White Lake Truck Accident Attorney

Have you or a loved one suffered injuries in a commercial truck accident? We can help with your claim. Contact the Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates for a free consultation.

Most people never expect to get involved in an accident with a large truck. You may have just been moving along through your regular day-to-day routine, commuting to or from work, taking your children to school, or going grocery shopping, when suddenly, you find yourself involved in a traumatic truck accident. In the blink of an eye, your life changes. Now, you're juggling doctor appointments and mounting medical bills, and you have no choice but to take time off to work to heal. The pressure of trying to meet your financial responsibilities leaves you feeling depressed, anxious, and overwhelmed. During this turmoil, an experienced White Lake truck accident lawyer can offer you the helping hand you need.

At the Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates, we understand what you're going through. Our legal team has defended the rights of truck accident victims for decades. We have a successful traffic record guiding injured victims like you through this challenging process. We're dedicated to serving our clients with a unique combination of compassion, skill, and experience.

We can help you through this challenging time, and it all begins with three simple steps:

1. Listen to You: We'll discuss the details of your case during a free consultation and explain your legal options in simple terms.
2. Prepare to Win: We'll build a compelling legal strategy based on an in-depth accident investigation.
3. Represent You: Your skilled truck accident lawyer will negotiate with insurance companies or go to court for the best possible outcome.

At the Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates, we believe you have the right to receive full compensation for the harm you endured. Let us help you settle your claim. Call us at 248-886-8650 or email us today to get started.

A Quick Overview of Truck Collisions

Large commercial truck accidents present unique dangers to other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. The impact of semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and other big rigs frequently results in massive property damage, catastrophic injuries, and deaths. They are also far more complicated when it comes to the resulting personal injury lawsuits, highlighting the need for competent legal representation.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), heavy trucks and buses were involved in 4,998 fatal events in one recent year alone. These figures highlight the need for more safety awareness. Here are a few eye-opening facts and statistics:

• The majority of commercial truck accidents occur between noon and 2:59 p.m.
• A significant 76% of fatal truck crashes happen on weekdays, especially between 6 a.m. and 5:59 p.m.
• Driver error accounts for 87% of these accidents, with factors including speeding (23%), being unfamiliar with the roadway (22%), and over-the-counter drug use (17%).

The factors contributing to truck collisions shed light on the need for continued efforts to improve road safety.

How Truck and Car Accidents Differ

Truck collisions differ from auto accidents in many ways. Here's a list of the main distinctions between the two:

• Multi-party Involvement: Several parties may be held liable in truck wrecks, such as the driver, trucking firm, cargo workers, and parts manufacturers. The nature of these crashes makes it difficult to determine fault when settling insurance claims, but it can also increase the likelihood of a higher settlement when there are multiple parties to file suit against.
• Size and Weight: A large commercial truck can get up to 80,000 pounds. The average full-size car weighs about 3,738 pounds. The sheer size of trucks intensifies the level of destruction impacting lives.
• Braking Distance: The stopping distance for a fully loaded large truck is equivalent to the length of two football fields (200 yards). A passenger vehicle driving 70 mph requires 315 feet (105 yards) to stop.
• Rollover Dangers: Trucks have a higher center of gravity, making them more likely to flip over.

The differences between truck and car accidents underscore the unique challenges truck collision cases pose. The severe outcomes and multi-party involvement associated with these crashes may require a skilled truck accident attorney to help victims resolve a personal injury claim.

Top Causes of White Lake Truck Accidents

According to the National Safety Council, 155,000 injuries were linked to commercial trucks in 2021 across the nation. The causes remain the same for these accidents in White Lake as they do elsewhere in the United States. The following are the main reasons for these disastrous collisions:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers lose focus when they text, eat, or fiddle with the radio.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Operating a big rig while drunk, high, or impaired leads to poor vehicle control, bad judgment, and delayed reaction times.
• Driver Fatigue: Commercial truck drivers can log up to 11 hours in 14 hours. Long hours and strict deadlines can cause fatigue. This exhaustion often reduces reaction time, alertness, and vehicle handling.
• Inadequate Maintenance: Equipment failures occur when routine safety checks don't take place. It's not uncommon for large trucks to encounter problems such as brake failure, steering issues, and tire blowouts.
• Inexperienced Drivers: The demand for drivers is high. Some trucking companies may lower the barrier for entry to attract more applicants. The unskilled workers may not receive in-depth training because there's pressure to get them on the road as soon as possible.
• Problems with Cargo: Overloaded trucks lose maneuverability, braking effectiveness, and stability. Excessive cargo weight can lead to more rollovers, tire blowouts, and other hazards.

Big tractor-trailers pose road safety risks. Huge commercial trucks frequently cause accidents that, in many instances, could be avoided.

Types of Truck Accidents

Let's dive into the most frequent truck-related roadway wrecks:

• Rollovers: This crash describes a semi-truck rolling onto its side or roof.
• Jackknife: The trailer of a big truck swings out laterally at a 90-degree angle with the cab.
• Tire Blowouts: A driver loses control when a tire bursts. A blowout causes the trucker to lose control, swerve into oncoming lanes, or collide with other vehicles.
• Rear Collisions: A massive commercial truck crashes into the back of a passenger car.
• Underride: Similar to a rear-end wreck, a smaller vehicle crashes into the back of a big commercial truck and gets trapped under the rig.

The massive size and weight of a semi-truck often result in fatal and non-fatal injuries to occupants in smaller vehicles. If you or a loved one has experienced any of these accidents, contact the Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates. We can protect your legal rights and hold all negligent parties accountable.

Injuries Suffered From Tractor Trailer Accidents

Truck accidents leave the victims devastated. They must struggle through severe physical injuries and emotional trauma. The fallout from these incidents often includes the following:

• Fractures: This injury ranges from simple broken bones to compound fractures needing hospitalization and rehabilitation.
• Whiplash: The accident's impact causes the head to be forcefully jolted back and forth, injuring the neck. Some whiplash injuries go away in a few weeks, while other crash victims end up with lingering chronic pain.
• Severe Burns: Fires and explosions occur more often when crashes involve tractor-trailers transporting hazardous chemicals. The victims can suffer 1st, 2nd, or 3rd-degree burns.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: SCIs refer to ruptured discs in the back that lead to partial or complete paralysis.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries: TBIs can start as minor concussions. The more severe cases can result in brain damage impairing cognitive abilities. Symptoms include headaches, slurred speech, depression, seizures, and comas.

The life-changing injuries don't stop there. Truck accident victims also often deal with internal organ damage and even amputations. Sadly, some do not survive at all.

What to Do After Being in a Truck Accident

The moments following a truck accident can be frightening. Here's a brief guide walking through what to do:

1. Call 911

Tell the operator about any injuries. An officer will be dispatched to the scene to complete an accident report. The report provides information about the scene, involved parties, and potential infractions. It is useful for filing insurance claims and lawsuits.

2. Seek Medical Attention

A check-up with a healthcare provider is recommended even if you feel nothing is wrong with you. It's possible to suffer from severe injuries that don't become symptomatic until days or weeks later. Adrenaline often masks the initial pain. A medical evaluation can uncover hidden injuries while documenting the relationship between your injuries and the accident.

3. Document the Scene

If your physical condition allows, gather evidence. Take photos or videos of the vehicles, any visible injuries, road conditions, traffic signs, and the overall scene. This visual documentation helps piece together who's liable for the accident.

4. Exchange Information

Exchange names, contact information, driver's license numbers, insurance details, and vehicle registration information with all involved parties. However, avoid admitting fault. Anything you say could be misconstrued to harm you in your personal injury case. It takes lawyers, investigators, and other experts to determine fault by reviewing the evidence.  

5. Notify Your Insurance Provider

Inform your insurance company about the truck accident as soon as possible. Provide them with the facts when cooperating with their investigation. Consider consulting with an attorney before accepting any settlement offers or signing documents. The insurance company's initial offer may not be enough to cover the full extent of your damages or injuries.

6. Consult With a Truck Accident Attorney

Many experienced truck accident attorneys, including the ones at our law office, offer free initial consultations. It's advisable to schedule this meeting so the lawyer can evaluate your case, explain your rights, and point out legal options. Your attorney can advise you on how to proceed with seeking compensation.

The aftermath of a truck accident can be a turbulent period filled with stress. These steps ensure you're prepared to act in a way that protects your best interests following a crash. Remember, you don't have to take on this new challenge alone. Consulting with a knowledgeable truck accident attorney gives you the guidance you need so you can make informed decisions.

Advice for Dealing With an Insurance Company Following a White Lake Truck Accident

The primary concern of insurance companies is to boost profits, and one way to do that is by lowering payouts to claimants whenever possible. If you talk with insurance reps without consulting an experienced attorney, you may not get the full compensation you deserve. The following are a few statements to avoid when speaking with adjusters.

• "I'm sorry." -- An apology could be taken as an admission of guilt. Refrain from using words that come across as you taking responsibility, especially if the cause of the collision is not yet established.
• "I don't think I need to see a doctor." -- You need medical care following a truck crash. Often, symptoms arise days or weeks later. For example, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may not appear immediately. If you delay or refuse a physical exam, an insurance company can argue the accident didn't cause your injury.
• "I don't have a lawyer." -- When an insurance adjuster knows you don't have legal representation, it's like a shark who smells blood in the water. They know you don't have anyone in your corner defending your rights. As a result, they feel confident in pressuring you into a lowball settlement.
• "My memory of the events is unclear." -- It's okay if you only recall some details of the accident. Stick to the facts of what you know without stating what you think happened. A false or conflicting statement can hurt your claim. The insurer may view you as lacking credibility.
• "I'm open to whatever you offer me." -- There's a danger in accepting the first offer presented to you. Remember, the insurance company wants to give you the lowest possible payout. The problem is that whatever check they cut may not cover all your damages.

A skilled truck attorney knows how to determine the actual value of your claim. With this information, your attorney can negotiate with the insurance company for maximum compensation.

What You Should Know About Truck Accident Liability

Cases involving truck accidents are rarely simple. Aside from the state, federal, and industry regulations, it's challenging to establish who's liable. Truck collisions can often involve more than one at-fault party. Any of the following parties could be held accountable:

• The driver of the truck
• The trucking firm
• The company loading the goods
• The manufacturer of the truck

An experienced truck accident lawyer can sort through the complex laws, regulations, and insurance paperwork. You will rest much easier partnering with an attorney to protect your financial interests and legal rights.

How to Prove Negligence in Truck Accident Cases

The point of a lawsuit is to achieve justice for the victim. Of course, this legal action means holding the at-fault parties accountable. The legal principle of negligence helps pinpoint who's responsible for the collision. Here's what must be proven:

• Duty of Care: This concept means the defendant owed you reasonable care. For example, a semi-truck is expected to follow all applicable traffic laws.
• Breach of Duty: There's a breach if a defendant fails in their obligation to provide a legal standard of care. For example, a truck driver is drunk or speeding.
• Causation: "Causation" is when a duty breach turns into actionable negligence. In order words, the defendant's negligence is why the truck accident occurred.
• Damages: The truck crash resulted in lost wages, medical bills, property damage, and other losses for the victim. The totality of these accident-related losses is known as damages.

Remember, the defendant in a truck accident can be a truck driver, a trucking firm, a parts manufacturer, another third party, or any combination of the above. The complex nature of these cases makes having an attorney representing you imperative for a favorable outcome.

Comparative Negligence in Truck Accident Claims

Michigan observes a legal concept called comparative negligence. This legal principle acknowledges situations where a plaintiff (accident victim filing the suit) contributed to the accident. The law assigns a percentage of negligence to the victim. The compensation awarded to a plaintiff is reduced based on that percentage.

Here's an example:

Julie is driving down US Highway 131 in her crossover SUV. A semi-truck swerves into her lane, causing a catastrophic crash. An investigation reveals the trucker had dozed off. The evidence shows Julie had been looking down at her smartphone and could have avoided the collision if she had been paying attention. Both parties played a role in the incident.

In this scenario, the court determines Julie has $100,000 in damages. However, she bears 30% of the blame for the collision. The final compensation paid to her gets lowered to $70,000.

Comparative negligence impacts the outcome of your compensation. As you can imagine, insurance companies use this legal concept as much as possible to lower their payouts. This raises the stakes when it comes to proving your case. If you're the victim of a trucking accident, consider hiring an attorney to represent you.

What to Expect With a Truck Accident Lawsuit

A truck accident injury puts a tremendous strain on the lives of its victims. There are money woes, intense physical rehabilitation, and emotional burdens. Fortunately, Michigan's personal injury laws allow accident victims to seek compensation. One means of recovery is to file a lawsuit when an out-of-court settlement isn't reached. Below are the actions involved when pursuing litigation against a negligent party.

1. Submit a complaint: A White Lake truck accident attorney drafts a formal complaint outlining the details of the accident and the damages sought. If the accident occurred in White Lake, the attorney files this formal complaint at the 52nd District Court. The opposing has up to 21 days to reply.
2. Disclosing the Information: The parties involved share information, documents, and evidence, such as health records, insurance details, and witness statements.
3. Pre-trial Petitions: The plaintiff and defendant's legal teams can submit motions. These formal requests are made to the judge. For example, an attorney may ask the court to block the admission of a specific piece of evidence if they believe it hurts their client's claim.
4. Settlement Discussions: Although the parties prepare for a trial, they can still opt for a settlement. Many trucking accident lawsuits get resolved without going to court because trials are expensive, time-consuming, and unpredictable.
5. Trial Begins: If your case goes to trial, your truck accident attorney will represent you. Attorneys present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and make closing arguments. A judge or jury will grant you a financial award if you win.
6. Motions and Appeals: Any party may file post-trial motions to request actions, such as a new trial or a reexamination of the verdict. If any party feels legal errors jeopardized the trial, they can pursue an appeal.
7. Obtain Your Compensation: If all works out in your favor, you'll receive your court-awarded judgment.

A lawsuit requires a series of critical steps. The journey from an official complaint to receiving a favorable verdict is a challenging journey. A White Lake truck accident attorney is equipped to reach a resolution that best serves your interest. It should be noted that many of these claims get resolved at the settlement stage without ever having to proceed to trial, allowing for a less expensive and faster process for all parties involved.

Wrongful Death in Truck Accidents

A wrongful death claim is one where the wrongful act, neglect, or fault of another causes a person's death. Truck accidents, unfortunately, are a common source of such tragedies, given the massive size of commercial vehicles. In these cases, here's who can bring a lawsuit:

• Spouses
• Children
• Parents
• Siblings
• Grandparents

If the deceased has an heir mentioned in a will, that person may also sue. Additionally, the executor or representative of the estate can file a suit.

Calculating Damages

Damages in a wrongful death lawsuit can cover a wide range of losses. These include:

• Medical bills
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship

An accurate calculation of damages is a must in these cases. An experienced attorney has the skill set to ensure surviving family members cover all their bases to receive maximum financial relief for their losses.

The Importance of Immediate Action

Timing is critical in all personal injury cases, including wrongful death cases. Michigan law stipulates that wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within three years of the date of death. This time frame enables comprehensive evidence collection, such as accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimonies, to build a robust case.

No amount of money can replace your loved one. However, a wrongful death claim offers a sense of justice during a time of profound loss. It's a way to hold at-fault parties accountable. A compassionate lawyer will handle all legal matters while you focus on addressing your grief.

Damages You Can Pursue After a Truck Accident

Trucking accidents cause victims bodily trauma, property damage, and emotional distress. This fallout can have a lasting impact on victims and their families. If you've had this experience, you can pursue damages for your financial and non-financial losses. Here are some examples:

Economic Damages

These damages address the collision's impact on your finances.

• Medical Costs: This includes the cost of an emergency ambulance for hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and necessary prescription drugs or medical supplies.
• Lost Earnings: Have you missed work due to the accident? Is your loss of work temporary or permanent? If yes, you're entitled to damages for lost wages and potential future income.
• Restoration or Replacement of Property: Get paid for damages to your personal and real property, such as your vehicle, clothes, and smartphone.
• Incidental Costs: You can recover damages for other accident-related expenses, such as transportation costs for doctor appointments.

Non-economic Damages

These damages deal more with the intangible or emotional consequences of the crash that aren't easy to quantify.

• Pain and Suffering: Restitution for the physical pain and emotional harm you've experienced.
• Mental Distress: These damages refer to the psychological effects of the incident that last for an extended period, such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
• Loss of Consortium: Financial relief where intimacy and companionship are lost.
• Loss of Life Enjoyment: You may be entitled to compensation if you can no longer participate in your favorite hobbies, activities, and pastimes.
• Disfigurement: Get compensated for long-term physical changes, such as scars, burns, and amputations.

Michigan awards exemplary damages in cases involving extreme negligence or malice. It's rare for courts to award these damages. However, this award offers additional compensation in cases involving wrongful death or specific product liability lawsuits.

The Benefits of Hiring a White Lake Truck Accident Attorney

Tractor-trailer collisions shatter lives. The victims get left with trying to put the pieces of their lives back together. A truck accident attorney can be your strongest advocate during your recovery journey. They can provide you with a full scope of legal representation like the following:

Knowledge

A truck collision might send you into a legal whirlwind. An attorney specializing in truck accidents can help you make sense of everything from your rights to identifying the liable parties.

Negotiations

Insurance firms do not work to protect your financial future. The goal is to increase profits, even if it means lowballing your settlement. A skilled attorney knows the "insider tactics" insurers use to attempt to prolong, reject, or devalue truck accident claims. They know how to strategize a counteroffer that tilts the negotiations in your favor.

Compensation

Your attorney takes into account every relevant loss you face. These include medical costs, missed earnings, property damage, and emotional anguish. They ensure you get the maximum compensation to help you move forward with greater financial stability.

Emotional Support

Life after a truck accident is an emotional journey. A compassionate truck accident attorney understands the roller coaster of emotions injured victims experience. Your lawyer can provide a listening ear, encouragement, and genuine concern for your situation.

Personal injury attorneys have the experience, knowledge, and resources to handle any legal battle. You don't have to fight by yourself. Let your attorney do the heavy-duty lifting while you focus on regaining your life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents in White Lake Michigan

How does no-fault insurance work in Michigan truck accident cases?

Michigan has a no-fault insurance system. After a truck accident, injured victims can rely on their own insurance policies to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket costs, no matter who caused the accident. This system aims to speed up the payment of claims and reduce the need for litigation. However, you can pursue a claim against the at-fault driver for damages your policy may not cover, such as a severe injury, disfigurement, or death.

What happens if the trucking company tries to blame me for the accident?

If the trucking company tries to blame you for the accident, seek legal representation. Your attorney can counter these claims by presenting evidence of the truck driver's or trucking company's negligence. The goal is to minimize your fault and maximize your compensation under Michigan's comparative negligence rule.

What's the cost of hiring a lawyer?

Many MI lawyers serving White Lake take cases on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case. These fees attorneys charge range from 25 to 40 percent of the settlement or award. You will never be asked to pay a retainer or upfront fees.

What is the typical settlement amount for a truck accident?

Different factors influence the value of each case. For example, the severity of injuries, property damage, and lost pay. Compensation usually falls between $3,000 and $75,000. Every case is unique, so your payout may fall outside that range.

What is the time limit to file a lawsuit after a truck accident?

The statute of limitations is when a truck accident lawsuit must be filed. In White Lake, MI, you must file a lawsuit three years from the accident date.

What is the typical timeline for resolving a truck accident claim?

The length of time it takes to settle a truck accident claim is determined by various factors, such as the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, and the willingness of the parties to negotiate. A settlement or trial verdict may take several months or even years.

Get the Help You Need for Your Claim

Have you been involved in a serious truck accident? Do you feel powerless? Do you think the insurance company won't offer you a fair settlement?

After a catastrophic truck accident, you're thrown into an emotionally taxing situation. You don't know what to do. That's okay. At the Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates, we're here to get you across the finish line. You are entitled to fair treatment and full compensation. Our legal team is dedicated to bringing the results you deserve.

Our law firm has decades of experience winning cases for White Lake truck accident victims like you. Our clients have walked away with $250 million in settlements and verdicts. Let's put our highly skilled personal injury lawyers to work for you.

Get the legal help you need now. Call us at 248-886-8650 or email us for a no-obligation, free consultation.