Okemos Truck Accident Lawyers

Ready to Hold Truck Drivers & Companies Liable for Your Injuries in Michigan

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, the aftermath can be overwhelming. From medical bills to lost wages, the financial and emotional toll can be immense. At Grewal Law, we handle truck accident claims, ensuring that our clients in Okemos, MI, receive the legal representation they need to seek compensation. Our experienced team of truck accident attorneys is here to help you navigate the complexities of your case, from determining liability to negotiating with insurance companies.

To request a free consultation with our truck accident lawyer in Okemos, contact us today at (888) 211-5798.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can happen in various ways, each with its own set of challenges when it comes to filing a claim. Some of the most common types of truck accidents include:

• Jackknife Accidents: A jackknife accident occurs when the trailer of the truck swings out to the side, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab. This often happens when a truck driver brakes suddenly or loses control, causing the trailer to skid. These types of accidents can lead to multi-car pile-ups, putting numerous lives at risk.
• Rollover Accidents: Due to the height and weight of trucks, they are more susceptible to rollovers, especially when taking sharp turns or driving on uneven terrain. Rollover accidents can cause significant harm to other drivers and passengers on the road.
• Rear-End Collisions: Trucks take longer to stop than regular vehicles due to their size and weight. This makes rear-end collisions a common type of truck accident, especially in cases where the truck driver fails to maintain a safe following distance.
• Underride Accidents: An underride accident happens when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the truck, often causing severe injuries or fatalities. These accidents are particularly dangerous because the top of the smaller vehicle can be sheared off in the process.
• Tire Blowouts: Tire blowouts are a leading cause of truck accidents. When a truck’s tire bursts, it can cause the driver to lose control, veer into other lanes, or even flip the vehicle. Other drivers may also crash while trying to avoid the debris from the blown tire.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Several factors contribute to truck accidents. Understanding these causes can help in building a strong case for compensation. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often face long hours on the road. Despite regulations limiting the number of hours they can drive, many drivers push their limits to meet tight deadlines. Fatigued drivers are more prone to making mistakes, such as missing traffic signals, drifting between lanes, or reacting slowly to sudden changes in traffic.
• Distracted Driving: Like other drivers, truck drivers can also fall victim to distractions such as using their phones, adjusting the radio, or eating while driving. A moment of distraction is all it takes for a devastating accident to occur.
• Speeding & Reckless Driving: Truck drivers who speed or drive aggressively are more likely to be involved in accidents. Trucks take longer to stop than smaller vehicles, so speeding can make it difficult for truck drivers to react in time to avoid a collision.
• Improperly Loaded Cargo: Trucks carrying improperly loaded or unsecured cargo are at greater risk of accidents. Shifting cargo can cause the truck to become unbalanced, leading to jackknife accidents or rollovers.
• Mechanical Failures: Trucks are complex machines that require regular maintenance. Mechanical failures such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts can lead to severe accidents. In these cases, the trucking company or a maintenance provider may be held liable.

Common Injuries in Truck Accidents

These may include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head trauma can occur from hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, or even windows. TBIs vary from mild concussions to severe brain damage and may cause long-term cognitive, emotional, or physical impairments.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: The violent impact of a truck collision can damage the spinal cord, leading to partial or full paralysis, chronic pain, or limited mobility.
• Neck and Back Injuries: Whiplash, herniated discs, and other soft tissue injuries are common. These can cause significant pain and limit daily activities, even if the damage isn’t immediately visible.
• Broken Bones: The force of a truck accident could cause fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, pelvis, and other bones. Some breaks may require surgery, implants, or physical therapy to heal properly.
• Internal Injuries: Blunt-force trauma can lead to internal bleeding or damage to critical organs like the lungs, liver, kidneys, or spleen. These injuries are often life-threatening and may not be immediately obvious.
• Burns: Truck accidents, particularly those involving hazardous materials or fuel tank ruptures, could lead to very serious burns. These injuries often require skin grafts and leave permanent scars or disfigurement.
• Amputations: In severe cases, limbs may be crushed or severed in a collision, or surgical amputation may be necessary due to irreparable damage or infection.
• Cuts and Lacerations: Glass, metal, and debris can cause deep wounds that lead to scarring, infection, or nerve damage. While some may be minor, others require stitches or reconstructive procedures.
• Emotional and Psychological Trauma: Victims often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or sleep disorders.
• Wrongful Death: In the most tragic instances, truck accidents result in fatalities. Surviving family members could be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim for loss of companionship, financial support, and funeral expenses.

Determining Liability in a Truck Accident

One of the most complicated aspects of a truck accident claim is determining liability. Unlike car accidents, where liability typically lies with one of the drivers, truck accidents may involve multiple liable parties. These include:

• The Truck Driver: If the driver was speeding, distracted, or fatigued, they could be held liable for the accident. Violations of traffic laws or failure to adhere to safety regulations can also place blame on the driver.
• The Trucking Company: Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring that their drivers are well-trained, adhere to regulations, and that the trucks are properly maintained. If the company fails in any of these duties, it can be held liable for the accident.
• The Cargo Loaders: If improperly loaded or unsecured cargo contributed to the accident, the individuals or companies responsible for loading the truck could be held liable.
• Manufacturers: If a mechanical failure, such as brake or tire defects, caused the accident, the manufacturer of the faulty parts may be liable. Each of these parties has a distinct role in the event of an accident, and pinpointing liability requires careful investigation. It’s crucial to examine the evidence meticulously, which may include driver logs, maintenance records, and witness testimonies, to build a strong legal strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do Immediately After a Truck Accident?

After a truck accident, ensuring safety is the priority. Move to a safe location, check for injuries, and call 911 for emergency assistance. Once safe, if possible, document the scene by taking photographs of vehicles, license plates, and the scene itself. Exchange information with the truck driver and gather contact details of any witnesses. Refrain from discussing who was at fault.

It's crucial to report the accident to law enforcement to create an official police report, which will be invaluable throughout your claim process. Seek medical attention immediately, even for minor injuries, as some symptoms may not immediately appear. After you are stable, contact a truck accident lawyer who can guide you on the subsequent steps and help preserve evidence crucial for your claim.

How Does Fault Impact My Truck Accident Claim?

In Michigan, fault determinations are central to determining compensation eligibility. Michigan operates under a comparative negligence rule, meaning damages can be reduced based on a party's percentage of fault. Understanding this process is critical in strategizing your claim.

Grewal Law utilizes comprehensive investigative techniques to establish fault decisively. This involves consulting accident reports, interviewing witnesses, and potentially involving accident reconstruction experts. Given its significant impact on compensation, getting this right early is essential.

What Types of Compensation Could I Receive from a Truck Accident Claim?

Compensation in truck accident claims can encompass various forms of damages. These typically include recovery for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Individuals may also claim compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

In particular circumstances, punitive damages may be awarded. These are designed to punish particularly reckless behavior and deter similar conduct in the future. Grewal Law PLLC strives to achieve comprehensive compensation for our clients, enshrining their rights every step.

What is the statute of limitations for truck accident claims in Michigan?

In the state of Michigan, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit after a truck accident is normally three years from the accident date. This time limit applies to most personal injury and property damage claims resulting from collisions involving commercial trucks, semi-trailers, delivery vehicles, and other large trucks.

This three-year window means that if you were injured or your property was damaged in a truck accident, you must file your legal claim in court within that period. Failing to do so will likely result in the court dismissing your case, and you may lose your right to recover compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repairs, pain and suffering, and other related damages.