Detroit Truck Accident Attorneys

Helping Truck Accident Victims in Detroit, Michigan

Unfortunately, tractor trailers remain a serious safety threat on Michigan roadways. According to data from the Michigan Traffic Crash Reporting Unit, approximately 75,000 people are injured in automobile accidents within the state each year. While some of these injuries are relatively minor, far too many are extremely serious. Indeed, Michigan averages around 900 highway fatalities on an annual basis. Large commercial trucks are to blame for far more than their fair share of fatal accidents. This is an especially concerning problem in the Detroit metropolitan area, as the highways that cross through the city, such as Interstate-94 and Interstate-75, are major throughways for the trucking industry. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Michigan, you need to find a qualified Detroit truck accident lawyer immediately. Your lawyer will assess your case in-depth and help you weigh your legal options.

Truck Accidents Injury Claims: The Top Five Mistakes to Avoid

Far too many truck accident victims damage their own legal claims by making completely avoidable mistakes soon after their crash. These mistakes can occur at any time. Some common mistakes take place at the scene of the crash itself, while others play out while a victim is on the phone with an insurance adjuster. Here, our team has provided a list of five of the most common mistakes that you must avoid:

• Mistake 1: Many accident victims wait too long to seek medical attention. Get yourself to the doctor as soon as possible.
• Mistake 2: Many people admit fault for the accident without really thinking about it. Never admit fault. It is not your job to assess fault for the crash. Let your attorney do it.
• Mistake 3: Victims are too willing to talk to the insurance company. Do not give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster without first consulting with an attorney.
• Mistake 4: Victims often sign away their rights or interests. Do not sign any documents, including a release for your medical records, without approval from an attorney.
• Mistake 5: Victims wait too long to seek legal assistance. Get a lawyer involved immediately after your accident.

You Must Act Quickly After Your Accident

Under Section 600.5805 of the Michigan Revised Judicature Act of 1961, injured victims have three years to bring a legal claim. This applies to all personal injury claims, including truck accidents. In most cases, the three-year clock begins to tick at the date of the incident. However, in some limited cases, specifically those in which the injury was not actually discovered until a later date, the three-year clock may not start running until that actual date of discovery. Still, all accident victims need to take the statute of limitations seriously. If you fail to bring a claim within the allotted time, the court may simply decline to hear your case at all. Do not miss out on your right to compensation simply because of a legal technicality. Take action today.

 Federal Safety Regulations and Eighteen-Wheeler Accidents

All tractor trailers that operate within the state of Michigan, whether they are staying entirely within the state lines or simply crossing through, are subject to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. FMCSA regulations help to ensure that commercial trucks are operated safely. Unfortunately, many unscrupulous trucking companies attempt to cut corners on safety. This is unacceptable, as it puts you, your family and everyone else on the road at substantial risk. All truck accidents require vigorous investigation to determine whether or not the company followed all mandated state and federal safety rules. If the company failed to follow safety regulations, and an accident occurred as a result, the company must be held accountable for their misconduct.

Who is Responsible for a Commercial Truck Crash?

One of the main reasons that commercial truck accident claims are complicated is that many different parties may be involved in the case. Of course, this also means that several distinct parties may potentially be at-fault for your damages. Some of the parties that are frequently to blame for truck accidents include:

• The driver;
• Employers;
• The semi-truck owner
• The trailer owner;
• The company leasing the vehicle; and
• The manufacturer.

What Compensation is Available for the Victims?

In Michigan, truck accident victims are able to seek financial compensation that is equal to the full value of their damages. To be clear, victims are entitled to compensation for economic damages and noneconomic damages. As eighteen-wheeler crashes often result in major damages, it is imperative that victims work with an experienced attorney who can help them obtain a full and fair settlement offer. Specifically, our firm can help you seek compensation for:

• Damages to your vehicle;
• Medical expenses, including emergency room fees;
• Costs related to rehabilitation;
• Costs for needed medication and medical devices;
• Short-term and long-term disability;
• Lost income, including diminished earning capacity;
• Pain and suffering;
• Disfigurement; and
• Loss of limb.

How Our Truck Accident Attorneys Will Help

Our attorneys will handle every aspect of your Michigan truck accident lawsuit. Sadly, the big insurance companies will usually do everything in their power to avoid paying injured victims fair compensation. We understand the tactics that insurance adjusters are going to try to use against you, and we know how to hold the insurance company accountable. Specifically, our team will:

• Build a strong case on your behalf by gathering all available evidence, including accident photos, injury photos, medical records, police reports, witness statements, truck inspection records, driver safety records and the truck’s black box recording data; and
• Use that evidence to negotiate with the insurance company. We will ensure that your legal rights are properly protected and your legal options are fully exercised.

Get Truck Accident Help Now

If you were injured in a Detroit truck accident, you need to act now. Please contact our truck accident lawyers today at (313) 438-4357. We offer no-fee, no-obligation initial legal consultations. Further, we only collect our legal fees if we help you successfully obtain financial compensation for your accident damages.