Michigan Truck Accident Attorneys

In 2015, there were approximately 12,000 accidents in Michigan involving heavy trucks or buses that killed 85 people in injured many more. Trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and are no match for passenger vehicles should an accident occur. Michigan and the federal government are aware of how dangerous 18-wheelers can be and require that trucks follow regulations to make the road safer.

When trucks fail to comply with these regulations, accidents occur. If you have been in an accident involving a tractor-trailer, you are entitled to money damages to address your injuries.

Trucking Laws in Michigan

Truck regulations play a part in 18-wheeler accident claims because they can be used to show negligence on the part of the driver, truck company, truck mechanic, or part manufacturer.

Trucks in Michigan may be regulated by federal or state law, depending on the case. Both sets of regulations are similar and concern:

Hours of service, or how many hours a trucker can drive in a day or in a week. The regulations also mandate that breaks be taken.
Proper maintenance and repair schedules.
Cargo weight and weighing requirements.
Speed limits.
Requirements for drivers such as physicals and training.

How Do Truck Accidents Happen?

Some truck accidents happen because of the driver. For example, the driver may be fatigued or is not giving his full attention to driving. A driver may not have properly secured his load or inspected the condition of his tires.

Other accidents could be caused by truck companies who do not properly maintain their fleet or by a manufacturer of a truck part with a defect.

These actions cause accidents such as:

Roll overs
Rear-end collisions
Jackknifing
Accidents after a tire blowout
Lost-load accidents

If You Have Been in an Accident …

If you get hit by a tractor-trailer, one of the most important things you can do is to not admit fault. Do not discuss the accident with the other people involved. When speaking to police, speak only in terms of facts.

The other important step you should take is to get appropriate medical treatment. If you are in doubt about the extent of your injuries, it is best to call an ambulance and seek medical care. Also, be aware that many injuries, including mental or emotional injury, can arise days and weeks after the accident.

Considerations When Hiring a Lawyer

A Michigan truck accident lawyer is a valuable tool in getting compensation following your accident. He or she will have full knowledge of the many regulations trucks are bound to follow under the law, and he or she will have the skills to investigate the people responsible for your accident. An experienced truck accident attorney will know how much a judge or jury will likely award you for your injuries and not accept less from an insurance settlement offer.

A skilled truck accident lawyer will take your case to trial if the insurance companies do not offer a fair settlement. A trial can last days and include many expert witnesses that will be needed to prove your case. You should pick a lawyer who you feel confident will represent your interests during this crucial process.

Contact one of the skilled trucking accident attorneys listed on this website to schedule a free initial consultation.

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TRUCK ACCIDENT EXPERIENCE

Truck accident cases can be substantially more complicated and can require significantly more resources than other types of motor vehicle accident or personal injury cases. You always want to make sure that any attorney you hire has successfully handled cases that specifically involve large commercial trucks and the trucking industry. Your attorney should have a thorough understanding of trucking industry standards, FMCSA regulations, and truck accident reconstruction methods. At USTA, we focus specifically on truck accident cases and you can rest assured that we have the experience needed to successfully handle your case.

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LITIGATION STRATEGY

With their legal teams and insurance companies, trucking companies are known for fighting against liability whenever possible. They will often try to strong-arm injured individuals into accepting inadequate settlements by intimidating them with the idea of trial and the resources involved in litigation. Unfortunately, too many attorneys recommend settling cases too early in the process to avoid any further litigation. You need an attorney on your side who is not intimidated by trucking companies and who has the resources and willingness to take your case as far as necessary to obtain the full settlement or award you deserve. The attorneys at USTA will not back down and will do what is needed to fully protect your rights as a truck accident victim.

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FREE CONSULTATION

n order to best know if an attorney is the right one for you, you should meet with them in person or schedule a phone consultation. A positive attorney-client relationship is critical in a successful truck accident case so you should always ensure that you get a good feeling from an attorney before you decide to hire them. You want to stay apprised of new developments in your case and ensure your attorney is not too busy to address your questions or concerns as they arise. At USTA, we provide personalized and committed representation and invite anyone who believes they may have a truck accident claim to call and schedule a free consultation today.

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313-438-4357

Helping Truck Accident Victims Nationwide