are very scary for everyone involved, especially for the children onboard. It is vital to have qualified drivers, driving well-maintained buses, and obeying the traffic laws.

The Minneapolis personal injury lawyers at TSR Injury Law are compassionate, caring fathers who aggressively pursue justice where the system has failed. Call (612) TSR-TIME or submit our free contact form.

Christmas Eve Drunk Driver Killed 88-Year-Old Man in Lakeville, MN

Jeffery Arthur Martin, 37, was charged for driving drunk and causing a collision that led to the death of an 88-year-old man on Christmas Eve.

The serious auto accident took place at Dodd Blvd and Gerdine Avenue, Lakeville. Martin was driving a Dodge Durango, and turned left onto westbound Dodd, crashing into the Cadillac driven by Susan M. Shaffer, 69, of Prior Lake.

Shaffer was taken to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, where she is still in serious condition. Her husband, Everett Letterly, 88, was taken to Regions and died on Christmas Day. Martin was not injured nor was his 9-year-old child, who was in the car with him.

Martin failed the preliminary breath test and was arrested at the scene. Monday he was charged in Dakota County District Court with drunken driving and child endangerment in connection with the collision. Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom said more charges may follow.

The accident is under further investigation by Dakota County Officers.

Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Sherburne County

There was a fatal motorcycle crash on Tuesday in Sherburne County. Jeff Skoglund, 49, of Anoka, was killed when his motorcycle was struck by a flat-bed tow truck being driven by Brett Johnson, 44.

The accident happened at the intersection of County Roads 38 and 19. Mr. Skoglund was driving northbound on County Road 19. The tow truck was going east on County Road 38. The accident occurred about 12:05 p.m. The truck driver was not injured according to the County Sheriff’s Office.

The accident is still under investigation.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Statistics from 2006 showed that the fatality rate for bikers was 5.5 times that of motorists. Nationwide that year, 4,810 motorcyclists were killed in traffic accidents, most of them preventable. The Minneapolis motorcycle accident lawyers at TSR Injury Law believe that one way to reduce the rate of these accidents is by holding negligent drivers responsible for their actions. We believe this will send a clear message that drivers need to be more alert on the road.

Contact a personal injury attorney at (612) TSR-TIME. Partner Steve Terry is an avid motorcyclist. He knows how to get victims of motorcycle accidents the compensation they deserve. He will fight for justice in your motorcycle accident case.

Truck Driver Training – Driving Simulator – Drive Cam

Truck driver training has made a technological leap into the 21st century. Technology, especially the driving simulator, is helping fleets to improve safety and performance by making it easier to train and monitor truck drivers. Many large, commercial fleets are adding tools such as computer-based training, driving simulators, and onboard video monitors to their driver education programs in an effort to deliver more and better training and performance feedback. The results are very encouraging.

In an effort to reduce semi truck accidents, “we’ve focused on brakes, we’ve focused on tires — all those things — but the Crash Causation Study shows us that we clearly need to focus on drivers and the issues surrounding them.” ~ Administrator Annette M. Sandberg, head of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Why computer-based training is so effective:

  • Content can be quickly updated from a single source, so that training content is always current.
  • Audio and vibration systems are designed to add accurate driving noise and feel to the experience.
  • It can create all types of challenging driving situations, such as dark, rain, snow, fog, or ice. This will allow the driver to learn how to react in dangerous situations without crashing a truck or causing personal injury.
  • A closed-circuit television allows observers to watch the drivers from the operator console.
  • The simulator allows for taping the drivers so that they can see how they reacted and do a self-critique of their performance.
  • Online training is suited to introduction, refresher, or remedial training.

Why drive cam is so effective:

  • It provides routine performance feedback — clear information as to how well drivers are actually doing on the highways.
  • Global positioning satellites, engine data recorders, and collision avoidance systems provide glimpses into the world of the truck cab.
  • Risky behaviors (speeding, hard braking, poor shifting habits) are identified.
  • It encourages truck drivers to be more attentive to their driving skills, by making them accountable for their behaviors.

Using technology to help monitor driver performance and deliver more personalized training is enabling fleets to improve safety and reduce costs. These new tools will help the industry take the next important step — to reduce the number of crashes and crash-avoidance maneuvers. Ultimately this will save lives.

Hurt In A Collision?

If you have been involved in an accident with a semi truck, contact our Minneapolis truck accident lawyers at (612) TSR-TIME. We have helped hundreds of victims recover millions in compensation. Our personal injury lawyers have received many awards for their litigation skills, including being named Minnesota Super Lawyers. Do not delay. In a semi truck accident, time is money. Records must be subpoenaed and preserved, eyewitnesses interviewed, and the accident scene investigated.