Christensen Law advocates for victims harmed by negligence. If you were in a truck accident in Michigan, our Westland, MI personal injury lawyers will fight for the compensation you need to get back on your feet.
Since 1991, our law firm has helped injured parties seek justice. We aim to get the maximum compensation possible, even if that means taking your case to trial. Our legal team will be by your side every step of the way to provide you with the resources and support you need. Contact us today to learn more with a free consultation.
Christensen Law Puts Our Clients First
When your health, future, and financial stability are at stake, you need a lawyer who will put your needs first. We strive to be a voice for the unheard, and our attorneys have the experience, skills, and compassion to build a robust truck accident claim focused on achieving your goals.
We take the time to let you tell your story and provide you with the attentiveness and personalized services you deserve. Our law firm is more interested in getting justice for you or your injured loved one than we are in settling cases quickly. We prepare every case for court and will go to trial if that’s what it takes to get you full compensation.
The connections formed with our clients, combined with our aggressive legal approach, have led to significant case results, including a $17.8 million truck accident judgment that is Michigan’s largest-ever personal injury verdict.
Our Truck Accident Lawyers Will Seek Maximum Compensation for Your Losses
Truck accidents can cause catastrophic injuries and devastating financial losses. If your crash resulted from the negligent actions of a truck driver, trucking company, or other liable party, you should not have to pay out of pocket.
Our Westland, MI, truck accident lawyers will identify and pursue every cent of your damages so that you have the money to care for yourself and your family, now and in the future.
Truck accident compensation will vary based on the unique facts of each case but may include the following:
- Ambulance fees
- Emergency room services
- Medical procedures and surgeries
- Hospitalizations
- Medical devices and equipment
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Lost wages, earnings, and employment benefits
- Disabling or permanent injuries
- Wrongful death of a loved one
Understanding How No-Fault Insurance Will Affect Your Claim
Michigan is a No-Fault insurance state. After an accident, injured parties must file a claim with their No-Fault personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, no matter who caused the collision.
PIP pays for necessary medical expenses up to your policy limit. PIP also provides benefits to help with wage loss, replacement services, and some funeral and burial expenses for fatally injured parties. PIP does not compensate for some damages, including pain and suffering, the full value of your lost income, or intangible losses.
To recover damages not paid by PIP, you must qualify to step outside the No-Fault system and seek awards from a liable driver with a liability insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. You may be eligible if you have a severe injury or your loved one suffered a fatal injury. Our attorneys will tell you more about No-Fault and help you seek maximum compensation through every option available in your case.
How to Prove You Deserve Truck Accident Damages
To recover truck accident compensation from a liable party, you must prove that their negligent actions caused the crash. To establish negligence, you must demonstrate the following:
- Duty of care. You must show that the liable party was legally obligated to keep you safe. When driving, all motorists owe others on the road a duty of care. Trucking companies and other commercial entities also have a duty to protect consumers and the public.
- Breach of duty. A breach of duty occurs when a liable party acts in a manner most others in their position would judge unsafe or unreasonable. A breach is also any violation of the law.
- Causation. Causation demonstrates how the liable party’s breach of duty led to your accident and injuries.
- Damages. Damages show that your accident led to financial losses and pain and suffering.
When you work with Christensen Law, we handle case building for you. We know how to prove negligence and establish your right to compensation. Call today for a free consultation.
Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident?
Truck accident claims can involve multiple liable parties, which is a factor that can make them more complex than collisions between non-commercial vehicles. You may have to file more than one claim, which means dealing with more than one insurance company or opposing attorney. It also means proving that each party bears some responsibility.
Our Westland truck accident lawyers will investigate the collision, prove negligence, and pursue compensation from all those at fault. Liable parties may include:
The Truck Driver
Truck drivers must obey specific rules and regulations for commercial motor vehicle operators. These include Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations regarding vehicle weight, inspections, repairs, maintenance, and hours of service.
Truck drivers must also obey the same rules of the road as all motorists, meaning they are liable for negligent behaviors, such as speeding, driving drunk, tailgating, or running a red light.
The Trucking Company
Trucking companies, like their drivers, must also follow FMCSA regulations. A company may be liable for failing to inspect and maintain vehicles, failing to screen drivers for alcohol/drug use, or failing to ensure drivers have the proper licenses and training. Trucking companies may also be liable for pressuring drivers into negligent behavior in order to make unreasonable delivery schedules.
Finally, employers can be held liable for the negligent actions of their employees under a legal principle known as vicarious liability. Therefore, a trucking company may be financially responsible for a driver’s actions, even if the company did not itself act negligently.
The Entity Responsible for the Truck’s Contents or Maintenance
Entities involved in loading, packing, and shipping goods are responsible for the cargo they manage. You may have a claim against this type of entity if overloaded, unsecured, mislabeled, mishandled, or falling cargo caused your accident.
If your accident involved a problem with the truck, such as faulty brakes, a lack of safety equipment, or an unsecured tractor/trailer hitch, you may have a claim against the truck’s owner or the entity in charge of its maintenance, which may be a separate party from the truck driver or trucking company.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Michigan
If you have been in a truck accident in Westland, we advise you to do the following to protect your health and your claim:
Get Medical Treatment
If you or someone you love sustained injuries in a truck accident, see a doctor immediately. Seeing a physician is vital to protect your health. A medical record will also be essential to your case as it will tie the injuries to the accident and explain the severity of your injuries.
Gather Evidence
Gather as much evidence as possible at the accident scene if your injuries allow. You should take photographs of the location and vehicle damages and obtain all parties’ contact, license, and insurance information.
In the days and weeks following, ensure you save medical bills and records and proof of any other expenses related to the crash and your injuries. It is a good idea to start keeping a daily journal detailing your physical pain, mental state, and ways you notice your injury interfering with your daily life. This record can help verify your pain and suffering when you file your insurance claim.
File Insurance Claims Promptly
Many insurance policies have tight deadlines for filing a claim, so you should do so as soon as possible. If legal action is necessary, Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. § 600.5805 allows three years to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
If the statute of limitations runs out, you will likely be unable to pursue losses in civil court. Being unable to take legal action will also reduce your insurance bargaining power, so it is important to be mindful of the deadline, even if you expect to settle without a trial.
Speak with an Attorney
An accident lawyer with Christensen Law will manage your truck accident case. While you focus on your health, we will do the work needed to pursue full and fair compensation.
You can forget about paperwork, deadlines, and haggling with insurance agents, but rest assured, your case is in the hands of legal professionals with a proven record of success.
Contact Christensen Law About Your Truck Accident Case
Christensen Law is committed to delivering results for our clients. If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a commercial vehicle accident, our Westland, MI, truck accident attorneys will tirelessly fight for justice.
We have a reputation among our clients for our outstanding customer service, and insurance companies know us for our aggressive representation. You can reach out to us to learn more with a no-cost, no-obligation consultation. Complete our online contact form or call 24/7 to speak with a representative.
