Getting into a truck accident in Lansing can turn your life upside down in seconds. Between medical bills, time off work, and dealing with insurance companies, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Unlike a typical fender bender, truck accidents often involve serious injuries, commercial insurance policies, and complicated liability issues. If you’re wondering how to get compensation after a truck accident, this guide will walk you through the process step by step so you can focus on healing while protecting your financial future.
Get Medical Attention and Document Your Injuries
Taking care of your health should be the first priority after any truck accident. Even if you feel fine, injuries may not show up right away. Immediate medical attention protects both your well-being and your legal claim. Here’s what to do:
- Seek emergency care or visit a doctor as soon as possible. Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse. Prompt treatment shows the injury is serious and related to the crash.
- Follow all medical advice and attend every follow-up appointment. Gaps in treatment can be used against you by insurance companies.
- Save copies of all medical records and bills. This includes ER visits, prescriptions, physical therapy, imaging scans, and specialist care.
- Document visible injuries with photos. Bruises, cuts, swelling, and casts can help show the impact of your injuries.
- Get a written note from your doctor if you need time off work. You’ll need this to recover lost wages as part of your claim.
Every piece of documentation strengthens your case and helps ensure you’re fully compensated for your injuries.
Report the Truck Accident to Police and Insurance
After a serious truck accident in Lansing, filing a police report and notifying your insurance company are critical first steps. These reports create a formal record of the crash and protect your legal rights if you need to file a claim or lawsuit later. Use the guide below to know exactly who to contact and what actions to take:
Understand Michigan No-Fault Insurance Coverage
Michigan is a no-fault state, which means your own auto insurance will cover many of your immediate losses no matter who caused the crash. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, and replacement services. If you live in Lansing and have a valid no-fault policy, you’re entitled to these benefits after a truck accident. However, no-fault benefits don’t cover pain and suffering or vehicle damage caused by someone else. To recover those losses, you’ll need to file a third-party claim, which we’ll cover in the next step. Here’s a breakdown of what no-fault insurance typically covers:
| 🏷️ Benefit Category | 💡 What’s Covered | 📌 Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical Expenses | ER visits, surgeries, rehab, prescriptions | Unlimited if you chose unlimited PIP |
| 💼 Lost Wages | 85% of your gross income | Capped monthly, up to 3 years after the crash |
| 🧹 Replacement Services | Help with chores, childcare, errands | Up to $20/day for up to 3 years |
| 🚗 Attendant Care | In-home care or assistance with daily tasks | Can be provided by family or hired help |
| 🚑 Mileage Reimbursement | Travel to and from medical appointments | Reimbursed at a per-mile rate |
Understanding your no-fault benefits is essential as they form the foundation of your recovery, especially in the first weeks and months after a crash.
File a Third-Party Claim for Pain and Suffering
While Michigan’s no-fault insurance helps with your immediate needs, it doesn’t cover everything — especially the emotional and long-term impact of a serious truck accident. If you suffered a significant injury and another party was at fault, you may be eligible to file a third-party claim for additional compensation. This type of claim allows you to recover damages like:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
- Future lost earning capacity
To file a third-party claim, you must meet Michigan’s “serious impairment of body function” threshold. This is a legal standard that requires showing that your injuries have had a significant effect on your daily life. A knowledgeable Lansing truck accident lawyer can help prove this and build a case against the at-fault driver or trucking company. Third-party claims also allow you to pursue compensation for vehicle damage, which isn’t covered under your no-fault policy unless you purchased additional collision coverage.
Calculate the Full Value of Your Truck Accident Claim
Truck accident cases often involve far more than just medical bills and lost wages. To recover the full value of your claim, you need to account for both economic and non-economic damages — including future costs that may not be immediately obvious. Insurance companies often try to minimize your injuries and pay as little as possible. That’s why it’s so important to understand what your case might actually be worth. Below is a breakdown of the different types of compensation you may be entitled to:
| 💰 Type of Damage | 📝 Examples | 📌 Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 💸 Economic Damages | Medical bills, lost income, property damage | Easy to document with receipts and records |
| 🧠 Non-Economic Damages | Pain and suffering, emotional distress, anxiety | Often the largest portion of compensation |
| 🔮 Future Costs | Ongoing treatment, surgeries, lost earning capacity | Crucial in serious injury and disability cases |
| 🏠 Loss of Consortium | Impact on your relationship or family life | Recoverable in certain cases |
| 🚘 Vehicle Damage | Repair or replacement of your vehicle | May require separate claim under property damage |
Every truck accident case is different. The more severe your injuries and the clearer the fault, the greater your potential recovery especially when you have the right legal help.
Speak With a Lansing Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accident claims are some of the most complex personal injury cases. Between federal regulations, commercial insurance policies, and aggressive defense tactics from trucking companies, it’s not something you should try to handle alone especially if you’re recovering from serious injuries and need legal support for injury victims in Lansing. An experienced Lansing truck accident lawyer can:
- Investigate the crash and gather critical evidence (e.g., black box data, driver logs, maintenance records)
- Determine all liable parties — not just the driver, but possibly the trucking company, cargo loaders, or even a parts manufacturer
- Handle communication with insurance companies and fight for full compensation
- Build a strong third-party claim while you focus on healing
At The Clark Law Office, we’ve handled truck accident cases across Lansing and Mid-Michigan for years. We know the roads, the courts, and how to deal with big trucking companies and their insurers. If you were injured in a truck crash, we’re here to help you take the next step with confidence. 👉 Schedule your free consultation today to learn how we can fight for every dollar you deserve.
Common Questions About Getting Compensation After a Lansing Truck Accident
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Michigan?
You typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, insurance-related claims like no-fault benefits often have shorter deadlines, so it’s best to act quickly.
Can I still get compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Michigan uses a comparative fault rule. If you're less than 50% at fault, you can still recover compensation — but your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
What if the truck driver was working for a company?
If the driver was on the job, you may be able to hold the trucking company responsible as well. This can increase your chances of recovering full compensation, especially in cases involving negligence in hiring, training, or maintenance.
How is a truck accident different from a car accident claim?
Truck accidents are usually more complex. They often involve severe injuries, commercial insurance policies, and federal regulations. Proving liability and calculating damages requires a more aggressive legal strategy.
How much does it cost to hire a Lansing truck accident lawyer?
At The Clark Law Office, we work on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
Resources and References
- Where Do Most Personal Injuries Happen in Lansing? A Local Guide to High-Risk Places - April 21, 2025
- What Michigan Drivers Get Wrong About Bicycle Accidents - April 18, 2025
- Injured While Biking Near Campus? Your Rights After a Crash at MSU - April 17, 2025
