If you’ve suffered injuries in a truck accident, you deserve compensation. An attorney can provide crucial support to set you on the path to recovery. Call Christopher Trainor & Associates for a free consultation.
Understanding the immense physical and financial toll of truck accidents, our team at Christopher Trainor & Associates is dedicated to assisting you during this challenging time. We recognize the profound impact of your injuries and losses, and our Detroit truck accident lawyers are committed to handling your legal matters so you can focus on your healing journey.
Rest assured, your case will be in caring hands with our team, which prioritizes your well-being and future. Whether your truck accident occurred in Detroit or elsewhere in Michigan, our compassionate legal professionals understand the gravity of your situation and are eager to extend a helping hand.
For years, our firm has been a trusted resource for victims of severe truck accidents across Michigan. With a track record of representing numerous families in the state, we stand ready to support you and your loved ones. You can connect with us via our online form or by calling (248) 885-8650 to schedule a complimentary consultation regarding your trucking accident case. Remember, you won’t incur any fees unless we secure a favorable outcome for your case. We’re here to help you pursue the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Truck Accident Statistics
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), more than 197,000 vehicles were involved in a large truck or bus accident in 2022 in the United States. 6,576 of these accidents happened in Michigan, with 1,811 injuries and 107 fatalities reported.
Due to their large size and immense weight, a single semi-truck accident can cause catastrophic injuries to anyone involved. While accidents can happen anywhere, most truck accidents occur on major highways and interstates as trucks travel through the area to their eventual destination. The high speeds and congested roadways only add to the danger and risk of a fatal crash.
Understanding statistics can help individuals and legislative powers make necessary changes to ensure the safety of all those who share our Michigan highways. If you were involved in a truck accident in Detroit, Christopher Trainor & Associates will do what it takes to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Common Truck Types
When discussing truck accidents, lawyers typically mean crashes involving large commercial trucks. Commercial trucks are vehicles designed for transporting commercial goods or property and are operated by professional truck drivers for pay. Though pickups and large SUVs might be thought of as trucks by many, "truck accidents" specifically refer to collisions involving much larger vehicles.
The most frequent types of trucks seen on Michigan roads and highways are:
Tractor-trailers: Large trucks consisting of a tractor unit and one or more trailers for transporting goods over long distances.
18-wheelers: A slang term often used to describe tractor-trailers or semi-trucks due to their typical configuration with 18 wheels.
Tow trucks: Vehicles equipped with mechanisms for towing or recovering disabled or illegally parked vehicles.
Garbage & dump trucks: Trucks designed for collecting and transporting waste or debris, typically featuring a hydraulic mechanism for dumping loads.
Tanker trucks: Trucks specially built to transport liquids or gases, often featuring cylindrical tanks for carrying hazardous or non-hazardous materials.
Concrete mixers: Trucks equipped with rotating drums for mixing and transporting concrete to construction sites.
Construction equipment: Various heavy machinery and vehicles used in construction projects, such as excavators, bulldozers, and cranes.
Delivery vehicles: Trucks or vans used for delivering goods or packages to customers or businesses.
Log carriers: Trucks designed to transport logs or timber from forests to processing facilities or lumber yards.
Flatbed trailers: Trucks with flat, open trailers used for transporting oversized or irregularly shaped cargo, such as machinery, vehicles, or construction materials.
Postal trucks, U-Hauls, Fed Ex & UPS trucks: Various types of vehicles used for postal delivery services, moving household goods, or transporting packages and parcels for courier companies.
Big rigs: Another term commonly used to refer to tractor-trailers or large commercial trucks used for long-distance transportation of goods.
If you were in an accident involving any of the above-mentioned vehicles, contact a truck accident attorney from Christopher Trainor & Associates for a free case evaluation.
Commercial Truck Accident
A commercial vehicle is a type of motor vehicle that serves specific purposes: transporting paying passengers, carrying goods and merchandise, or towing other vehicles.
To be considered a commercial vehicle, it must weigh over 10,001 pounds when you add up the vehicle itself, any cargo it's carrying, and any passengers it's transporting.
If the vehicle's main purpose is carrying passengers, it needs to be able to hold more than eight passengers (including the driver) if it's used for payment. If it's not for payment, it needs to hold more than 15 passengers. Lots of buses fall into the category of commercial vehicles because they're designed to transport groups of people.
Commercial truck accidents can be especially tricky to navigate, as there could be more than one party responsible for the accident. It is advised to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents from Christopher Trainor & Associates to ensure the best outcome for your case.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
As in other urban areas, semi-truck accidents in Detroit can happen for many reasons. Some common causes of truck accidents in Detroit include:
Driver fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours and can get very tired, which makes accidents more likely because they can't react as quickly or make good decisions.
Distracted driving: Sometimes, truck drivers get distracted by things like texting, talking on the phone, eating, or messing with GPS devices. When they're not paying attention to the road, accidents can happen.
Speeding: Truck drivers might also exceed safe driving speeds, even when the weather or roads aren't safe for normal travel. This makes it difficult for them to stop or steer safely, especially in busy cities like Detroit.
Driving under the influence: Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain medicines can also make truck drivers less able to make good decisions and react quickly, which raises the chance of accidents.
Poorly loaded or overloaded cargo: If cargo isn't loaded onto the truck properly or secured well, it can move around while the truck is driving. This can make the truck hard to control and cause accidents, especially on city streets with lots of turns and bumps.
Mechanical failures: Equipment failures such as brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or steering system defects can contribute to semi-truck accidents. Inadequate maintenance or faulty parts may be to blame for these failures.
Weather conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, ice, or fog, can reduce visibility and traction, making it more challenging for truck drivers to control their vehicles and avoid accidents, especially in densely populated areas like Detroit.
Roadway hazards: Poor road conditions, construction zones, debris on the road, or inadequate signage can pose hazards to truck drivers and increase the risk of accidents, particularly in urban environments with heavy traffic.
Inexperienced or poorly trained drivers: Truck drivers who lack proper training or experience may struggle to handle the size and weight of their vehicles, increasing the likelihood of accidents, particularly in complex urban driving situations.
Aggressive driving or road rage: Aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, weaving between lanes, or confronting other drivers can escalate into accidents involving semi-trucks, posing serious risks to all road users.
Addressing these common causes requires a multifaceted approach involving improved driver training, stricter regulation enforcement, better vehicle maintenance practices, and infrastructure improvements to enhance roadway safety.
Common Injuries from Truck Accidents in Detroit
Large truck accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying from minor to catastrophic, depending on factors such as the speed of the vehicles involved, the type of collision, and whether occupants were wearing seat belts. Some common injuries from large truck accidents include:
Whiplash: Whiplash is a common injury in rear-end collisions, where the force of impact causes the neck to jerk forward and backward rapidly. It can result in neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and other symptoms.
Soft tissue injuries: These injuries include damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments such as strains, sprains, and contusions. They often result from sudden movements or impacts during a truck accident.
Broken bones: Fractures or broken bones can occur in any part of the body during a truck accident, particularly in high-impact collisions. Common fractures include broken ribs, arms, legs, and pelvic bones.
Head injuries: Head injuries can range from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and can have long-term effects on cognitive function, behavior, and quality of life. They often occur when occupants strike their heads on surfaces inside the vehicle during a collision.
Spinal cord injuries: Severe truck accidents can cause damage to the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis or loss of sensation and function below the site of the injury. These injuries can have lifelong implications for mobility and independence.
Internal injuries: Blunt force trauma from a truck accident can cause internal injuries to organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs. Internal bleeding, organ damage, and other complications can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Burns: Truck accidents involving fires or explosions can cause burns ranging from mild to severe. Burns can result in pain, scarring, disfigurement, and long-term physical and emotional trauma.
Amputations: In severe truck accidents, limbs may become trapped or crushed, necessitating surgical amputation. Amputations can have significant physical and psychological consequences for survivors.
Psychological trauma: People who survive truck accidents might go through emotional difficulties like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions. Witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event can have lasting effects on emotional well-being.
Wrongful Death: Tragically, some truck accidents result in fatalities. The massive size and weight disparity between trucks and other vehicles on the road can lead to catastrophic outcomes in collisions.
These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care, placing a significant burden on survivors and their families. Seeking prompt medical attention and legal assistance from Christopher Trainor & Associates after a truck accident is crucial to ensuring the best possible outcomes for those affected.
How is a truck accident different from a car accident?
Truck accidents have their own set of circumstances and laws, different from car crashes. Truckers and transportation companies must follow federal and state laws that are separate from those for regular accidents.
Truck accidents can cause much more damage and severe injuries than regular crashes. Unlike car accidents, where the driver is often to blame, truck accidents involve considering other factors and people involved.
At Christopher Trainor & Associates, our Detroit truck accident lawyers know Michigan law well. Dealing with legal matters in the trucking industry needs an experienced legal team. Big trucking companies have their own investigators and lawyers working for them. You need someone fighting for you too.
Determining Fault
Determining fault in a truck accident can be complex and may involve multiple parties. Some of the parties that could potentially be at fault after a truck accident include:
Truck driver: The truck driver's actions or negligence may contribute to the accident. This could include violations of traffic laws, driving while fatigued or impaired, distracted driving, or reckless behavior.
Trucking company: The trucking company that employs the driver may bear responsibility for the accident if it fails to train, supervise, or monitor its drivers properly or if it encourages or incentivizes unsafe driving practices.
Truck owner: If the truck involved in the accident is owned by a separate entity from the trucking company, such as a leasing company or owner-operator, the truck owner may share liability if the vehicle was not properly maintained or if mechanical defects contributed to the accident.
Maintenance provider: If inadequate maintenance or negligent repairs were performed on the truck, leading to mechanical failures or defects that contributed to the accident, the party responsible for maintaining the vehicle could be held liable.
Cargo loading company: Improper loading or securement of cargo can cause the truck to become unbalanced or unstable, leading to accidents. The company responsible for loading the cargo may be liable if its actions or negligence contributed to the accident.
Manufacturers: If a defective part or component of the truck, such as brakes, tires, or steering systems, contributed to the accident, the manufacturer of the defective product may share liability for the resulting damages.
Other drivers: In some cases, the negligence or reckless behavior of other drivers on the road may contribute to a truck accident. For example, a passenger vehicle driver who cuts off a truck or fails to yield the right of way may cause a collision.
Determining fault after a truck accident often requires a thorough investigation, including analysis of maintenance records, witness statements, and other evidence. It's essential to consult with an experienced Detroit truck accident lawyer who can assess the circumstances of the accident and identify all potentially liable parties in order to pursue compensation for injuries and damages.
Michigan's Comparative Fault Law
Michigan follows a modified comparative fault rule, specifically known as the "51% rule." Under Michigan's comparative fault law, a plaintiff's recovery in a personal injury lawsuit is reduced by their percentage of fault for the accident, as long as the plaintiff's fault does not exceed 50%.
Here's how Michigan's comparative fault law works:
50% Bar Rule: If the plaintiff is found to be 50% or more at fault for the accident, they are barred from recovering any damages from other at-fault parties. In other words, if the plaintiff's fault exceeds 50%, they cannot recover compensation from other negligent parties.
Apportionment of Fault: In cases where multiple parties are found to be at fault for an accident, the court will apportion fault among all parties involved, including the plaintiff and any defendants. Each party's percentage of fault will determine their liability for damages.
Impact on Damages: The plaintiff's recoverable damages will be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if the plaintiff is awarded $100,000 in damages but found to be 20% at fault, their recovery will be reduced by 20%, resulting in a net award of $80,000.
It's important to note that Michigan's comparative fault system can significantly impact the outcome of personal injury cases. Comparative fault is often a contentious issue in litigation, and determining each party's degree of fault requires a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding the accident.
What to Do Following a Truck Accident
If you're involved in a truck accident, taking certain steps to protect your safety, gather evidence, and ensure you receive appropriate medical and legal assistance is crucial. Here's what you should do after a truck accident:
Check for injuries: Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic, but do not leave the scene of the accident.
Contact law enforcement: Report the accident to the police and wait for them to arrive. A police report documenting the accident can be valuable for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Exchange information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the truck driver and any other parties involved in the accident. Obtain the truck driver's name, license plate number, insurance details, and the name of their employer if applicable.
Document the scene: Take photographs or videos of the accident scene, including vehicle and property damage, injuries, and any relevant signage or traffic signals. This documentation can be crucial evidence for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Gather witness information: If there are any witnesses to the accident, obtain their names and contact information. Witness statements can corroborate your account of the accident and strengthen your case.
Seek medical attention: Even if you don't believe you're seriously injured, it's important to seek medical attention promptly. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a medical evaluation can ensure you receive appropriate treatment and document your injuries for insurance purposes.
Report the accident to your insurance company: Notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with accurate and detailed information about the accident, but avoid admitting fault or speculating about the cause of the accident.
Consult with a truck accident attorney: Contact an experienced Detroit truck accident attorney from Christopher Trainor & Associates who can advise you on your legal rights and options. An attorney can help you navigate the complex legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.
Keep records: Make sure to hold onto all paperwork connected to the accident, such as medical bills, repair quotes, communications with insurance companies, and any other important documents. These records will be important for evaluating your claim and seeking compensation.
Follow your doctor's recommendations: Follow your doctor's instructions for treatment and rehabilitation. Attend all scheduled medical appointments and follow through with prescribed therapies to maximize your recovery.
By following these steps after a truck accident, you can protect your rights, gather important evidence, and ensure you receive the support and compensation you need to recover from your injuries and move forward with your life.
Compensation
After a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Here's an overview of the types of damages you could potentially receive:
Economic Damages
These are tangible, quantifiable losses that have a specific monetary value. They may include:
Medical expenses: Compensation for past, current, and future medical bills related to treating injuries sustained in the accident, including hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and therapy.
Lost wages: Reimbursement for income lost as a result of the accident, including wages, salary, bonuses, and other employment benefits missed due to time taken off work for recovery.
Loss of earning capacity: Compensation for the reduction in your ability to earn income in the future due to permanent injuries or disabilities resulting from the accident.
Property damage: Reimbursement for the repair or replacement of damaged property, such as your vehicle or personal belongings, damaged in the accident.
Funeral expenses: In cases of wrongful death, compensation for funeral and burial expenses incurred by the deceased's family.
Non-Economic Damages
These are intangible losses that are more difficult to quantify but are still compensable. They may include:
Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress caused by the injuries sustained in the accident, including anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Emotional distress: Compensation for psychological trauma, anxiety, and mental anguish resulting from the accident, such as PTSD or sleep disturbances.
Loss of consortium: Compensation for the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy suffered by the injured party's spouse or family members due to the injuries sustained in the accident.
Loss of enjoyment of life: Compensation for the inability to participate in activities or hobbies enjoyed before the accident due to physical or emotional limitations resulting from injuries.
Punitive Damages
In cases involving extreme negligence or misconduct by the at-fault party, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future. However, punitive damages are relatively rare and are typically only awarded in cases of egregious conduct. The most common instances involve driving under the influence or hit-and-run accidents.
The specific amount of compensation you may be entitled to will depend on the circumstances of your case, the severity of your injuries, and other factors. Consulting with a qualified Detroit ruck accident attorney can help you understand your rights and pursue maximum compensation for your losses.
How much compensation will I receive?
Several key factors influence the value of truck accident injury settlements in Detroit, including:
Severity of injuries: More severe injuries, such as permanent disability or traumatic brain injury, typically result in higher settlements. Providing thorough medical evidence is crucial to support your claim.
Liability and negligence: Any contributory negligence on the victim's part may impact their compensation. Skilled injury lawyers work to assign responsibility to all negligent parties involved.
Medical expenses: Both past medical costs and anticipated future expenses, including lifelong treatment and equipment needs, are factored into settlement demands.
Loss of earning capacity: Settlements must account for lost income during recovery and any potential reduction in future earnings due to disabilities affecting employability.
Legal representation: Hiring a truck accident attorney is essential to navigating the complexities of the legal process and effectively negotiating with the defendant's insurers.
Ultimately, the total settlement amount is determined by adding up both tangible costs and more intangible damages resulting from the preventable accident. While we cannot give you an exact dollar amount that you will receive, you can take a look at some of our past verdicts to see what we have been able to do for others in situations just like yours.
Statute of Limitations
In Michigan, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally three years from the date of the injury. This means that you have three years from the date of the truck accident to file a claim, or your case will likely be denied. However, there may be exceptions depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Since the process is often long and may involve unforeseen complications, it is recommended to contact Christopher Trainor & Associates as soon as possible so that you can receive the justice you deserve within a reasonable timeframe.
How can a Detroit truck accident lawyer help?
An attorney from Christopher Trainor & Associates can provide invaluable assistance with your truck accident case in several ways:
Legal expertise: A skilled truck accident attorney has a deep understanding of the relevant laws and regulations governing explosion accidents, premises liability, and personal injury claims. We can navigate the legal complexities of your case and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.
Investigation: We have the resources and experience to conduct thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding the explosion. We can gather evidence, such as witness statements, accident reports, and expert opinions, to build a strong case on your behalf.
Case evaluation: We can assess your case's strengths and weaknesses and provide you with a realistic evaluation of your chances of success. We can also advise you on the potential value of your claim and help you understand what to expect during the legal process.
Negotiation with insurance companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. An attorney can handle all communications and negotiations with insurance adjusters on your behalf, advocating for fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Representation in court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, an attorney can represent you in court. We can present your case to a judge and jury, argue on your behalf, and advocate for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Peace of mind: Dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming and stressful. Having an experienced attorney by your side can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that your legal rights are being protected and that you have someone fighting for your interests every step of the way.
Overall, hiring an attorney can significantly improve your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome in your personal injury claim and ensure that you receive the compensation you need to recover from your injuries and move forward with your life.
Contact a Detroit Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you or someone you care about has suffered an injury due to a truck accident, dealing with a compensation claim can be overwhelming. Our truck accident lawyers in Detroit are here to relieve that burden, allowing you to concentrate on recovery.
Keep in mind that our Detroit truck accident lawyers will take your case on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will owe no upfront fees and only pay us for our services if we are able to secure a favorable outcome for you. If you do not get a payout, you will not owe us anything.
At Christopher Trainor & Associates, your initial consultation is free of charge. We're available to assess your situation and clarify your rights in Detroit, Michigan. Call us today at 248-886-8650 to schedule your free case evaluation.
