Truck Accidents
WHAT IS CONSIDERED A LARGE TRUCK?
A large truck is any vehicle that weighs over 10,000 pounds. These trucks can be commercial, government, or rental vehicles. Examples include:
- Automotive Haulers
- Box Trailers
- Cargo Vehicles
- Concrete Trucks
- Delivery Trucks
- Flatbed Trucks
- Garbage Trucks
- Heavy Haulers
- Mail Trucks
- Rental Trucks
- Semi-Trucks
- Tanker Trucks
- Tow Trucks
- Utility Trucks
HOW DO YOU INVESTIGATE LARGE TRUCK ACCIDENTS?
WHO CAN BE HELD LIABLE OTHER THAN THE DRIVER?
Investigating a truck accident involves determining who or what was at fault. Key factors to examine include:
- Whether the truck was speeding or violating traffic laws
- Driver impairment due to drugs or alcohol
- Driver fatigue or exceeding federally permitted driving hours
- Possible manufacturer defects in the truck
- Whether the truck underwent regular inspections and proper maintenance
Additionally, we investigate trucking companies’ legal obligations, such as:
- Hiring safe and qualified drivers
- Proper vehicle maintenance
- History of non-compliance with local and federal trucking regulations
- Trucker education and training standards proper maintenance
In many cases, liability extends beyond the truck driver. Potentially responsible parties include:
- The truck driver
- The truck manufacturer
- The trucking company
- The truck owner
- Distributors
- Suppliers
- Truck maintenance companies
Each of these entities typically carries insurance policies that may contribute to settling your claim.
WHERE DO I FILE A TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWSUIT?
The location for filing a truck accident lawsuit depends on several factors, such as:
- Where the defendant resides or conducts business
- Where the plaintiff resides or conducts business
- Where the accident took place
Lawsuits can be filed in either a Michigan state court or a federal court, depending on the case specifics.
HOW MUCH CAN I RECOVER IN A LAWSUIT?
Compensation in a truck accident lawsuit can cover a wide range of expenses and damages, including:
Medical Expenses:
Hospital bills, doctor examinations, follow-ups, surgeries, prescriptions, rehabilitation, imaging tests (X-rays, MRIs), medical equipment (wheelchairs, crutches, etc.), and barrier-free home modifications (rails, ramps, etc.)Case Management:
Coordination of medical and rehabilitation plans, typically arranged by insurance but available for personal selection.Attendant Care:
Compensation for family members providing care to injured relatives, with proper documentation (may be limited to 56 hours per week).Medical Mileage:
Reimbursement for travel expenses related to medical treatment.Specialized Vehicles:
Reasonable expenses for necessary van modifications.Guardian/Conservatorship Services:
Managing medical and legal decisions, attending appointments, handling financial matters, and arranging transportation.Funeral Expenses:
Coverage for burial costs.Vehicle Repairs:
Up to $3,000 in mini tort coverage for vehicle repairs.
ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION:
Interstate trucking insurance policies generally have higher policy limits, starting at $750,000, offering greater compensation potential compared to passenger vehicle insurance. The most significant portion of compensation typically comes from pain and suffering damages, which are calculated on a case-by-case basis.
Practice Areas
- Car Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Bicycle Pedestrian Accidents
- Medical Malpractice
- Wrongful Death
- Premises Liability
- Product Liability
- Michigan Torts
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