Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Detroit, MI

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Detroit, Michigan?

  The non-emergency telephone number of the Detroit Police Department is (313) 267-4600.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Detroit, Michigan?

  You can acquire a copy of your truck accident police record at the 3rd precinct, which is located at 2875 W. Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202. To process your file, you will require the accident's precise date, the intersections where the accident occurred, a legal ID, and $10.00 for the accident report payable in cash or money order.

• Who can be held liable for truck accidents in Detroit?

  Truck drivers, trucking companies, vehicle manufacturers, shippers or cargo loaders, and auto repair shops are just a few of the entities that truck accident victims in Detroit may hold accountable for their injuries. A truck accident attorney can help victims look into their claims and find prospective defendants who might be responsible for their tragedy.

• What types of truck accidents are most prevalent in Detroit?

  In Michigan, where Detroit is located, truck accidents can take different forms, including head-on or rear-end collisions, hit-and-run incidents, and fatal collisions. The frequency of fatal truck accidents climbed by 27% within a seven-year period, according to national vehicle accident figures. 17.6% of all truck-related accidents in Michigan resulted in permanent disability and 0.093% in fatalities. Additionally, 12,749 truck or bus drivers were involved in an accident, and 2,194 collisions resulted in injuries or deaths.

• Can you still recover damages if a truck accident in Detroit was partly your fault?

  You may still recover damages for your injuries even if you contributed partly to the truck accident in Detroit. However, the percentage of your culpability will be deducted from the total losses. For instance, your damages will be reduced by 20% if you were 20% at fault for the accident. Additionally, according to Michigan law, the victim is not entitled to compensation for non-economic loss if they contributed over 50% of the fault to the accident.

• Should you hire a truck accident lawyer in Detroit even when the accident happened in another state?

  Since Michigan is a no-fault state, which means its truck accident law is complex, the Detroit resident should get in touch with one of Detroit's truck accident lawyers. Most out-of-state attorneys are unfamiliar with the state's insurance and trucking laws. Detroit truck accident attorneys have prior experience managing truck accident claims and can assist victims in obtaining no-fault insurance benefits and other damages.

• What factors influence the amount of a truck accident settlement in Detroit?

  In determining the value of a truck accident lawsuit in Detroit, lawyers and insurance providers consider several factors, including the degree of negligence of the parties involved in the crash, the severity of the injuries, emotional and psychological trauma, and the extent to which the injuries have interfered with the person's everyday life and activities. Medical treatments, income and earning capacity loss, and insurance policy limits are also factored into the settlement amount.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.