Michigan’s industrial and energy sectors rely on a vast network of steel, coal, and raw material haulers to move essential commodities across the state. These trucks supply manufacturing plants, foundries, and construction sites with the heavy materials that keep Michigan’s economy running. But when overloaded, poorly maintained, or operated carelessly, they can cause devastating collisions on highways, industrial routes, and rural roads.
Crashes involving commodity haulers often lead to catastrophic injuries and widespread damage due to the immense weight and shifting loads they carry. A single mistake in securing steel coils, coal shipments, or other bulk materials can trigger rollovers, jackknife accidents, or multi-vehicle pileups. If you or someone you love has been injured in a steel or coal truck accident, The Clark Law Office can help you hold negligent haulers accountable and pursue full compensation for your losses.
The Dangers of Steel, Coal, and Raw Material Haulers
Steel and coal trucks are among the heaviest vehicles operating on Michigan roads. These trucks can weigh well over 100,000 pounds when fully loaded, creating long stopping distances and an increased risk of catastrophic crashes. When a driver loses control, the sheer momentum of these vehicles can crush smaller cars, collapse barriers, or spill tons of material onto the roadway.
The cargo itself adds another layer of danger. Steel coils, raw materials, and coal loads are often unevenly distributed or improperly secured. A slight shift during braking or turning can throw the entire truck off balance. On curved highways or industrial access roads, this can result in rollovers, jackknife collisions, or multi-vehicle impacts that leave drivers and passengers with life-altering injuries.
đź“Š Table 1: Common Raw Material Hauling Trucks in Michigan
Common Causes of Steel and Coal Truck Crashes
Collisions involving steel, coal, and raw material trucks are rarely minor. These heavy haulers travel long distances under intense pressure to meet delivery schedules, often hauling oversized or unevenly balanced loads. Many industrial corridors also handle garbage and dump truck accidents, compounding safety risks. When safety procedures are ignored or maintenance is deferred, even a single error can cause devastating accidents.
Frequent causes of steel and coal truck crashes include:
📍Real-World Example: A steel coil hauler traveling on I-69 near Flint lost its load after the cargo straps failed during a sudden stop. The 10,000-pound coil broke free, crushing two vehicles and causing a multi-lane closure for nearly eight hours. Investigators later determined the straps used were worn and not rated for the coil’s weight.
Industrial Oversight and Hauling Regulations
Steel, coal, and raw material hauling operations are subject to overlapping federal and state safety rules designed to prevent catastrophic accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates driver qualifications, weight limits, and cargo securement for all commercial carriers, while the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) oversees state permits and routing for oversized or overweight loads.
Within industrial environments, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) enforce workplace safety standards for loading and unloading procedures. These regulations require proper equipment, trained personnel, and strict adherence to tie-down and load inspection protocols. Mines, power plants, and foundries must also comply with Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) guidelines when coal or mineral transport occurs on-site.
đź’ˇ Clark Insight: Many raw material and commodity haulers operate under industry-specific exemptions that reduce oversight or inspection frequency. These exemptions often create dangerous gaps in safety compliance. Our attorneys analyze hauling permits, plant safety policies, and inspection records to expose lapses that directly contributed to the crash.
Liability in Steel and Coal Truck Accidents
Determining liability in a steel or coal truck accident requires a detailed understanding of how industrial hauling operations are organized. Responsibility may rest not only with the driver but also with the hauling company, the shipper, or even the facility that loaded or processed the materials. These cases often involve multiple layers of contracts and safety regulations, making it critical to identify every party that played a role in the crash.
When an accident occurs, the cause can often be traced to unsafe company policies, overloading to meet production quotas, or neglected maintenance schedules. In some cases, plant supervisors or loading crews may have ignored safety requirements, contributing to the instability of the load or failure of critical equipment.
đź“Š Table 2: Potentially Liable Parties in Raw Material and Commodity Hauling Crashes
Severe Injuries and Economic Losses in Heavy Hauling Crashes
Collisions involving steel and coal trucks often result in catastrophic injuries due to the immense force and weight involved. These vehicles can crush smaller cars, scatter tons of raw materials, and cause secondary accidents that affect multiple motorists. Victims frequently face extensive medical treatment, long recovery periods, and permanent disabilities that change every aspect of their lives.
Common injuries in steel and coal truck accidents include:
Beyond the physical harm, victims often suffer financial hardship from lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and reduced earning capacity. The Clark Law Office works with medical specialists, vocational experts, and economists to calculate both immediate and long-term damages, ensuring that every aspect of your recovery is represented in your claim.
How The Clark Law Office Builds Strong Heavy Hauling Claims
Steel and coal truck cases require a thorough investigation and a clear understanding of industrial hauling operations. At The Clark Law Office, we begin by securing evidence that reveals how the crash occurred and who was responsible. This includes black box data, driver qualification files, cargo weight tickets, inspection reports, and safety logs from both the carrier and the facility involved in the shipment. These heavy industrial rigs often share highways with logging and heavy haul truck accidents, magnifying the danger.
Our attorneys work with engineering experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and industrial safety consultants to identify mechanical failures, loading errors, or policy violations that contributed to the crash. We also review communication records between drivers, dispatchers, and plant operators to determine whether pressure from management led to unsafe decisions behind the wheel.
đź’ˇ Clark Insight: Many steel and coal haulers operate under tight production schedules where drivers are pushed to deliver faster than safety laws allow. By uncovering dispatch logs, route instructions, and internal communications, our attorneys demonstrate how financial pressure and poor oversight directly lead to preventable crashes.
Get Help After a Steel or Coal Truck Accident
Steel and coal truck crashes often involve multiple companies, layers of insurance, and complex industrial regulations. Victims deserve a law firm that understands how to navigate these challenges and hold every negligent party accountable. Talk to a lawyer at The Clark Law Office to discuss your case and learn how we can protect your rights after a serious hauling accident.
Our attorneys personally handle each case from start to finish, ensuring you receive direct communication and detailed representation. We fight for full compensation covering medical care, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term recovery needs. When large industrial haulers or corporate insurers try to minimize responsibility, our firm stands ready to pursue the results you deserve. Steel and coal haulers move massive, uneven loads that increase the risk of brake failure and rollovers. Read how these industrial rigs are grouped among the common truck accident types affecting Michigan drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Steel and Coal Truck Accidents
Resources and References
The following resources provide additional information about the federal and state regulations that govern raw material hauling, industrial transport, and workplace safety for steel and coal operations in Michigan.
