18-wheeler accidents are among the most catastrophic, often resulting in severe injuries, property damage, and even death. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles mean that when something goes wrong, the consequences can be devastating for all involved. In the aftermath of an accident, victims and their families can be left facing months and even years of physical pain, emotional trauma and uncertainty, and financial worries.
The financial stakes are often higher in Michigan 18-wheeler accident cases. Any injuries are typically more serious, which can translate to a higher settlement or verdict. This is one of the reasons why commercial insurance policies tend to have higher limits. However, that doesn’t mean that the insurance company is more willing to pay the financial compensation you deserve.
At Conybeare Law Office, we fight to protect the rights of motor vehicle accident victims. We have been representing clients in claims against large trucking firms since 1984, and use that experience to deter lowball settlement offers and secure the results you need to rebuild your life. If you or a loved one has been involved in an 18-wheeler accident, don’t leave your future to chance. Call us for a free, no-obligation consultation and case review. We represent clients throughout Kalamazoo County, Berrien County, Cass County, Van Buren County, and West Michigan.
Why Hire Conybeare Law Office for Your 18-Wheeler Accident?
When you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, you want to work with an aggressive yet compassionate personal injury lawyer who knows how to get results. With a reputation for excellence in litigation, our firm has been recognized for its dedication and success in representing those who have suffered due to others’ negligence. When you work with us, you strengthen your case with the following advantages:
- Award-Winning Representation: Our firm has been named a Tier 1 law firm in the Kalamazoo (Southwest Michigan) Region for Plaintiffs Personal Injury Litigation by U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” in 2021 and 2022. Such accolades reflect our commitment to excellence in legal practice.
- Experienced Attorneys: Our team’s experience and recognition are unparalleled. Barry Conybeare has been honored as Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” for Plaintiffs Personal Injury Litigation in the Kalamazoo (Southwest Michigan) Region in 2013, 2017, 2021, and 2024.
- We Know Insurance Dynamics: Our experienced lawyers know how insurance adjusters operate. We firmly reject any lowball offers and fight to secure fair settlements for our clients.
- Strong Support: We handle cases involving serious personal injuries, disabling illnesses, and wrongful death with sensitivity and determination, ensuring you receive the support you need.
Your initial consultation is free, and our services are provided on a contingency basis. This means you will only pay legal fees if we secure a recovery on your behalf, reducing your financial risk. Let us help you pursue your claim and work towards a fair and just resolution.
How Are Truck Accident Claims Different From Car Accidents?
Unlike regular motor vehicles, commercial trucks are subject to rules and regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These federal trucking regulations cover virtually every aspect of commercial vehicle operation, including but not limited to, hours of service, maintenance standards, and driver qualifications. This means that handling a semi-truck accident case requires familiarity with both federal and state laws.
18-wheeler claims also potentially involve multiple defendants. This can include the truck driver, the owner of the truck, the trucking company, transportation brokers, and various other entities in the distribution chain. Each party may bear some degree of responsibility for the accident, complicating the process of determining liability and pursuing monetary compensation.
The insurance situation for semi-truck crashes is markedly more complicated than for standard car accidents. Multiple insurance policies may come into play, including those held by the trucking company, the at-fault driver, and other involved entities. Identifying these policies and determining how they interact can be a challenge that requires extensive experience with commercial truck accident cases.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Michigan
Trucking accidents in Michigan result from a variety of factors, and understanding these causes is essential for identifying liability in the aftermath. Some of the most common causes include:
- Truck Driver Fatigue: Despite regulations limiting driving hours, truck drivers often work long shifts without adequate rest. Fatigue can impair a driver’s reaction time, judgment, and overall ability to operate a vehicle safely.
- Distracted Driving: Like all road users, truck drivers can be distracted by mobile phones, navigation systems, or other activities that take their attention away from the road. Given the size and mass of trucks, the briefest lapse in focus can lead to disastrous consequences.
- Drunk Driving: Alcohol consumption standards are even stricter for those holding a commercial driver’s license, but drunk driving continues to contribute to trucking accidents.
- Reckless Driving: Exceeding speed limits or engaging in reckless driving behaviors increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle, especially in adverse weather conditions or on challenging road layouts.
- Overloaded Trucks: The way a truck is loaded can affect its stability and maneuverability. Improper loading of cargo can lead to rollovers or loss of control.
- Mechanical Failures: Regular maintenance is crucial for the safe operation of any vehicle, particularly commercial trucks. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues can cause serious accidents if not addressed promptly.
- Bad Weather Conditions: Snow, ice, rain, and fog can all reduce visibility and make roads slippery, presenting significant challenges for truck drivers. Failure to adjust speed and driving style to the conditions can lead to accidents.
- Inadequate Training: Driving a commercial truck requires specialized skills and knowledge. Inadequately trained drivers may not know how to react safely in emergency situations, increasing the risk of an accident.
Identifying the underlying cause of a commercial motor vehicle accident is a key step in determining liability and pursuing monetary compensation for victims. In Michigan, where changing seasons can dramatically affect road conditions and the trucking industry plays a vital role in the economy, understanding these common causes can help improve safety for all road users.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
Being involved in a truck accident is traumatic, but the steps you take immediately following the incident can impact your safety, well-being, and any future claims you may need to pursue. Below is a list of recommended actions.
- Ensure Safety: First and foremost, assess your own safety and the safety of any passengers. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic to avoid further accidents. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Call Emergency Services: Dial 911 to report the accident. Request medical assistance even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the truck driver and any other drivers involved. Be sure to get the truck driver’s name, license number, trucking company information, and the vehicle’s license plate number.
- Take Pictures: Take photographs of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, road conditions, and traffic signs or signals. These photos can serve as valuable evidence for your personal injury claim. If necessary, get someone to help you.
- Gather Witness Information: If there are any witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information. Witness statements can provide an independent account of what happened and may support your version of events.
- Seek Medical Care: Visit a doctor or hospital as soon as possible after the accident. A thorough medical examination will document your bodily injuries, which is essential for any potential catastrophic injury claims.
- Report the Accident to Your Insurance: Notify your insurance company about the accident, but be cautious about providing a statement, especially if you haven’t yet consulted with an experienced truck accident attorney. Stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault.
- Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney: Consider consulting with an attorney experienced in truck accident cases. They can advise you on your rights, help file your claim, and work to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and financial losses.
Following a truck accident, it’s normal to feel shaken or unsure of what to do next. Remembering these steps can help protect your legal rights and provide a foundation for recovering from the incident. Your focus should be on your health and recovery while a qualified attorney handles the legal aspects of your case.
Who Pays Your Bills After an 18-Wheeler Accident?
Who pays for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages can be complicated, since there are multiple sources of monetary compensation. They include:
- The Truck Driver: If the accident was caused by a commercial driver’s carelessness or negligence, such as driving under the influence, speeding, or violating other road safety laws, you could pursue a claim directly against the driver for compensation.
- The Truck Company: Under Michigan law, trucking companies can be held liable for their employees’ actions while on the job. If the company failed to maintain the truck properly, did not follow safety regulations, or inadequately trained or supervised their drivers, you could file a claim against the trucking company.
- Parts Manufacturer: In cases where a defective truck part contributed to the accident, the manufacturer of that part could be held responsible. Whether it’s a brake failure, tire blowout, or another mechanical issue, you may have a claim against the manufacturer for failing to ensure the safety and reliability of their products or against the maintenance shop for failing to perform adequate preventative maintenance or repairs.
- Cargo Handling Company: If improperly secured or overloaded cargo played a role in the accident, the cargo handling company might be liable. These companies are responsible for ensuring that all cargo is safely loaded and secured before transport.
- Your Auto Insurance: Michigan’s no-fault insurance law means that your auto insurance policy may cover some or all of your medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. The specifics will depend on your policy’s terms and coverage limits.
At Conybeare Law Office, we will thoroughly investigate your accident. Our legal team is adept at preserving critical evidence, such as the truck’s black box data, maintenance records, and driver history, to build a strong case on your behalf.
What Compensation Can You Get in a Truck Accident Lawsuit?
Victims of auto accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, depending on the specifics of their case. This compensation may be paid by the trucking company’s insurance, your auto insurance, or another entity, depending on the type of damage at issue, the circumstances, and the insurance available. Here are the main categories of compensation that may be available:
- Medical Expenses: This includes compensation for all medical treatments related to injuries sustained in the accident. It covers past, present, and future medical costs, such as emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any ongoing care needs.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for loss of income. This also covers future earnings if your ability to work and earn a salary has been permanently affected by your injuries.
- Pain and Suffering: Beyond the physical injuries, truck accident victims often endure significant pain and emotional distress. Compensation for pain and suffering accounts for the physical discomfort and mental anguish resulting from the accident, including anxiety, depression, loss of enjoyment of life, and other psychological impacts.
- Property Damage: If the accident resulted in damage to your vehicle or personal property, you could be compensated for repair or replacement costs.
- Loss of Consortium: When the accident has affected the victim’s relationship with their spouse or partner, compensation for loss of consortium may be awarded. This recognizes the loss of companionship, affection, and support.
- Wrongful Death: If the truck accident resulted in a fatality, the victim’s family might be eligible for wrongful death compensation. This can include funeral and burial expenses, loss of the deceased’s future earnings, loss of companionship, and emotional distress suffered by the family members.
Here are key elements that typically affect compensation amounts:
- Severity of Injuries: Generally, more severe injuries like traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries lead to higher compensation due to increased medical care costs, longer recovery periods, and a greater impact on your quality of life.
- Quality of Evidence: The strength of the evidence supporting your claim, including medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and documentation of expenses and financial losses, plays a critical role in the compensation process.
- Insurance Policy Limits: The amount of insurance coverage available from the negligent truck driver, trucking company, or your own insurance policy can limit the compensation amount.
A truck accident attorney can help you understand your rights, gather the necessary evidence, and advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible for your losses and injuries.
Have You Been Injured? An 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney is Only a Phone Call Away!
At Conybeare Law Office, we provide victims of truck crashes with the skilled representation they need to secure the best possible outcome. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, don’t face the future alone. Let us handle the legal burden so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life. To schedule your free initial consultation with our experienced truck accident lawyers, call 269-769-BEAR or fill out this contact form. Remember: if it’s not fair, call the Bear!