Lansing, Michigan, Truck Accident Lawyer

Ethical, Reliable, and Trustworthy Lansing, Michigan, Truck Accident Lawyers

We Have Decades of Experience Representing Truck Accident Victims

Trucks are necessary on our roads as they help to transport goods to and from Lansing, Michigan. But their size makes them dangerous to smaller vehicles in the event of an accident. When a trucking collision occurs, it is vital to identify the at-fault party or parties and seek compensation for your injuries and losses.

However, due to the nature of truck accidents, identifying the liable party and knowing the compensation to ask for might take a lot of work. This is where our Lansing, Michigan, truck accident lawyer comes in. Our attorneys understand the complex nature of truck collisions and have helped several victims recover compensation.

When you contact us, we will examine your case, determine your eligibility to file a claim, assess your claim’s worth, and commence the claims process. Call Goodman Acker, P.C. today at 248-286-8100 to schedule a consultation.

Why Choose Our Lansing, Michigan, Truck Accident Attorney to Handle Your Case?

Unlike other personal injury cases, trucking collisions are unique and require experienced and skilled attorneys. Our truck accident lawyers at Goodman Acker, P.C., are knowledgeable, professional, and trained in these cases. Our proficiency comes from a decade of representing trucking collision victims and securing winning verdicts and settlements.

This specialized knowledge and experience allow us to represent our clients and identify all responsible parties competently. It also helps us unravel the layers of additional insurance that might increase your chances of getting the maximum compensation for a catastrophic injury. We will protect your rights and interests and work tirelessly to help you secure a favorable outcome.

Our initial consultations are free, so contact us at 248-286-8100 to schedule one with our Lansing, Michigan, truck accident lawyer.

What Causes Truck Accidents?

Trucks are vehicles designed to transport freight and carry a specialized payload. They vary in size, ranging from 16,001 lb to 33,000 lb, and there are different types, from semis to dump trucks. The size of trucks makes them a significant threat on the road and increases the severity of the injuries sustained during an accident.

Trucking collisions happen for several reasons, and they include the following:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving 
• Drunk driving
• Improper loading
• Aggressive driving
• Unfamiliar roads
• Adverse weather conditions
• Poor vehicle maintenance
• Inadequate driver training
• Fatigue driving

Truckers spend many hours on the road, with most failing to observe the Hours of Service Regulation recommended by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). When truck drivers are tired, they are like drunk drivers, as their cognitive function is impaired, and they have slower reaction times. So they are more likely to cause a collision in that state.

Truck collisions rarely result in minor injuries; those involved, especially those in passenger vehicles, sustain severe or catastrophic injuries. Some wounds recorded in truck accidents are broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, crush injuries, burns, etc. Since these wounds are catastrophic and likely to result in a disability or disfigurement, injured parties can seek compensation from the negligent party.

Who Is Responsible for Truck Accidents in Lansing, Michigan?

In Michigan, the person responsible for a trucking accident is the one whose negligence caused the truck collision. It could be single or multiple parties, and those likely to be held liable are:

The Truck Driver

The truck driver is the first to look at after a trucking accident; in most cases, liability lies only with them. This will be the case if the trucker was distracted or speeding when the truck collision happened. Also, they will be liable if the truck driver fails to secure cargo or adequately maintain the vehicle.

The Trucking Company

The truck company can be held responsible under the doctrine of vicarious liability or if there is evidence of negligence on its part. For instance, a trucking company that fails to train drivers properly or knows of a trucker’s drinking history and hires them will be responsible for any accident caused by the driver. Also, truck companies that make drivers violate safety regulations to deliver goods on time will be liable if the driver causes an accident from speeding or because they were fatigued.

Cargo Shipper Or Loader

Suppose cargo shippers or loaders fail to load or secure cargo properly, use an improper loading technique, overload, or forget to inspect. In that case, they can be liable for an accident caused by improperly loaded or secured cargo.

Truck and Parts Manufacturer

Truck and parts manufacturers are likely liable for an accident caused by brake failure, tire blowouts, malfunctioning coupling systems, and steering malfunctions. In some cases, the mechanic who maintained the truck can be responsible if they failed to return a part or did not correctly fix an issue with the vehicle.

Does Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance Law apply to Trucking Accidents?

Michigan is a no-fault state, so victims in an accident must file an insurance claim with their insurance company. Under the no-fault rule, your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage will cover all reasonable medical expenses, a percentage of your lost wages, and three-year replacement services. However, you can file a lawsuit if you suffer a severe or catastrophic injury, disability, or disfigurement.

Recoverable Compensation After a Truck Accident

The nature of trucking collisions is such that victims often spend a lot of time in the hospital, have to undergo therapy, and are saddled with substantial medical bills. Thankfully, you can receive economic and noneconomic damages. The former compensates for all financial losses, while the latter covers nonquantifiable damages.

Examples of economic and noneconomic damages are:

• Medical expenses
• Loss of wages
• Property damage
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Cost of home improvement
• Loss of companionship
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Cost of physical therapy,
• Loss of consortium, etc.

If the truck accident victim dies, their legal beneficiaries can file a wrongful death lawsuit, and the damages awarded covers funeral and burial expenses. Also, in cases where there is evidence of malice or gross negligence on the part of the at-fault party, the court may award exemplary damages. The latter significantly increases the verdict amount.

Lansing, Michigan, Truck Accident Lawyer FAQs

We receive different questions when clients walk into our office for the first time, and below, we answer some frequently asked questions.

How much compensation can I receive for my truck accident claim?

The amount you can receive as your compensation depends on several factors. This includes the severity and type of your injury, the amount spent on medical bills, the sum of lost income, out-of-pocket costs, etc. The experience and negotiation skills of your lawyer also impact your settlement amount.

How long will it take to conclude my truck accident claim? 

There is no fixed timeframe for concluding a case; the settlement and court case timelines differ. If you decide to settle, it could take weeks to months, but if you file a lawsuit, it could take up to a year or more.

Do I need a trucking accident Lawyer in Lansing, Michigan?

You can decide to handle your truck accident case alone, but the responsible party’s insurer will have legal representation, putting you at a disadvantage. By having an attorney, you have someone who knows and understands Michigan laws and how insurance companies operate and will adequately represent your interest.

How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Lansing, Michigan? 

Under Michigan law, you have three years from the date of the truck accident to file a lawsuit. Once the time elapses, you cannot recover compensation from the at-fault party.

These may not be your only questions; our attorneys will discuss your specific concerns in your initial consult.

How Our Truck Accident Attorneys in Lansing, Michigan, Can Help You

Retaining the services of our truck accident lawyers at Goodman Acker, P.C. means that you do not have to deal with insurance adjusters yourself. We will help you assess the settlement offers and ensure they cover your damages. Since injuries from truck accidents are usually catastrophic, we will help investigate the crash to identify the cause and gather evidence.

By focusing on your case, we give you the time you need to recover from your injuries. Our lawyers will protect your rights and guide you to make the best decisions. We are experienced trial lawyers, so we will represent you in court if there’s a lawsuit and argue your case before a judge. We will be with you every step of the way, doing all we can within the law to help you secure a favorable outcome.

Book a Free Consultation with Us Now!

If you or a loved one suffered severe or catastrophic injuries from a truck accident, our Goodman Acker, P.C. attorneys can help you. We are always available to listen to you, and you can reach us 24/7. Contact us at 248-286-8100 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

LEGALLY REVIEWED BY BARRY J. GOODMAN

Barry J. Goodman has devoted his professional life to keeping courthouse doors open for victims seeking justice. Always a tireless advocate for his own clients, Goodman sees his responsibility as a Detroit personal injury attorney in a broader sense as well. [ Attorney Bio ]