Top-Rated Detroit Truck Accident Lawyers for Your Legal Needs
Every year, thousands of Americans die or suffer catastrophic injuries and serious truck accidents. The vast majority of the fatalities resulting from commercial vehicle accidents were the occupants of other vehicles involved in those crashes. A large commercial truck typically weighs more than 20 times as much as the average passenger motor vehicle, meaning that when a semi or big rig collides with a smaller car, the resulting damage can be absolutely devastating.
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury or wrongful death in a semi-truck accident, you may be eligible to recover financial compensation from the negligent truck driver and other liable parties. However, the legal process for pursuing financial recovery from at-fault parties may be difficult. Trucking companies are very powerful and wealthy organizations with teams of lawyers present to represent their interests. It is highly recommended that you work with an experienced truck accident attorney to help you with your traffic accident case.
Our truck accident law firm has extensive experience holding members of the trucking industry accountable for their actions and inactions that cause serious injuries in auto accidents. Our legal team is well-versed in Michigan law and truck accident cases, making us a highly qualified legal advocate for personal injury victims and their families.
The truck accident lawyers of our legal staff offer free consultations to prospective new clients interested in retaining our legal services. Additionally, unlike some other law firms, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you won’t pay us a dime in legal fees unless we can successfully win a settlement for your truck accident case. To discuss your truck accident claim in more detail, please contact our Detroit law firm to schedule your free initial consultation today.
What Should a Truck Accident Victim Do After a Truck Crash?
Virtually every semi-truck accident is a serious accident, if for no other reason than the sheer difference in size and weight between big rigs and most other motor vehicles. Like those involved in car accidents, anyone involved in trucking accidents must take certain steps to protect their well-being and the future of their truck accident claim.
Immediately following semi-truck accidents, victims must assess the severity of their injuries and the injuries of others involved in the wreck. Contact law enforcement and paramedics to summon first responders to the accident scene.
When the police arrive at the truck accident scene, provide the police with your accident report and note all of the officers’ names involved in handling your trucking accident case. A thorough police report will be valuable evidence for top truck accident lawyers.
While remaining as polite as possible, try to get the truck driver’s name, the identity of their trucking company, their insurance company provider, and other relevant information. Also, seek out any witnesses to the accident and gain their contact information.
Photograph and video the accident scene as much as possible, including your injuries, the state of the vehicles, other property damage, and the debris left on the road.
You do not have to discuss your truck accident case or injuries with the trucking company, truck driver, or insurance providers. Instead, direct all questions to your personal injury attorneys. If you have not yet retained professional legal counsel, now is the time to contact our Michigan law firm to discuss how the truck accident occurred.
What Types of Motor Vehicles Are Commonly Involved in Commercial Truck Accidents?
When discussing commercial trucking accidents, most personal injury lawyers refer to auto accidents caused by large trucks. Commercial vehicles and commercial trucks are used to transport property and goods and are typically driven by professional truck drivers under the salary of trucking companies. While a pickup truck or SUV may be considered a truck by the general public, these motor vehicles are typically not referred to when speaking about truck accidents in Detroit.
Common types of trucks involved in trucking accidents include the following:
18 Wheelers
An 18-wheeler, also called a semi-truck, is one of the most recognizable vehicles on Michigan highways. These trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, which means crashes often cause catastrophic injuries. For example, a collision between an 18-wheeler and a compact car on I-75 could result in severe injuries, crushed vehicles, and traffic delays stretching for miles. Their sheer size and long stopping distances make them especially dangerous in congested urban areas like Detroit.
Big Rigs
The term “big rig” is often used interchangeably with 18-wheelers, but it may also refer to other heavy-duty tractor-trailer setups. Big rigs often transport goods across state lines, making them subject to both federal and state trucking laws. When involved in crashes, the legal complexity increases because multiple parties may share liability, including out-of-state companies, drivers, and contractors.
Buses
While buses are not traditional cargo trucks, they are considered commercial vehicles since they transport passengers for hire. Bus accidents can involve dozens of victims at once, including schoolchildren, commuters, or tourists. A bus driver’s negligence—such as running a red light or failing to check blind spots—can cause widespread injuries and significant legal claims.
Concrete Mixers
Concrete mixers are large, heavy vehicles with rotating drums. Their high center of gravity makes them prone to rollovers, especially when turning sharply or navigating uneven Detroit construction zones. When a concrete mixer tips, it can spill hazardous material onto the roadway, creating dangers for nearby motorists.
Delivery Vehicles (UPS and FedEx)
Delivery trucks make constant stops in neighborhoods, often double-parked or blocking driveways. Their drivers face tight schedules that can encourage unsafe driving habits, such as speeding or failing to yield. Because these vehicles regularly operate in residential areas, collisions frequently involve pedestrians, cyclists, or smaller passenger cars.
Dump Trucks and Garbage Trucks
These trucks are common on city streets and construction sites. Garbage trucks often stop and start frequently, creating hazards for drivers who follow too closely. Dump trucks, meanwhile, can carry loose material that spills onto roadways if improperly secured. An accident with one of these trucks may involve both collision damage and road debris hazards.
Flatbed Trailers
Flatbed trailers transport oversized loads such as construction equipment, steel beams, or lumber. Improperly secured cargo can shift or fall, creating roadway hazards that cause secondary accidents. A driver struck by a falling load from a flatbed trailer may face life-threatening injuries, and liability could extend to both the driver and the company responsible for loading.
Log Carriers
Log carriers are common in rural Michigan but can also appear near Detroit when transporting raw materials. These vehicles are particularly dangerous because logs may shift during transit. A sudden stop or sharp turn could cause logs to roll off the trailer, striking nearby vehicles or blocking traffic lanes.
Postal Trucks
Postal trucks may seem smaller than tractor-trailers, but they still qualify as commercial vehicles. They are constantly stopping and pulling away from curbs, sometimes without signaling. Accidents often involve rear-end collisions or pedestrian strikes in neighborhoods where children are playing.
Tanker Trucks
Tanker trucks transport liquids, including fuel and hazardous chemicals. In the event of a crash, victims may suffer not only physical injuries from the impact but also chemical burns, toxic exposure, or explosions. These cases require special handling due to environmental regulations and federal oversight.
Tow Trucks
Tow trucks operate in emergencies and often on the shoulders of busy highways. Collisions may occur when other drivers fail to move over or slow down. Tow truck accidents can also happen if the vehicle being towed detaches, creating chaos on the roadway.
Tractor Trailers
Tractor-trailers, consisting of a tractor unit pulling a cargo trailer, are among the most common commercial vehicles in Detroit. They often travel long distances and are subject to driver fatigue. A single tractor-trailer crash can involve multiple vehicles, making liability investigations complex.
U-Hauls and Moving Trucks
Not all commercial vehicles are driven by professionals. Rental trucks, such as U-Hauls, are often operated by inexperienced drivers. A person moving across town may not realize how much longer it takes to brake or how wide turns must be made. These accidents highlight the risks of large vehicles being placed in the hands of untrained individuals.
A commercial vehicle is any automobile used to transport passengers for hire, pull other vehicles, or transport goods and merchandise for profit. It typically must weigh more than 10,000 pounds, including the vehicle and any cargo or passengers.
Are Truck Accident Claims More Complex Than Other Motor Vehicle Accidents?
Truck accident cases differ significantly from standard car accident cases for several reasons.
Severity of Injuries and Medical Bills
Because of their size and weight, commercial trucks often cause catastrophic harm when they collide with smaller vehicles. Victims may suffer spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or multiple fractures requiring surgery. These injuries lead to higher medical bills, which can overwhelm families if not pursued through a legal claim.
Multiple At-Fault Parties
In a typical car accident, liability may rest with one negligent driver. In contrast, truck accident cases often involve several responsible parties: the driver, the trucking company, cargo loaders, or even parts manufacturers. This complicates both investigations and negotiations, as each party may be insured separately.
Complex Investigations
Truck accidents often require in-depth investigations. Evidence may include driver logs, maintenance records, black box data, and compliance with federal trucking regulations. Gathering this information quickly is critical, as trucking companies may try to withhold or alter evidence to minimize liability.
Federal and State Trucking Laws
Commercial truck drivers and their employers are bound by both Michigan law and federal regulations. These include limits on hours of service, weight restrictions, and safety inspection requirements. Violations of these rules can directly strengthen a victim’s claim.
What Are Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Detroit, MI?
Truck accidents can be caused by many of the same factors that influence passenger car accidents. However, there may be additional causes for trucking accidents, such as the size of the vehicles, the cargo they’re carrying, and more.
Common causes for trucking accidents include the following:
Distracted Driving
Truck drivers who text, eat, or use cell phones while driving can cause devastating crashes. A distracted driver taking their eyes off the road for even a few seconds may not notice stopped traffic ahead.
Driver Negligence
Negligence includes failing to yield, ignoring signals, or not following traffic laws. In truck accidents, these mistakes often have outsized consequences because of the vehicle’s size.
Driving at Excessive Speeds
Trucks require much longer stopping distances. When drivers exceed speed limits, they may be unable to brake in time to avoid collisions, especially in heavy Detroit traffic.
Failing to Monitor Blind Spots
Large trucks have massive blind spots, known as “no-zones.” Passenger vehicles lingering in these areas may be sideswiped or crushed when a truck changes lanes.
Failure to Slow Down in Dangerous Road Conditions
Michigan winters bring icy roads and snowstorms. A trucker who fails to adjust speed in poor weather risks jackknifing or losing control.
Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains a major danger. Impaired truck drivers pose catastrophic risks to everyone on the road.
Improper Vehicle Maintenance
Trucking companies must keep their fleets in safe condition. Faulty brakes, bald tires, or neglected repairs can turn trucks into deadly hazards.
Inexperienced Drivers
Trucking companies sometimes place inexperienced drivers on the road too soon. Without adequate training, drivers may mishandle turns, braking, or cargo weight.
Mechanical Malfunctions and Vehicle Defects
Even with good maintenance, trucks can suffer from defective parts. Brake failures or steering issues caused by manufacturer defects may create liability beyond the driver or company.
Negligent Hiring Practices
If a trucking company fails to screen drivers for poor driving histories or criminal records, it may be liable for negligent hiring.
Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo
Cargo that exceeds weight limits or shifts during transport can destabilize a truck, leading to rollovers or lost loads that strike other vehicles.
Poor Driving History and Inadequate Training
Drivers with repeated violations should not be on the road. When companies ignore these red flags, they put the public at risk.
Reckless Driving and Aggressive Driving
Tailgating, weaving between lanes, or speeding aggressively are dangerous behaviors for any driver. In a large truck, they can be fatal.
Tailgating or Following Too Closely
Following too closely leaves little reaction time. Given a truck’s stopping distance, this is a common cause of rear-end collisions.
Truck Driver Fatigue
Long hours on the road lead to exhaustion. Fatigued drivers may nod off or have delayed reaction times, mirroring the dangers of drunk driving.
Forcing Unsafe Big Rigs on the Road
Trucking companies sometimes push unsafe vehicles into service to meet deadlines. This disregard for safety directly endangers the public.
Unsafe Lane Changes and Turns
Trucks need a wide turning radius. Unsafe lane changes or sharp turns often result in sideswipe accidents or vehicles being trapped underneath trailers.
Violating Traffic Laws
Running red lights, failing to yield, or disregarding traffic signs creates needless risks. When a commercial truck violates these rules, the consequences can be catastrophic.
Whatever the cause of your truck accident, if you suffered property damage or serious injuries, you may be entitled to seek financial compensation from the at-fault parties. Our legal team would be proud to represent your rights in pursuit of justice and a financial recovery period. Please contact us to schedule your free, no-obligation case evaluation today.
What Types of Serious Injuries Are Frequently Seen in Truck Accident Cases?
Truck accidents frequently cause serious injuries for other motorists or pedestrians caught in the path of large commercial trucks.
Common truck accident injuries seen in Detroit, Michigan, include the following:
- Broken bones and joint dislocations
- Burns
- Crushing injuries
- Deep cuts and lacerations
- Head trauma, including concussions and brain bleeds
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Loss of limbs
- Loss of vision or hearing
- Mental health issues, including emotional trauma, psychological damage, and PTSD
- Neck and back injuries, including disc herniations
- Nerve damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Temporary or permanent paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Wrongful death
If your truck accident caused severe injuries to you or your loved ones, please contact our Michigan law office to schedule your free case review today.
Who Can Be Held Liable in Detroit Trucking Accident Cases?
In truck accidents, multiple parties are frequently held liable for injuries and property damage. For instance, if the truck driver was under the influence while behind the wheel, you could sue both the driver and their employer. Trucking companies must hire responsible employees and drivers for their trucks, meaning they could be held liable for injuries in a truck collision.
In addition to the truck driver, the broker or shipper, the motor carrier company, the maintenance team company, the cargo loading company, the truck owner, and the shipping company may be held accountable for truck accident injuries.
Every truck accident case is as unique as the victims impacted by those accidents. We would need to review the facts surrounding your truck accident claim before determining which parties may be held accountable for injuries and other losses. Please contact us to schedule your free case evaluation today.
How Do Detroit Truck Accident Attorneys Prove Truck Driver Negligence?
To obtain financial compensation for your injuries, your Detroit truck accident lawyers must establish that the defendant was negligent in some fashion. Because multiple parties may be held negligent in a truck accident case, your attorneys must examine the facts to prove negligence on the part of all defendants.
There are four legal elements that your truck accident lawyer must prove to establish negligence in your case.
These include the following:
- Duty of care: if a reasonable and experienced truck driver would have behaved differently behind the wheel of their motor vehicle, then it is possible to prove that the defendant breached their duty of care and caution owed to other motorists
- Breach of duty: when a truck driver or other entity involved in the operation of a commercial truck fails in their duty of care, this is known as a breach of duty of care
- Injuries sustained: as a result of the breach of duty, personal injuries were suffered by the truck accident victims
- Real losses: the last element of the legal process is establishing that the injuries sustained resulted in real financial damages for you or your family members
Do Truck Drivers Have a Limit on How Many Hours They’re Allowed to Drive?
There are specific requirements for truck drivers regarding the number of hours they are allowed to drive in a given day or week and the number of hours of rest that are required between driving shifts. The exact number of hours may vary depending on several factors, including whether the truck driver is driving their vehicle interstate or intrastate.
The primary purpose of these truck regulations is to help reduce truck driver fatigue and drowsy driving, which makes the roads safer for everyone. Truck drivers and their employers are expected to log every minute of drive time and rest. However, sometimes, these logs are incomplete or never written at all.
Your truck accident lawyer will use driver logs to help determine whether the truck driver was on the road too long or did not have adequate rest before getting back on the road. If it is possible to prove that the truck driver falsified their logs or was being pushed to the extremes by the trucking company, it may be possible to hold these parties accountable for negligence.
Can Personal Injury Attorneys Help You Recover a Truck Accident Settlement?
With the help of a truck accident attorney, it is possible to pursue financial recovery. No amount of financial compensation can ever truly reverse all the damage done in a serious truck accident, but the hope is to make the trucking accident victims whole again, at least from a financial perspective.
If successful in pursuing financial compensation, your recovery may be awarded in both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages may include the following:
- Past medical bills and future medical expenses
- Physical therapy expenses
- Property damage, vehicle repairs, and replacements
- Funeral and burial expenses in the event of a fatal truck crash
- Lost wages
- Lost income-earning capacity
Non-economic damages may include the following:
- Physical pain and suffering compensation
- Emotional trauma and mental distress
- Lost enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship, guardianship, or consortium
- Disability, dismemberment, or disfigurement
- Wrongful death
What if You Lost a Loved One in a Commercial Truck Accident?
If you lost a loved one or family member in a commercial truck accident, a personal injury attorney can help hold responsible parties accountable for their negligence. In such cases, you and your attorneys would file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of your deceased loved ones. If your recently departed loved ones suffered injuries and were hospitalized before they died, it may be possible to recover compensation for the medical bills that are related to your truck accident case.
In addition to recovering medical expenses, you may be able to seek maximum compensation for the income that you had expected to have accrued over the years had your deceased loved one been allowed to live a longer life. Also, your personal injury attorneys can pursue financial recovery for funeral, burial, and memorial expenses, as well as for the loss of companionship, consortium, guidance, and guardianship.
Losing someone you care about in a horrific accident can be difficult, if not impossible, to bear. You needn’t go through the legal process of seeking financial compensation on your own, however. There is legal help available. Our compassionate legal team would be proud to represent your interests in pursuit of maximum compensation for your wrongful death case.
How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Detroit, MI?
According to Michigan law, there is a time limit for how long you must file a personal injury lawsuit after a trucking accident.
If you fail to file your lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires, you will be barred from recovering fair compensation.
In most truck accident cases, Michigan laws provide victims up to three years from the accident date to file a suit. However, just because you have three years doesn’t mean that you should take your time. It is important to initiate legal proceedings in the aftermath of a truck accident as soon as possible. Needless delays could result in losing valuable evidence, making things more difficult for your legal representatives.
Please contact our Detroit law firm to discuss your personal injury case in more detail today. Remember, our law firm doesn’t charge you a dime in attorney fees unless we win a settlement for your case. Schedule your risk-free case review today.
Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Detroit Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Truck accident cases are frequently more complicated than most car accident legal matters because of the severity of the injuries and the number of parties who may be involved in the case. Because of this, it is strongly recommended that truck accident victims retain professional legal representation from experienced personal injury attorneys. Our personal injury lawyers have extensive experience representing clients in a variety of truck accident cases. We’d be proud to represent your legal rights as you pursue justice and financial compensation.
Sigal Law Firm of Detroit, Michigan, operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you don’t pay unless we win. We strongly advise that you schedule your free consultation to discuss your truck collision claim in more detail with our experienced legal team. Once we’ve had a chance to review your case, we can offer insight into your legal options, as well as potentially provide some idea of what your case may be worth.
Our team prides itself on providing personalized legal care to clients in need. We would proudly represent your legal rights throughout the complicated investigations, negotiations, and, if necessary, trial appearances. To learn more about how we may assist you during this difficult time, please contact our Detroit law offices to schedule your free initial consultation today. You may reach our law firm by calling us at 248-671-6794.