Michigan Truck Accident Lawyer

If you’ve collided with a commercial truck, you need an attorney who understands the unique challenges posed by these cases. In terms of complexity and stress, truck accident cases are very different from car crashes and other personal injury claims. Accident victims face significant medical bills as they try to rehab, and few are prepared to handle a truck accident claim on their own.

At Groth & Associates, we work with clients just like you to obtain compensation. These collisions cause untold damage, and injured victims need help. Please reach out to our Michigan truck accident lawyer today to review your case.

WE HELP THOSE INJURED BY ANY LARGE VEHICLE

Our attorneys can help if you were struck by any of the following:

• Dump truck
• Sanitation vehicle
• Fuel truck
• Cement mixer
• Tractor-trailer or 18-wheeler
• Semi-truck
• Forklift
• Box truck
• Moving van
• U-Haul

Although these trucks are different, they share key features. For one, they are hard to maneuver and most require a commercial driver’s license to operate. For another, many large trucks have huge blind spots, which increase the odds of a crash.

For a free legal consultation with a truck accident lawyer serving Michigan, call (419) 930-3030

WAS THE TRUCK DRIVER NEGLIGENT?

Truck accidents happen so quickly that you might not know who is to blame. In our experience, most accidents are caused by dangerous drivers. Some sources of danger include:

• Driving too fast for conditions
• Distraction
• Using a cell phone
• Chemical impairment (alcohol, drugs, prescription drugs, etc.)
• Driver confusion
• Fatigue

A personal injury lawyer in Michigan can help determine fault by carefully reviewing all evidence. If the driver is to blame, we can sue both the driver and his employer. Trucking companies must reasonably train and supervise their truckers, and they are liable when they don’t. In any event, Michigan law makes employers automatically liable when their employees hurt someone negligently while working.

Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me (419) 930-3030

WERE OTHER PARTIES AT FAULT?

Other parties apart from the driver could also be to blame:

• Loading companies. They could have loaded the cargo wrong, leading to imbalance and rollover accidents.
• Mechanics. A mechanic who did poor repair work can contribute to a crash. For example, the mechanic might have failed to notice that the brakes need to be replaced, or he could have performed repairs negligently.
• Truck manufacturers. A design or manufacturing defect could cause the truck to become uncontrollable.
• Municipalities. Sometimes a road defect contributes to a crash. For example, a truck could have backed over someone downtown where there was insufficient lighting or street markings.

Truck accidents are usually more complicated than run-of-the-mill fender benders. Without the right Michigan truck accident attorney, victims will struggle to receive the compensation they fully deserve.

COMPENSATION FOR TRUCK ACCIDENT INJURIES

These large vehicles cause serious injuries, such as:

• Fractures
• Friction burns
• Chest injuries
• Head injuries
• Organ damage
• Facial injuries
• Concussion or traumatic brain injuries
• Nerve damage
• Spinal column injuries
• Crush injuries

Anyone involved in a crash should seek compensation for medical care and lost income. They should also have the at-fault party fix their car, which usually suffers serious damage. Lastly, victims should seek compensation for pain, suffering, emotional distress, and disfigurement—all of which could be considered following a wreck.

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HURDLES TO RECEIVING COMPENSATION FOR A TRUCK ACCIDENT

We wish it were easy to get truckers to pay fair compensation. Sadly, the opposite is true. Based on our experience, negotiating a truck accident settlement is much trickier than car accidents. Truck companies in Michigan and surrounding states make sure to reduce their liability as much as possible.

Within an hour of your accident, the company probably has sent one of their many investigators to the scene to begin collecting evidence. Truck companies want to know exactly what happened so they can try to push more of the liability onto your shoulders.

Truck accidents also typically involve complex evidence, such as electronic recording systems on a truck. Many companies hold onto this information very tightly, so victims benefit from hiring an attorney who can force them to hand over anything useful.

There are also many more potential defendants, all of whom might point the finger at each other. To successfully bring a claim, your attorney should untangle all liability issues and confidently negotiate a settlement for your benefit.

TRUCKING INDUSTRY REGULATIONS

Because this is a dangerous industry, the federal government has an entire agency dedicated to regulation—the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA. This agency has passed many regulations which sometimes come into play with truck accidents. For example, a driver or trucking company could have committed a violation of one of these regs, which is very strong proof of negligence.

Some of the more important regulations include:

• Cell phone use. The FMCSA has prohibited truckers from using a hand-held cell phone while driving. However, the agency does allow the use of a “hands-free” device.
• Drug testing. A trucking company cannot let an employee drive until they receive a pre-employment clean drug test. Drug testing is alsomandatory after many accidents, and drivers must be suspended if they fail. Companies should also perform drug testing randomly or whenever they suspect one of their drivers is under the influence.
• Physical exams. Truckers must pass a physical exam before they can begin driving.
• Hours of service. The agency sets a maximum number of hours a trucker can work in a single day, as well as a weekly maximum. For example, a trucker who transports goods cannot work more than 60 hours in seven consecutive days or 70 hours in eight consecutive days.

Some trucking companies cut corners to maximize profits or to avoid hiring more drivers. Unfortunately, public safety suffers as a result. Bringing a personal injury lawsuit for an accident is one way to force the industry to change its habits.

CONTACT GROTH & ASSOCIATES TODAY

We understand how stressed accidents victims feel in the weeks following a crash. Fortunately, we are prepared to do everything it takes to get you the compensation you deserve. Please call us today to learn more. One of our truck accident lawyers in Michigan will meet to discuss your case for free in a confidential consultation.

Call or text (419) 930-3030 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form