The driver of the car, Sandra Babatz, 45, of Norwood Young America, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the pick-up truck, Juan Olvera, 35, of Sullivan, Texas, died as he was being transported to Ridgeview Medical Center. There were 4 other occupants in the truck. All four were critically injured and taken to Ridgeview Medical Center, Waconia. They are: Nancy Castillo, 29, Narely Olvera, 9, Andira Olvera, 8, and Galylea, Olvera, 7, all of Bird Island. The driver of the truck was not injured.

Minneapolis Semi Truck Accidents

Very often when someone is rear-ended, the offender was being inattentive — eating, talking on a cellphone, changing the radio station, or even texting. The District of Columbia and 14 states, including Minnesota, have outlawed texting while driving; but it is still the cause of many semi truck accidents. A recent study by Virginia Tech reported that when a person is texting they take their eyes off the road for nearly 5 seconds. At 55 mph, you can travel the length of a football in that amount of time.

Commercial truck drivers are responsible for driving safely and obeying the laws. Trucking companies are responsible for training their drivers, there are strict state and federal regulations they must follow. The requirements include keeping log books, time sheets, and truck maintenance and inspection records.

Minnesota Semi Truck Accident Attorney

If you have been injured in a semi truck accident, you could receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and diminished quality of life. Truck accidents need to be investigated immediately and evidence preserved. Call 612-362-0000 or contact us. Our partners are experts at establishing fault and proving liability in difficult cases.

The driver died at the scene; her aunt was taken to Regions Hospital, where she later died. A third family member is in critical condition at Regions Hospital. The names of the victims have been released. The driver was Carolyn Anderson, 59, of Eagan, Minnesota, the aunt was Rose Bongiovanni, 88, of St. Paul, Minnesota, and the family member that was injured is Marlene Wanner, 72, of Oakdale, Minnesota.

This tragedy is a reminder to all of us about the brevity of life and the dangers of being on the road with semi trucks. This type of collision is most often due to driver error or negligence, which can include texting and driving. Nothing can bring back a family member, but justice can be sought.

There are many companies and people that can be held accountable in a semi truck accident, including the owner of the truck, the owner of the trailer, the owner of the trucking company, the owner of the freight, and the truck driver.

Our Minneapolis Semi Truck Accident Law Firm will hire expert investigators and accident reconstruction specialists to find out the facts to establish fault and prove liability in semi truck accidents. Our partners are skilled, aggressive, and compassion attorneys with years of experience and a reputation for large settlements, including a recent settlement for $3.75 million.

We will handle all of the paperwork, all of the interaction with the insurance companies, and file your claim. Call 612-362-0000 or contact us.