Truck Accidents

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Michigan, Atnip & Associates, PLLC, wants to provide you with the legal representation you need to demand compensation for what you’ve suffered. We know how devastating these collisions can be, and that you’re likely dealing with severe injuries and related expenses. What’s more, we understand the complex state and federal regulations that apply to commercial trucking accident claims and how to leverage them on behalf of our clients.

Don’t try to take on the trucking and insurance companies alone. Instead, turn to a truck accident attorney in Detroit, Michigan, for help. Contact Atnip & Associates, PLLC, for a free legal consultation.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Commercial motor vehicles weigh up to 20 times what passenger cars do and take twice as long to stop when traveling at highway speeds. These aspects make them considerably more dangerous than other vehicles in the event of an accident, and can contribute to injuries like:

Whiplash and Neck Injuries
Lacerations and Bruises
Broken Bones
Burn Injuries
Head Injuries
Spinal Cord Injuries
Back Injuries
Internal Injuries
Psychological Trauma

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Michigan

Many different factors can contribute to a truck accident in Michigan, including:

Driver Fatigue– Long hours on the road without adequate rest can lead to driver fatigue, making it difficult for truck drivers to stay alert and react promptly to road conditions.
Distracted Driving– Activities that divert the driver’s attention can result in delayed reaction times and accidents. Common distractions include using a mobile phone, eating, or adjusting the radio.
Impaired Driving– Operating a truck under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain medications can impair judgment and reaction times, increasing the likelihood of a crash.

To secure full compensation in your case, your Michigan trucking injury attorney will launch a careful investigation to determine who contributed to the accident and what insurance coverage they have.

Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance System

Michigan state laws created a no-fault insurance system, which means that, in the aftermath of a truck accident, you file your first claim with your own insurance provider. Your policy will cover your necessary medical expenses, up to three years of lost wages, and certain incidental expenses, like household maintenance, that you can no longer provide yourself.

However, if you suffered severe injuries that meet Michigan’s serious impairment of body function test, you can sue the party or parties at fault for the truck accident. Doing so allows you to recover additional compensation, as catastrophic injury claims can account for pain and suffering and other non-economic losses PIP does not cover. A motor vehicle accident attorney in Detroit can review your situation and advise you about whether this is an option for you.

What Compensation Am I Owed?

A commercial truck accident lawyer in Michigan knows how to seek accident victim compensation for the following:

Medical Expenses– This covers all medical treatments related to the accident, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical care you require.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity– If the injury has caused you to miss work, you can be compensated for the income you could not earn. If your ability to work in the future is affected, you may also receive compensation for loss of future earning capacity.
Property Damage– This compensation pays for any damage to your vehicle and other personal property as a result of the accident.
Pain and Suffering– This covers the physical pain and emotional distress you experienced due to the accident, including ongoing discomfort, anxiety, and trauma.
Loss of Quality of Life– Truck accidents can have devastating, long-term consequences. You deserve compensation if you’ve been left with disabilities or long-term impairments that affect your daily life and ability to take part in your favorite activities.

How Atnip & Associates, PLLC, Can Help with Your Truck Accident Claim

Atnip & Associates, PLLC, is a personal injury law firm representing injured clients in the Detroit metropolitan area and throughout Michigan, including the Upper Peninsula.

Speeding and Reckless Driving– Exceeding speed limits or engaging in aggressive driving behaviors makes accidents both more likely and more devastating.
Lack of Training– Truck drivers need to be trained in vehicle operation and safety protocols. Inadequate training in these areas can lead to errors on the road.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance– Failure to regularly maintain and inspect trucks can result in mechanical failures like brake malfunctions or tire blowouts.
Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo– Trucks carrying loads that exceed legal weight limits will not handle as intended, while improperly stored cargo can cause balance issues.

Each of these factors can contribute to a truck accident, and in many cases, a combination of these causes may be involved. A Detroit truck accident lawyer can thoroughly investigate the incident to determine its cause and, by extension, who might be to blame.

Who’s Responsible for My Truck Accident Injuries?

One of the complicating factors in many truck accident cases is that many different parties could be fully or partially at fault. These include:

The Truck Driver– The truck driver is the person most responsible for the safe operation of the vehicle. They might be to blame if the accident was caused by driver errors such as distracted driving, fatigue, impaired driving, or violation of traffic laws.
The Trucking Company– Employers assume liability for the on-the-job actions of their employees. The company might also be liable if the accident resulted from company policies or practices, such as pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic schedules or failing to properly train drivers.
The Truck’s Owner– If different from the trucking company, the owner of the vehicle could be liable for failing to maintain the truck properly or ensuring it meets safety standards.
Cargo Loaders– A third party responsible for packing the truck could be at fault if they overloaded the vehicle or failed to adequately secure cargo, allowing it to shift dangerously during transit.
The Cargo’s Owner– The company that owns the cargo outright might be liable if it failed to provide safe and proper packaging or instructions for handling the items, leading to an unsafe transport situation.
Mechanics or Maintenance Firms– The mechanics or firm responsible for the truck’s upkeep could be liable if improper maintenance or repairs caused a mechanical failure that contributed to the accident.
Truck/Component Manufacturers– Companies that produced the truck or its component parts could be to blame if a design or manufacturing defect caused or contributed to the accident.

If you’ve been hurt in a motor vehicle collision, our experienced legal team can help you by:

Meeting you, listening to your story, and advising you on your options during a free consultation
Thoroughly investigating the crash and your injuries to determine who is to blame and what you’ve suffered
Working with experts in fields like accident reconstruction, medicine, and accounting to place an accurate value on your claim
Filing insurance claims and negotiating with at-fault parties in pursuit of a fair settlement
Representing you in court if the insurance company refuses to pay out your claim
Protecting your rights and treating you like family throughout the stressful legal process

Remember, the sooner you get in touch with a motor vehicle accident attorney in Detroit, the more they can do on your behalf.

Contact a Michigan Trucking Injury Attorney Today

Are you looking for a commercial truck accident lawyer in Michigan? Then you’ve come to the right place. Atnip & Associates, PLLC, can help you demand compensation for what you’ve suffered, and we won’t charge you a fee unless we put money back in your pocket. Contact us today to speak with a semi-truck accident lawyer in Detroit during a free consultation.