Were you or a loved one involved in a truck accident in Michigan? If so, you need an experienced legal team to assist with your claim and help you attain justice and the rightful compensation you deserve.
In the State of Michigan, every time drivers get behind the wheel, they face the risk of being involved in a car accident. While most are familiar with the results of a typical car collision, only a few understand the complex legal stakes when a commercial truck takes part in an accident. These massive vehicles can cause life-changing damage, and the legal regulations surrounding truck crashes are far more complicated than those of car accidents. For that reason, it is fundamental to understand the differences and work closely with a skilled Michigan truck accident lawyer.
Due to the size disparity of both vehicles, regulatory oversight, and the number of potentially liable parties, truck accidents require a deeper legal approach and a substantial amount of evidence. Knowing what makes these situations unique can help Michigan drivers make more informed decisions in the aftermath of a crash.
Understanding the Key Differences Between Car and Truck Accidents
There are many differences between a regular car accident and others where a truck is involved. Even though both can cause severe injury and financial hardship, the severity and legal handling of these often diverge. Below are the most significant legal differences that every Michigan driver should know about:
1. Severity and Scale of Damage
- The most common type of truck accident involves a commercial vehicle that weighs 30 times more than a regular car.
- The accident usually results in greater injury severity that could also include property damage and even lead to death.
- Therefore, a truck accident claims generally involve higher compensation amounts, and the legal stakes are much higher. This is why having a skilled and proactive truck accident attorney in Michigan is an absolute key.
2. Federal and State Regulations
In contrast to car accidents, truck collisions are influenced by a complicated web of federal and state regulations that include the following:
- FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) rules
- Driver hour limits (Hours of Service)
- Drug and alcohol testing requirements
- Vehicle maintenance and inspection standards
Any sort of violation of these rules can establish negligence of a party and strengthen the case. A qualified Michigan truck accident attorney will know how to interpret these regulations and how to use them.
3. Liability: More Parties Involved
A typical truck accident involves more parties than a regular car collision. Experienced legal representation is crucial in untangling these relationships and determining the fault appropriately. The most common parties in a truck incident are:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The vehicle manufacturer
- Cargo loaders or shipping brokers
- Maintenance companies
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Michigan
There are many reasons why a truck accident may happen. Each of them presents unique legal considerations and may involve multiple parties. The following list shows a few of the most common types of contributing factors:
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving (cell phone use, in-cab distractions)
- Improperly secured cargo
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Brake failure or mechanical defects
- Poor weather and visibility
Truck Driver Regulations and Impact on Claims
To minimize the causes of truck accidents, there are some rules that every truck driver should know before getting behind the wheel. These regulations aim to prevent fatigue and guarantee a safe drive. Violating any of them can constitute negligence, making it easier to prove fault in a lawsuit.
- Hours of service: Truck drivers have an 11-hour driving limit and a 14-hour limit on the shift window.
- Record-keeping requirements: both drivers and companies must maintain detailed records of electronic logging devices and drug and alcohol test results. A Michigan truck accident lawyer knows how to summon these documents and preserve key evidence before it’s lost.
How Comparative Fault and Michigan No-Fault Laws Affect Truck Accidents
Michigan’s no-fault systems grant personal injury protection benefits to accident victims, regardless of who caused the accident. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, and replacement services.
On the other hand, in truck collisions, and especially in those involving serious injuries, victims usually seek compensation through a third-party claim. This means proving the other party was negligent and that your injuries exceed Michigan’s “serious impairment” threshold.
In the same guideline, Michigan follows a modified comparative fault system. If you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover non-economic damages (like pain and suffering).
In truck accidents, insurers may try to assign some blame to the car driver. A truck accident lawyer based in Michigan can work to minimize the assigned fault by presenting important evidence and expert testimony.
Why Truck Accidents Require a Deeper Investigation and More Evidence
Unlike regular car crashes, truck accidents often involve more specific and technical evidence. This is because there are more parties involved in the case, and the resulting injuries arising from collisions tend to be greater. Once all this documentation is gathered, a comprehensive investigation led by the legal team and assisted by technical experts begins.
Some of the evidence collected in these cases is:
- Black box data, including records of speed, braking, and engine diagnostics
- Dashcam footage, collected from the truck or third-party sources
- Driver qualification file, such as training, licensing, and prior safety violations
- Inspection records and maintenance logs
- Cargo manifests: Overloading or improperly secured cargo may contribute to accidents
A truck company can attempt to destroy or “lose” key documents. That’s why it’s critical to act fast. A Michigan truck accident lawyer can send a letter of spoliation to preserve critical evidence early in the case and work to help victims get full compensation for their injuries.
In situations like this, it is fundamental to be quick and not to waste time. This is because Michigan law enforces strict deadlines for filing truck accident claims. Missing these deadlines may permanently bar victims from recovering compensation. Some of these time limitations are:
- 1 year for first-party (PIP) claims
- 3 years for third-party personal injury lawsuits
- 3 years for wrongful death actions
When Truck Accidents Can End Up in Criminal Charges
There are some rare cases when truck drivers may face criminal charges if the accident involves:
- Driving under the influence
- Reckless driving
- Vehicular manslaughter
In these situations, the evidence and outcomes can influence the civil case, in which victims seek their economic compensation. For example, a DUI conviction can serve as evidence of negligence in your personal injury lawsuit.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer in Michigan
Understanding the legal differences between car and truck accidents is not just helpful: it’s essential, and not only for expert drivers. If you or a loved one is involved in a trucking collision, the financial, physical, and legal consequences can be more significant than a typical crash; there are more regulations, more parties, and more legal obstacles, and navigating a truck accident claim requires strategic legal experience.
A Michigan truck accident attorney can ensure that all sources of compensation are explored. At Christopher Trainor & Associates, we understand the specialized nature of truck accident litigation in Michigan and have the experience to represent your interests effectively and thoroughly. Their commitment to uncovering every detail and leveraging local expertise makes them a trusted ally in complex legal situations.