Drunk Truck Accident Lawyer in Grand Rapids

ETHICAL, AGGRESSIVE, AND COMPASSIONATE DRUNK TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER IN GRAND RAPIDS

We Will Protect Your Rights and Interests and Fight for a Favorable Outcome

Driving a truck requires a lot of attention and skill, and when one’s cognitive abilities are impaired, it slows reaction time and affects reflexes. This is what happens when a truck driver drinks and drives. Their cognitive skills are impaired, making obeying the road rules and properly controlling their truck harder.

When a drunk truck accident occurs, you need to take steps to protect your rights and interests, and one of them is hiring a reputable law firm. At Goodman Acker, P.C., our drunk truck accident lawyer in Grand Rapids has helped several victims seek compensation from negligent truck drivers and trucking companies. We will carefully assess your claim and help you seek fair compensation.

Our attorneys will also inform you of all your legal options and guide you in making decisions in your best interests. Contact us at 248-286-8100 to learn how we can help you.

Why choose our Grand Rapids drunk truck accident lawyers?

At Goodman Acker, P.C., we are knowledgeable and skilled negotiators and litigators with over thirty years of experience representing truck accident victims. We understand that each case is unique, so we try to understand each person’s unique position and offer legal advice based on their needs. Also, we do not deem any client to be more important than the other and always treat each person with dignity and respect.

We are committed to getting the best outcome for our clients, reflected in the favorable settlements and verdicts we’ve secured. We have also received positive testimonials from those we have represented. You can trust us to always place your interests first and work tirelessly to help you get your life back on track.

Our initial consultations are free, and we work on a no-win, no-fee basis, so you don’t have to worry about paying us upfront. Book a free case review today by contacting us at 248-286-8100.

Who can I hold liable for a drunk truck accident in Grand Rapids?

After an accident involving a drunk truck driver, you might wonder who you can hold liable. Generally, the likely liable parties in a drunk truck accident are the truck driver or their trucking company.

The truck driver

The truck driver is the first possible liable party, because they were the one controlling the truck when the crash happened. The trucker will be considered impaired if they have a 0.04% blood alcohol content (BAC) or more. This will be the case whether the truck driver is visibly intoxicated or not, as they are already legally drunk. Therefore, if an accident occurs when the trucker is intoxicated, they will be deemed liable.

The trucking company

If a truck company hires a driver with a history of driving under the influence, it will be held liable for any accident. Also, a trucking company can be responsible for its truck driver’s actions under the doctrine of vicarious liability, whether or not the driver has a DUI history. As long as the truck driver is responsible for the accident, the company can share the liability.

Aside from the truck driver and a trucking company, establishments that sell alcohol can also be held partly responsible for a drunk truck accident. Contrary to what some people believe, alcohol dulls the senses, and if a retail licensee sees an intoxicated truck driver and still sells them alcohol, they can be held partly liable under the Michigan Dram Shop law.

What compensation can I recover after a drunk truck accident in Grand Rapids?

If you sustained severe injuries or suffered a disability or disfigurement in a drunk truck accident, you can file a lawsuit for damages. If your case is successful, you can receive economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages pay for the monetary losses incurred from the accident and are easily calculable.

Non-economic damages pay for the non-monetary losses that are non-quantifiable and have no fixed dollar value. The two cover the following:

• Medical expenses such as hospital bills, surgeries, doctor visits, medications, rehabilitation, and therapy
• Lost wages if the injury kept you from working and affected your earning capacity
• Pain and suffering for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish resulting from the accident
• Permanent disability and disfigurement if the injury impacted your ability to perform daily functions
• Loss of enjoyment of life if you can no longer do the activities you used to because of your injury
• Property damage for the replacement of your car or other valuables.

However, Michigan is a No-Fault state, so fault does not always play a role after a collision. If your injuries are minor, you can apply for personal injury protection (PIP) benefits from your No-Fault insurance provider. It will cover all reasonable medical bills, a percentage of your lost wages, and all attendant care services. But fault comes into play when you sustain severe injuries, a disfigurement, or disability, and the courts will consider it when awarding damages when you file a lawsuit.

Drunk truck accident Lawyer in Grand Rapids FAQs

Feeling confused and having questions after a drunk truck accident is okay. We addressed some of the frequently asked questions below. We will offer more in-depth answers when you visit our office.

What happens if the truck driver is arrested for driving under the influence (DUI)?

A DUI arrest can strengthen your case, as it is evidence of the truck driver’s negligence. However, working with a lawyer is still essential to build a strong case and pursue compensation.

Is there a time limit for filing a lawsuit after a drunk truck accident?

Under Michigan law, you must file a lawsuit three years from when the accident happened. Once the time elapses, you can no longer take legal action.

Can I still file a lawsuit if the truck driver was acquitted of DUI charges?

Yes. The outcome of the DUI case against the drunk truck driver does not affect your lawsuit for compensation.

How much does hiring a lawyer for a drunk truck accident case cost?

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid when we secure a favorable outcome. The fee is a percentage of the amount received as a verdict or settlement, usually between 33% and 40%.

How our Grand Rapids drunk truck accident lawyers can help you

When you retain the services of our legal team at Goodman Acker, P.C., you get access to the following:

• Legal expertise of lawyers adept in handling drunk truck accident cases
• The investigation of your case to gather relevant evidence
• A strong case strategy based on the evidence gathered
• Skilled negotiation skills to get you fair compensation
• Advocacy skills if your case goes to court due to settlement negotiations falling through.

By choosing our law firm, you will have a dedicated team on your side, and we will keep you updated throughout the process.

Book a free consultation with our Goodman Acker, P.C. team

If you or a loved one suffered severe injuries from a drunk truck accident, our Goodman Acker, P.C. team can help you. We will fight tirelessly to hold all the liable parties accountable and secure a favorable outcome. Call us at 248-286-8100 for a free case evaluation.

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 ]