If you’ve been injured in a truck accident or lost someone that you love, the negligent driver needs to be held accountable for their actions. A skilled Lansing injury attorney you can trust at The Clark Law Office will fight for you and protect your rights during the insurance claim or lawsuit. We have dedicated our lives to helping injured victims in the Lansing area receive the compensation they deserve. We have extensive experience handling truck accident cases and have the results that demonstrate our skill. Let us handle the insurance and trucking companies while you get back to what matters most…your family and your health.
Our legal expertise statewide. Learn more about our Michigan truck accident lawyer services and how we can help you. Our law firm is ready to get started on your case today. The trucking company will not delay in building a case against you, so it’s important to start right away before they gain the upper hand. Call us today for your free consultation.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Lansing Truck Accidents?
There are 69,620 trucking companies located in Michigan and roughly 5,000 Americans die every year in truck accidents and most of these deaths are the passenger vehicle occupants. It’s a simple matter of physics. Trucks often weigh roughly 25x more than a passenger car and are also taller which creates more ground clearance. The injuries sustained in these accidents are often catastrophic injuries and life-changing, affecting not only the physical health but also the emotional well-being of the victims. The most obvious cause of truck accidents is the truck driver. Whether it’s the driver of the truck or of another vehicle, here are some of the most common driver errors:
While most truck crashes happen because of the driver(s), there are many other causes of truck accidents. Some of the most common cause of truck accidents where the driver did nothing wrong includes:
As you can see, there are many reasons why a semi truck crash may occur. The most critical aspect in a truck accident lawsuit is determining who is at fault for the accident.
How to Determine Liability in a Lansing Truck Accident
Trucking accidents usually have serious and catastrophic consequences that are life changing. Victims of a trucking accident often face a long hard recovery for years and many are left with permanent injuries that affect their quality of life. Fortunately, the law is on your side! Truck drivers that are negligent, trucking companies, and manufacturers of the truck can and should be held responsible for the injuries and damages they caused.
Determining liability or responsibility in a truck accident can be extremely complex. It’s not as simple as it seems. There are multiple parties involved including but not limited to:
In Michigan, a truck driver is required to follow a set of rules and regulations to increase safety. If a truck driver fails to follow this set of rules, they will usually be found responsible or at fault for the crash. These rules include the following:
Going against a truck driver or large trucking company in court isn’t an easy task and they will fight these cases hard until the finish. They already have a staff of attorneys and investigators whose sole mission is minimize accident and injury payouts. Never sign a settlement or anything else the insurance company or trucking company want you to without first consulting with a lawyer. From the moment the accident occurs, our Lansing truck accident lawyers will help protect your rights to compensation and make sure that you aren’t taken advantage of!
How Lansing Truck Accident Claims Work and What to Expect
Truck accident claims in Michigan can be complex and involve multiple parties. They can be much more complicated then a simple car accident. When a truck accident occurs, the victim may be entitled to recover compensation for their injuries and damages. In Michigan, truck accident victims can seek financial restitution for damages, such as medical bills and lost income, by filing a claim with their own insurance providers. This is because Michigan is a no-fault state, which means that each driver’s insurance company is responsible for covering their own damages, regardless of who was at fault.
However, if the victim’s injuries are severe or catastrophic, they may be able to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party, including the truck driver, trucking company, or other third party. To file a lawsuit, the victim must prove several elements, including negligence or fault on the part of the defendant, causation of the accident, damages suffered by the victim, and liability of the defendant. In many truck accidents, passenger vehicles suffer the most damage. If you or a loved one were injured in a car during a truck collision, a Lansing accident law firm can help protect your rights.
It is essential to work with an experienced truck accident attorney to navigate the no-fault system, determine liability, and file a third-party claim. An attorney can help evaluate the true cost of injuries, including pain and suffering, future medical care needs, and lifetime lost income. They can also build a powerful case aimed at securing maximum compensation for the victim.
What Compensation Can Lansing Truck Accident Victims Recover?
Truck accidents are known to cause painful serious injuries, expensive medical bills, lots of missed time at your job, and emotional damage that can last a lifetime. Fortunately, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages. Your own auto insurance (if you have it) will cover your medical expenses but if you want to go after the truck driver or trucking company for pain and suffering, you must prove that they were at fault for the accident. Semi truck accident attorneys can provide the expertise needed to navigate the complex legal landscape and ensure that victims receive the compensation they deserve.
Economic Damages
Economic damages in Michigan are losses that can be quantified and compensated for in a personal injury lawsuit. These damages are relatively easy to calculate because they must be proven through actual dollars and cents.
Medical Bills
You can collect damages for all of the medical care resulting from the injuries sustained in the truck accident. Some examples include:
The key aspect of recovering medical expenses is having a paper trail. It’s not enough to just be hurt. You must go to a doctor to prove your injuries and get the necessary treatment. Insurance companies aren’t going to just believe that you are hurt. They want proof and the only way to do this is to document all your injuries with a medical professional and receive the corresponding treatment.
Lost Wages
If the injuries you sustained from the truck crash prevent you from working, you might be able to collect compensation for your lost wages. Lost wages can be a significant portion of the settlement amount because not working hurts your pocket book immediately and truck accident injuries typically take a long time to recover. If you have a good job and are forced to not work for years, the wages add up quickly.
Another aspect of lost wages is lost working capacity. You may not be able to perform your job at the same level or at all. In turn, the compensation for your work might be less than it was previous to the accident. You have the right collect for this “loss of earning capacity.”
Property Damage
Since Michigan is a no-fault state, the property damage will be paid through your own auto insurance policy. This is why it’s important to know what type of insurance policy you have. What are the limits of the policy? Do you have under-insurance? Do you get a rental car when yours is damaged or totaled? Call your agent and make sure you are covered in all scenarios.
Transportation
Under Michigan law, you have the right to be compensated for the medical mileage to and from medical appointments that are related to your accident injuries. This will be covered by your own insurance policy so once again, make sure you have ample coverage in case the unexpected happens.
Non-Economic Damages
To win non-economic damages in Michigan, you must prove that the other driver was at fault and that you have suffered a serious impairment of bodily function. Essentially, this means that your injury is significant and will impact your daily life in a meaningful manner. These non-economic damages are usually worth substantially more than the economic damage, so it’s critical to prove that you have suffered an impairment, and that the other driver was at fault. Some examples of non-economic or third-party damages in Michigan include:
These types of damages can be worth a substantial amount of money, but they can be difficult to calculate without the help of a Lansing truck accident attorney. Years of experience dealing with insurance agents, insurance adjusters, economic experts, and various complicated formulas will help to give you idea of what your trucking accident case is worth.
Wrongful Death Damages
Unfortunately, having a loved one die in a truck accident is far too common. If a truck accident victim happens to die in a truck crash, some family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit to collect damages which can include:
Common Truck Accident Injuries in Lansing and How to Seek Compensation
Truck accidents can result in severe and catastrophic injuries, including:
These injuries can have a significant impact on the victim’s quality of life, causing chronic pain, disability, and emotional distress. In some cases, truck accidents can be fatal, resulting in wrongful death claims.
It is crucial to seek medical attention immediately after a truck accident, even if the injuries seem minor. A medical professional can assess the extent of the injuries and provide necessary treatment. Additionally, it is essential to work with an experienced truck accident attorney to ensure that the victim receives the compensation they deserve for their injuries and damages.
How Long Do You Have to File a Lansing Truck Accident Lawsuit?
In Michigan, the statute of limitations for pursuing compensation after a truck accident is three years from the date of the crash. This means that the victim has three years to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. If the statute of limitations expires, the victim may be time-barred from recovering damages.
It is essential to act quickly and consult with an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible after a truck accident. An attorney can help navigate the no-fault system, determine liability, and file a third-party claim. They can also ensure that the victim meets all deadlines for filing their case and receives the compensation they deserve for their injuries and damages.
Why Hire The Clark Law Office for Your Lansing Truck Accident Case?
At The Clark Law Office, we deliver exceptional results and dedicated legal representation. We have a proven track record in Lansing, Michigan with multiple million-dollar settlements including a $4,750,000 settlement against a national delivery service in Eaton County. We have the experience and skill needed to maximize your recovery.
We understand the challenges and complexities of truck accident claims and what is required to hold large corporations accountable for your injuries and suffering. You need a team that can prove negligence of the truck driver and/or trucking company. We have dedicated our lives to helping injured Lansing residents and we can help you too. We will work tirelessly to scure compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain/suffering. Choose The Clark Law Office – where results and client care go hand in hand.
Essential Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Lansing
The moments immediately following a truck accident is critical to ensure your safety, protect your rights, and to build a strong case if legal action is required. If you are badly injured, you probably won’t be able to follow these steps. In that case it’s important for a loved one to take these steps or for you call a Lansing truck accident lawyer than can make sure nothing is missed. Truck companies have a responsibility to ensure their drivers are well-trained and comply with safety regulations to prevent accidents. Here are 10 steps to take following a truck accident:
Contact Our Lansing Truck Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation Today
To get past this Lansing truck accident and get your life back to normal, you need to receive compensation through a personal injury claim to pay for all of your losses. Once your damages and losses are paid and taken care of, you can once again focus on your future. A truck accident lawsuit against large corporations is not something you can handle on your own. Our expert attorney can help.
Contact a Lansing truck accident lawyer at The Clark Law Office and take the first step to your recovery. Text or call us for a free case evaluation. We will take the time to listen to your story and give you an honest assessment of your situation. No fee unless you win!
