Michigan Truck Accident Laws | Legal Rights & Regulations

Truck accidents in Michigan are governed by a combination of state traffic laws, federal trucking regulations, and no-fault insurance rules. Understanding these laws is essential if you’ve been involved in a crash, as they determine who is liable, what compensation you may be entitled to, and how the legal process works.

Michigan’s no-fault insurance system plays a major role in truck accident claims, but serious injury cases often involve lawsuits against trucking companies, drivers, or manufacturers. Additionally, federal regulations set strict safety standards for commercial trucks which can impact liability and negligence claims.

This guide explains the key truck accident laws in Michigan, how they affect your case, and what you need to know to protect your legal rights.

Table of Contents

Overview of Michigan Truck Accident Laws

Michigan truck accident laws combine state traffic regulations, no-fault insurance rules, and federal trucking regulations. These laws determine how liability is assigned, how insurance claims are handled, and what legal options are available for injured victims. Key aspects of Michigan truck accident laws include:

Legal Area	Key Details
No-Fault Insurance	Michigan requires drivers to seek compensation from their own insurance before filing a lawsuit.
Lawsuit Eligibility	Victims can sue the at-fault party if they suffer serious injuries, disfigurement, or a fatality occurs.
Statute of Limitations	Generally 3 years from the accident date for personal injury or wrongful death claims.
Comparative Negligence Rule	Compensation is reduced by the victim’s percentage of fault. No pain and suffering damages if 50% or more at fault.
Federal Regulations	FMCSA rules apply, including limits on driving hours, maintenance requirements, and drug testing.
Truck Speed Limits in Michigan	65 mph for trucks over 10,000 pounds, even if the general speed limit is higher.
Liable Parties	Truck drivers, trucking companies, cargo loaders, manufacturers, or government entities may be responsible.

Because truck accident claims involve complex state and federal laws, understanding your rights is crucial when seeking compensation.

Michigan No-Fault Insurance and How It Affects Truck Accidents

Michigan operates under a no-fault insurance system meaning that after a truck accident injured parties must first seek compensation from their own insurance provider regardless of who caused the crash. This system is designed to provide quick medical and wage-loss benefits but has limitations when it comes to recovering full compensation for serious injuries.

Key Aspects of Michigan No-Fault Insurance in Truck Accidents

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Benefits – Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs up to the policy limit.
Property Damage Coverage – May cover vehicle damage in limited circumstances, but truck accident victims often need to sue for full recovery.
Threshold for Filing a Lawsuit – If injuries meet Michigan’s serious injury threshold (death, permanent disfigurement, or significant impairment of a body function), victims can step outside the no-fault system and sue the at-fault party.
Out-of-State Trucks and Drivers – If a truck involved in the accident is from another state, different liability rules may apply, requiring an attorney to navigate the legal complexities.

While no-fault insurance provides immediate benefits, it does not always cover pain and suffering, full lost wages, or long-term damages—which is why many truck accident cases involve lawsuits against the at-fault driver, trucking company, or other responsible parties.

Liability in Michigan Truck Accidents: Who Is Responsible?

Determining liability in a Michigan truck accident can be complex because multiple parties may share responsibility. Unlike standard car accidents, truck crashes often involve trucking companies, cargo loaders, and manufacturers making it crucial to identify all liable parties to maximize compensation.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Truck Driver – If the driver was speeding, distracted, fatigued, or under the influence, they may be directly responsible for the accident.
Trucking Company – If the company failed to properly train the driver, forced unrealistic delivery schedules, or neglected truck maintenance, they could be held liable.
Truck Owner or Leasing Company – If the truck was leased or owned by a separate company that failed to maintain the vehicle, they may share responsibility.
Cargo Loading Company – Improperly loaded or overweight cargo can cause a truck to lose balance, leading to rollovers or jackknife accidents.
Truck Manufacturer or Parts Supplier – If a defective part, such as faulty brakes or tires, contributed to the crash, the manufacturer may be held liable.
Government Entities – If poor road conditions or missing signage played a role, a city, county, or state agency could be responsible.

Since trucking companies and insurers often try to shift blame, a thorough investigation is needed to determine the cause of the accident and hold the right parties accountable.

Federal and State Regulations Governing Trucking in Michigan

Truck drivers and trucking companies must follow both federal and Michigan state laws that regulate vehicle safety, driver conduct, and company operations. These regulations are designed to prevent accidents, but when violations occur, they can serve as evidence of negligence in a truck accident lawsuit.

Federal Trucking Regulations (FMCSA Rules)

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets national trucking standards, including:

Hours-of-Service Limits – Drivers are restricted to 11 hours of driving per day after 10 consecutive hours off duty to prevent fatigue-related crashes.
Weight and Load Limits – Trucks must comply with federal weight limits to avoid excessive strain on tires and brakes.
Mandatory Vehicle Inspections – Trucking companies must conduct regular maintenance and inspections to prevent mechanical failures.
Drug and Alcohol Testing – Drivers are subject to random drug and alcohol testing and strict substance abuse policies.

Michigan Trucking Laws

In addition to federal regulations, Michigan enforces its own trucking laws:

Speed Limits – Trucks over 10,000 pounds are restricted to no more than 65 mph on highways, even if the general speed limit is higher.
Winter Road Safety Rules – Trucks must follow special winter driving regulations, including using chains in certain conditions.
Intrastate Trucking Rules – Trucks operating only within Michigan must comply with state-specific licensing, insurance, and safety requirements.

How Violations Affect Truck Accident Claims

If a truck driver or company violates FMCSA or Michigan trucking regulations, it can be used as evidence of negligence in a personal injury lawsuit. Proving that a driver exceeded hours-of-service limits or a company failed to maintain its fleet can strengthen your case and increase the likelihood of full compensation.

Key Evidence Used in Truck Accident Claims

Proving liability in a Michigan truck accident requires strong evidence. Because trucking companies and their insurers often try to dispute claims, gathering the right documentation is critical to building a strong case.

Types of Evidence That Strengthen a Truck Accident Claim

Police Reports – Provide an official account of the accident, including officer observations and any citations issued.
Black Box Data (Electronic Logging Device – ELD) – Records the truck’s speed, braking patterns, and compliance with hours-of-service regulations.
Driver Logs – Show how long the driver had been on the road and whether they exceeded legal driving limits.
Truck Maintenance Records – Reveal whether the trucking company followed required inspection and maintenance schedules.
Dashcam and Surveillance Footage – Can capture the crash and provide clear evidence of what happened.
Cargo Loading Records – Help determine if overloaded or improperly secured cargo contributed to the accident.
Medical Records – Link injuries directly to the accident and support claims for medical expenses and pain and suffering.
Witness Statements – Testimony from bystanders, other drivers, or truck passengers can support your version of events.
Accident Reconstruction Reports – Experts analyze physical evidence, such as skid marks and vehicle damage, to determine how the crash occurred.

Type of Evidence	What It Proves
Police Report	Provides an official record of the crash, including fault determinations.
Black Box Data	Shows truck speed, braking, and hours-of-service compliance.
Driver Logs	Helps determine if the truck driver violated rest requirements or drove while fatigued.
Maintenance Records	Identifies if truck maintenance issues contributed to the crash.
Dashcam or Traffic Camera Footage	Visual proof of how the accident occurred.
Cargo Loading Records	Reveals if improper loading or overweight cargo played a role.
Medical Records	Links injuries directly to the accident and justifies compensation claims.

Since trucking companies may alter or destroy critical evidence, it’s important to act quickly. A truck accident lawyer can issue preservation letters to ensure evidence is not tampered with.

How Michigan’s Comparative Negligence Rule Affects Compensation

Michigan follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that if you are found partially at fault for a truck accident, your compensation may be reduced. This rule applies to both insurance claims and lawsuits.

How Comparative Negligence Works in Michigan

If you are less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover compensation for pain and suffering but may still be able to collect no-fault benefits for medical expenses and lost wages.

Example of How It Affects a Settlement

If a court determines that you were 20% at fault for a truck accident and your damages total $500,000, your compensation would be reduced by 20%, leaving you with $400,000.

How Insurance Companies Use Comparative Negligence Against Victims

Trucking companies and their insurers often try to shift blame to accident victims to reduce their payouts. They may argue that:

You were speeding or distracted at the time of the crash.
You failed to yield or follow traffic signals.
Road conditions or weather played a role, reducing the truck driver’s responsibility.

Because these tactics can significantly impact compensation, it’s important to have a truck accident lawyer who can challenge unfair fault assessments and fight for full compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Truck Accident Laws

Do Michigan's no-fault insurance laws apply to truck accidents?

Yes, Michigan’s no-fault insurance system requires injured parties to seek compensation from their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage first. However, if injuries are severe enough to meet Michigan’s serious injury threshold, victims can file a lawsuit against the at-fault truck driver or trucking company for additional damages.

How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Michigan?

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a truck accident in Michigan is three years from the date of the crash. If the accident resulted in a wrongful death, the deceased’s family has three years from the date of death to file a lawsuit.

Who can be held liable in a Michigan truck accident?

Liability may fall on multiple parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, truck owner, cargo loaders, vehicle manufacturers, or even government agencies if road conditions played a role.

What federal regulations affect Michigan truck accidents?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the trucking industry, enforcing rules on driver work hours, weight limits, maintenance requirements, and drug testing. Violations of these rules can serve as evidence of negligence in a lawsuit.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Yes, under Michigan’s comparative negligence rule, you can recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover pain and suffering damages but may still collect no-fault benefits.

What should I do if the trucking company refuses to provide evidence?

Trucking companies may try to delay or hide evidence such as driver logs or black box data. A truck accident lawyer can issue a preservation letter and take legal action to secure the necessary records before they are lost or destroyed.

Do I need a lawyer to handle my truck accident case?

Because truck accident cases involve complex regulations, multiple liable parties, and aggressive insurance companies, hiring a Michigan truck accident lawyer is highly recommended. A lawyer can gather evidence, handle negotiations, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

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