Injuries caused by a truck accident can be devastating to you and your family and have lasting consequences. Just dealing with the immediate issues can be overwhelming – who will pay for your medical bills, how will you get your car fixed or replaced, what happens if you can’t work? While these are all legitimate concerns, you should be focused on medical treatment and healing in the aftermath of such an accident.
At Christensen Law, we understand the challenges you are facing and can help deal with the day-to-day issues. Our Michigan truck accident lawyers have decades of experience successfully handling complex cases like yours. We have the experience and resources to take on large trucking companies and their insurers. We have recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for semi-truck accident victims across Michigan, and we can help you.
Call our Michigan personal injury attorneys now to get started.
Choose Our Michigan Truck Accident Attorneys to Handle Your Claim
Attempting to file or negotiate a truck accident injury claim without help could put your settlement or verdict at risk. The trucking companies will have aggressive adjusters and attorneys working to protect their interests, and you deserve the same.
Christensen Law’s truck accident attorneys will:
- Evaluate your case for free and explain your rights and options.
- Connect you with proper medical care and document your injuries.
- Investigate quickly by gathering evidence, consulting experts, and identifying all responsible parties.
- Assess your full damages with the help of medical and financial professionals.
- Fight for maximum compensation through tough negotiations and take your case to trial if needed.
If you have been contacted by an insurance adjuster or been offered a settlement by a trucking company, please call us right away. A semi-truck accident lawyer in Michigan can review your case free of charge and help you understand the full value of your claim.
Why Choose Christensen Law’s Michigan Truck Accident Lawyers?
For more than 30 years, our attorneys dedicated ourselves to assisting individuals throughout Michigan in their pursuit of fair compensation after serious truck accidents. Our attorneys have handled countless complex cases and recovered millions of dollars for clients who were facing some of the most difficult times in their lives.
When you’re trying to find the right Michigan 18-wheeler lawyer to represent you in your claim, look for a firm that has a proven track record of results. Our team has secured one of the largest personal injury verdicts in state history — a $17.8 million award for a client who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a truck crash. In another case, we achieved a $1 million settlement for a victim struck by a garbage truck that ran a red light, ensuring they received justice before trial.
These are just two examples of our long track record of success. Every case is unique, but our dedication to fighting for maximum compensation is the same.
To learn more about the value of your claim, contact Christensen Law for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you take the next step toward recovery.
Our Semi-Truck Lawyers in Michigan Pursue the Compensation You Deserve
After a truck accident, victims often face overwhelming economic losses alongside non-economic damages. Our Michigan truck accident lawyers focus on documenting every way your injuries have affected you so we can demand full and fair compensation on your behalf.
We pursue recovery for damages such as:
- Medical expenses: These include emergency room bills, surgeries, follow-up visits, rehabilitation, and any future treatment needs.
- Supportive care: This may involve medications, mobility aids, home modifications, or ongoing caregiving expenses.
- Lost income: Compensation can cover wages missed during recovery as well as reduced earning capacity in the future.
- Pain and suffering: Victims may recover damages for physical pain, emotional trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, and diminished quality of life.
- Permanent harm: This refers to scarring, disfigurement, or life-altering injuries that affect your ability to live as you once did.
Every case is different, and there’s no way to know the exact value of your claim at the start. Insurance companies may pressure you to accept a quick payout before the full impact of your injuries is clear. Our Michigan semi-truck accident attorneys will ensure your case is thoroughly evaluated so you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.
Our Truck Accident Lawyers in Michigan Will Go to Court for You
Your Christensen Law truck accident attorney in Michigan is prepared to go to court to defend your rights. Our proven track record speaks volumes: we are regarded as top trial attorneys throughout the state, with a history of achieving substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients.
But it’s not just about winning big cases—we prioritize ensuring you feel understood and supported through every step of the legal process. Our Michigan truck accident lawyers approach every case with the same level of dedication and expertise, regardless of the losses. Contact Christensen Law today for a free evaluation and answers to your questions.
Which Parties Are Liable for a Michigan Truck Accident?
Although the truck driver was the one behind the wheel of the 18-wheeler that hit you, there are many other parties that could share responsibility for the damages you suffered. Some of the players we will look at in your case include:
- The truck driver, who may have been distracted, tired, speeding, or otherwise behaving recklessly
- The trucking company, which may have pressured the driver to be on the road longer than allowed, failed to properly inspect the vehicle, or ignored safety regulations
- The company responsible for truck’s maintenance, which may have cut corners or failed to fix a problem with the vehicle, such as faulty brakes or worn-out tires
- The company responsible for loading the truck’s cargo, which may have failed to properly secure the load or overloaded the vehicle, causing the driver to lose control
- Government agency or contractor responsible for maintaining roads
With decades of experience investigating and litigating these complex cases, our truck accident lawyers in Michigan have helped countless crash victims get the justice they deserve. Christensen Law’s semi-truck accident lawyers are committed to holding negligent truck drivers and the companies behind them accountable for the damages they cause.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Michigan
Truck accidents in Michigan often stem from a combination of driver mistakes, unsafe trucking practices, and hazardous road conditions. While every crash is unique, our attorneys frequently see the following causes in the cases we handle:
- Fatigue and drowsy driving: Long hours behind the wheel can slow reaction times and impair judgment.
- Impairment or distraction: Alcohol, drugs, or cellphone use can lead to dangerous lapses in attention.
- Aggressive driving behaviors: Speeding, tailgating, or failing to check blind spots often result in preventable crashes.
- Poor weather or road conditions: Michigan’s snow, ice, and heavy rain increase the risk of losing control, and crashes often happen when truck drivers fail to adjust their speed or driving for the conditions.
- Unfamiliar routes: Drivers navigating new areas may misjudge turns, exits, or traffic patterns.
- Neglected maintenance or defective parts: Brake failures, tire blowouts, and other malfunctions are common factors in truck accidents.
- Improper loading: Unsecured or overloaded cargo can shift, causing rollovers or jackknife crashes.
In 2024, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) recorded 5,118 crashes involving heavy trucks and buses. Data from the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning also noted that truck-involved collisions are more likely to stem from turning errors, lane changes, and backing maneuvers, with many involving jackknife incidents or shifting cargo.
Compared to passenger vehicle collisions, heavy-truck accidents are far more likely to cause sideswipes and rear-end impacts, placing surrounding drivers at serious risk. These patterns show why determining the cause of a truck accident is so important — it not only explains how the crash happened but also points to who should be held accountable for the harm it caused.
Evidence Your Michigan Truck Accident Lawyer Can Use to Prove Your Claim
Crafting a strong claim for compensation after a truck accident requires a lot of evidence. The more evidence there is to support your claim, the stronger position you are in when demanding full compensation. Some of the types of evidence we may seek to uncover in your case include:
- Photos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and the damages
- Statements from eyewitnesses
- Surveillance videos from traffic cameras or nearby businesses
- Accident report from law enforcement
- Black box data from the big rig
- Accident reconstruction analysis
- Hours of service records detailing whether the driver was on the road for too long
- Cellphone records showing whether the driver was talking or texting at the time of the crash
- Trucking company records on the truck equipment and the driver
- Medical records documenting your injuries and the treatment you are receiving
- Testimony from medical specialists to outline the full extent of damages suffered, including future anticipated losses
Our lawyers for tractor trailer accidents approach all settlement negotiations from a position of strength, and we will be confident in our ability to take your case to trial if necessary. This level of preparation shows trucking companies and insurers that we are prepared to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Common Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents in Michigan
Truck accidents typically leave victims with catastrophic injuries that they never fully recover from. Our Michigan truck accident attorneys often work with experienced medical professionals to evaluate the long-term effects of severe, life-altering injuries such as:
- Head and traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Broken bones in the legs, arms, and chest
- Punctured organs and internal injuries
- Disfigurement
In the most tragic semi-truck accidents, we help families demand justice for loved ones through wrongful death claims.
Michigan Truck Accident Cases Are More Complex Than Other Accident Claims
The sheer impact of a commercial motor vehicle leaves little chance of a passenger car’s occupants escaping unharmed. Unfortunately, the victims’ claims for compensation are not as straightforward as they should be. Our Michigan semi-truck accident lawyers will ensure your rights are protected during this difficult time.
Some of the elements that make truck accident cases much more complex than claims involving two passenger vehicles include:
- Injuries are typically more severe. Victims may be left with life-altering, debilitating injuries. In the worst cases, victims do not survive the crash. Truck accident injuries can be very expensive to treat and may have a permanent impact on the victim’s ability to earn a living or maintain the same quality of life as before the crash.
- There are often multiple potential at-fault parties and insurance companies involved. There are many companies that play a role in keeping a commercial truck on the road, and their role in the truck’s crash should be thoroughly investigated. Sadly, when multiple parties are involved, they may try to play the blame game and cause delays in your claim for compensation.
- Investigations are more complicated. Your commercial truck accident lawyer in Michigan will need to gather and preserve a wealth of evidence, as well as work with a team of knowledgeable experts to get to the bottom of what exactly caused your crash. These investigations require skill, resources, and swift action.
- Layers of state and federal trucking laws apply. The trucking industry is heavily regulated, with many safety protocols in place to protect everyone on the road. When trucking companies and drivers break these laws, their negligence can cause a devastating accident. It is important that you have a Michigan truck accident attorney who has extensive knowledge of Michigan trucking laws as well as Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations.
All of these factors make truck accident claims far more challenging than typical car crash cases. Insurance companies and trucking companies often use this complexity to their advantage, but you don’t have to face them alone. By working with an experienced Michigan truck accident lawyer, you can level the playing field, protect your rights, and pursue the full compensation you need to move forward.
Let Our Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers Help With Your Michigan Case Now
We know that you have a lot going on right now, but we urge you to call our Michigan truck accident lawyers as soon as possible. Time is of the essence, and you deserve representation that will prioritize your needs.
If you have been hurt in a truck accident, contact Christensen Law today to learn about your legal right to compensation. No matter when your accident happened – day or night – a member of our team will be available to take your call.
FAQs for Christensen Law’s Truck Accident Lawyers in Michigan
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Michigan
In Michigan, there is a limit on how long you have to file a personal injury claim after a truck accident. Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. § 600.5805 limits the amount of time you have to file to three years from the date of the accident in most cases. If you do not file a claim within this statute of limitations, you will not be able to recover compensation.
It is crucial to note that while the statute of limitations is three years, we recommend starting the legal process as soon as possible following a truck accident. Delaying action can lead to the loss of valuable evidence. Our Michigan truck accident attorneys can help ensure that you meet all necessary deadlines and procedural requirements.
Will You Have to Go to Court in a Michigan Truck Accident Claim?
Many Michigan truck accident cases are resolved through settlement negotiations with the insurance company or the at-fault party. Whether or not your case goes to court will depend on several factors, such as the:
- The complexity of your case.
- The severity of your injuries.
- The willingness of the insurance company to offer a fair settlement.
Many cases settle through mediation or negotiations after the personal injury lawsuit is filed but before the trial begins. During this process, our 18-wheeler accident lawyers will continue to fight for your rights and work to secure a fair settlement on your behalf.
If your case does go to trial, your attorney will present evidence, call witnesses, and argue your case before a judge or jury. This process can be lengthy and complex, but our Michigan semi-truck accident attorneys will work to give you the best possible chance of success. Every case is unique, so our attorneys will develop a strategy that maximizes your chances of securing the compensation you deserve, whether through a settlement or a court verdict.
How Do Michigan’s No-Fault Laws Affect Truck Accident Claims?
Michigan’s No-Fault insurance laws have a significant impact on truck accident claims, adding a layer of complexity to an already challenging situation. Under Michigan’s No-Fault system, you typically turn to your own auto insurance policies for coverage of medical expenses, lost wages, and other covered costs.
However, in cases where the injuries are severe or the damages exceed certain thresholds, victims may be able to step outside the No-Fault system and pursue a liability claim against the at-fault party or parties. In truck accident cases, this could include the truck driver, trucking company, or other entities responsible for the accident.
A Michigan truck accident attorney can help you understand your rights and options under Michigan’s No-Fault system, as well as identify all potentially liable parties. We can navigate the complex relationship between No-Fault benefits and liability claims, ensuring that your interests are protected throughout the legal process.
What Are the Unique Challenges in Semi-Truck Accident Cases in Michigan?
Truck accident cases are often more complicated than regular car accident claims. Victims usually suffer more severe injuries, which can mean higher medical bills, longer recovery times, and lasting effects on their lives. These cases also tend to involve multiple parties which makes determining liability more complex.
On top of that, both Michigan law and federal trucking regulations apply. Navigating these overlapping rules requires an attorney who understands the Michigan No-Fault system, comparative fault laws, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s safety standards. Investigations can be resource-intensive, involving black box data, driver logbooks, and accident reconstruction experts. Without experienced legal help, it’s easy for victims to be outmatched by the trucking company’s lawyers and insurers.
What Should I Do After Being Hit by a Truck in Michigan?
The steps you take right after a truck accident can make a major difference in your health and your case:
- Call 911 immediately. Make sure police and emergency responders come to the scene.
- Get medical attention. Even if you feel fine, some injuries aren’t obvious right away.
- Document the accident. If possible, take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and your injuries. Get contact details for witnesses.
- Avoid speaking with the trucking company’s insurer. They may try to pressure you into a quick settlement that doesn’t reflect the true value of your claim.
- Contact a Michigan truck accident lawyer. An attorney can step in right away to preserve critical evidence, handle communications with insurers, and protect your right to compensation.
Acting quickly not only protects your health but also strengthens your ability to hold negligent parties accountable.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Christensen Law Michigan Truck Accident Lawyer
By choosing our truck accident attorneys in Michigan, you’re selecting a team that works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win your case.
Our process is transparent and straightforward: from the initial consultation to the final resolution, we keep you informed every step of the way. We’re here to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, and we only get paid when you do.
Can I Still Recover Compensation if I Was Partly at Fault for a Truck Accident in Michigan?
Yes. Under Michigan’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault for a truck accident. This means that if you are found to be partly at fault for the crash, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
However, Michigan law also sets a strict cutoff: if you are found to be more than 50 percent at fault, you are barred from recovering non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. You may still be able to recover certain economic losses, like medical bills and lost wages, but your ability to pursue full compensation will be limited.
Comparative negligence plays a major role in truck accident claims because trucking companies and insurers often try to shift blame onto victims to minimize payouts. They may argue that you were speeding, following too closely, or failed to adjust for weather conditions, even if the truck driver’s negligence was the primary cause of the crash.
Christensen Law’s Michigan truck accident attorneys know these tactics well. We build strong cases backed by evidence to fight back against unfair blame and protect your right to the compensation you deserve
