Truck Accident Lawyers in Michigan
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Key Takeaways
- Immediate Legal Support is Crucial: After a truck accident in Michigan, securing skilled legal representation promptly can significantly impact the outcome of your compensation claim.
- Statute of Limitations: Acting swiftly is important as Michigan law limits the time frame to file a truck accident claim to three years.
- Comprehensive Legal Strategy: From cutting through insurance company tactics to managing all aspects of your case, Matz Injury Law provides a comprehensive legal strategy tailored to the specifics of your truck accident case.
The Harsh Realities of Truck Accident Injuries
When you or someone close to you is injured in a motor vehicle accident involving an 18-wheeler or other large commercial vehicle, it turns your entire life upside down in an instant. Truck accidents are on the rise despite new laws and stricter federal regulations on the trucking industry. You deserve compensation for the serious injuries you’ve suffered, but everyone is passing the buck. Nobody is willing to own up and take responsibility for what’s happened to you, and it seems like everyone, from the truck driver to the trucking company and down to the parts manufacturers, is involved somehow.
Meanwhile, your pain from your Michigan truck accident is worsening, your medical bills and the costs of attendant care are piling up, and you have an insurance adjuster pushing you to accept a lowball offer while threatening you with nothing if you refuse.
Seek A Skilled Michigan Truck Accident Attorney For Your Injuries
It’s important to have a personal injury lawyer in your corner for your truck accident who can identify the responsible parties and hold them accountable. At Matz Injury Law, we understand the profound impact a truck accident can have on your life and the importance of securing a positive outcome to support your recovery. Our team of seasoned truck accident attorneys in Southfield, Michigan, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success, having secured over $300 million in damages for our clients. Our goal is to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, pain and suffering, wrongful death, and other serious injuries.
Contact The Truck Accident Lawyers at Matz Injury Law Today
After a truck accident in Michigan, it’s important to understand that time is of the essence when it comes to pursuing legal action. The accident lawyers at Matz Injury Law can help you file within this time limit to preserve your rights and gain maximum compensation.
Our Michigan truck accident lawyers can provide invaluable assistance to you in these early stages. We can help to gather evidence, speak to witnesses, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. The earlier a truck accident lawyer gets involved in your case, the more time we have to file a robust truck accident lawsuit on your behalf.
Ready to get started? View testimonials from satisfied clients, and call us at 866-226-6833. Alternatively, you can fill out our online contact form to speak with an experienced truck accident attorney at Matz Injury Law today.
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What Should You Do After a Trucking Accident?
The damage caused by truck accidents with other passenger vehicles is nothing short of catastrophic because of these vehicles’ sheer size and momentum. The impact from a big rig is almost always far more severe than that in any other type of car accident. If you were seriously injured in an auto accident with a commercial truck caused by a careless driver, you deserve to be compensated. It’s important, however, to take the right steps.
What To Do at the Scene
The first thing to do at the scene of a tractor-trailer truck accident is to call for first responders and emergency help. Likely, someone is seriously hurt after a truck accident of this sort, and it’s vital to make sure all truck accident victims who need medical attention receive it. Even if you do not feel like you are injured, make sure you get evaluated. It could be important to your truck accident case as we move forward.
Next, move any motor vehicles off the road that can be moved to prevent further accidents. If you can, take detailed notes and snap all the photos you can of the truck accident scene. The more records you can gain from the accident site, the better off we will be when it comes time to build your Michigan truck accident case later.
File A Police Report and Exchange Information
Additionally, file a police report. It can be an important resource to recall the details of the accident when you have to repeat your story in the future to determine driver error.
Then, exchange information with the truck driver and get the names and contact information of any witnesses you can. Above all else, keep your head and wits about you. This can be the trickiest part of the truck accident scene, but it is vital. If you get angry, you may say something which can be used against you later. Likewise, when you report the accident to your insurance company, stick to the hard facts. Do not editorialize the events of the situation.
Seek Legal Advice From an Attorney
Finally, contact a qualified Michigan personal injury attorney focused on motor vehicle accident cases. It doesn’t matter if you are in Lansing, Grand Rapids, Southfield, or anywhere else in the state. A qualified Michigan truck crash lawyer is your best ally in this situation. They are highly familiar with Michigan law, specifically personal injury law, and they can handle your case from here.
What Not To Do at the Accident Site
Never, ever apologize for anything at the crash site. Don’t even utter the words “I’m sorry” in any context when talking to other motorists. The insurance company will use it against you. Don’t talk about your injuries to the truck driver. There will be time for all of that, but don’t try to litigate at the scene on your own.
Finally, never rely on the insurance company to help you. No matter how nice, friendly, or compassionate they seem, the insurance company is not your friend. They do not want to help you and your family pay your medical bills, and they do not think you deserve compensation. They have one goal and one goal only: to get out of paying your bills.
How Long do I Have to File a Truck Accident Injury Claim
In Michigan, a victim of a truck accident has three years from the date of the accident, or in the case of fatalities in a wrongful death case, from the date of death. The term “statute of limitations” is a scary term that insurance companies will often use to make you think you cannot receive compensation. Even if you think you’re past the deadline, however, you should still call a Michigan truck accident lawyer. You may well still have options.
Navigating Insurance Challenges After a Truck Accident
After your Michigan truck accident, usually, within a few days, you will likely get a call from one or more insurance adjusters. These will represent the truck accident company, the truck driver, the cargo company, the maintenance crew, or any other number of parties in the trucking company. They will act very friendly as if they truly care about you and your family members. They will claim they want to help by getting the situation resolved quickly.
Then, after your truck accident, they will offer you a very meager settlement. If you refuse this offer, their demeanor will change quickly. They will attempt to convince you to sign off by tricking you, bullying, or threatening that if you don’t sign their offer, you will not receive compensation.
This is why you will want to involve experienced truck accident lawyers in your case. Insurance adjusters will try to blur the lines of truth in your case. They may use legal jargon like “Michigan no-fault law” and “statute of limitations” to make the injury claim process from your truck accident seem even more complicated.
Here’s the secret those insurance companies don’t want you to know: You don’t have to even speak to them. You can tell them to talk to your truck accident lawyer. Even if you have not yet called Matz Injury Law, you can still say, “My accident lawyer will be in touch,” and then call a Michigan truck accident lawyer to review your case.
Insurance companies know the law, and they have lawyers on their side ready to try and get them out of paying your large truck accident claim. Having an accident lawyer in your corner is the best shot you have at getting compensation for your injuries.
State of Michigan No-Fault Laws and Federal Laws
Michigan no-fault laws mean that regardless of who was at fault for the truck accident, all parties can file an insurance claim for damages. To seek compensation for a Michigan truck accident, our truck accident lawyers must prove negligence on the part of the defendants in the case. This means as attorneys representing injury victims, we have to prove three factors.
1: Establishing Duty of Care in Truck Accidents
First, we need to demonstrate that the defendants had a duty of care to avoid putting you or other drivers in undue danger. Every driver on the road shares this same duty of care. This principle mandates that all drivers, including those operating commercial trucks, must act to prevent harm to other road users.
2: Proving Negligence of The Commercial Driver
Our second step focuses on evidencing the breach of this duty. We illustrate how the defendant’s actions—or lack thereof—violated the standards of responsible driving, as defined by the “reasonable person standard.” Through investigations and testimonies, we aim to solidify your claim by proving that the actions of the defendant were negligent and directly lead to the accident.
3: Linking Negligence to Your Injuries
Finally, we have to prove that not only were their acts the direct or proximate cause of the Michigan truck accident but that you were injured as a direct result of this truck accident.
When dealing with truck accident cases, we not only deal with state laws but also with federal laws and federal regulations on the trucking industry by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Violations of FMCSA regulations can contribute to your Michigan truck accident case and can include truck drivers violating the maximum hours they are allowed to drive at one stretch, their alcohol and drug use history, driving record, the truck’s maintenance schedule, and how much training the driver had.
Ready to hold those who harmed you accountable? Contact the experienced Michigan truck accident lawyers at Matz Injury Law.
Common Causes and Injuries in Michigan Truck Accidents
There are many reasons that truck accidents happen. The cause of the semi-truck accident you were involved in will determine the compensation we can pursue in your case as much as the specific injuries you have suffered. A few of the common causes of truck accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Truck driver fatigue
- Bad weather or dangerous conditions on roadways
- Driving while impaired
- Poorly balanced cargo that shifts and causes the trucker to lose control
- Faulty parts that have a manufacturing defect
- Poor maintenance
- Speeding
- Failure to abide by street signs
- Failure to check blind spots
- Failure to check blind spotsSimple irresponsibility or reckless behavior
There are many other causes of truck accidents involving 18-wheelers, and the causes can bring many parties into play. Aside from the sheer level of catastrophic injuries, property damage, and other economic damages caused by the size of these vehicles, you may be dealing with the trucking companies, cargo loading companies, maintenance crews, the truck driver, and even parts manufacturers, each of whom will have their own insurance policies. This can lead to large verdicts, but it can also complicate the case. That’s why it’s important to have a Michigan truck accident attorney in your corner.
Common Injuries After a Michigan Truck Accident
Michigan truck accidents can result in catastrophic outcomes. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, you may have sustained various types of injuries, some of which may be severe. Understanding these injuries can provide crucial insight when it comes to seeking compensation. An accident lawyer, especially a truck accident lawyer, can play a vital role in helping you understand and navigate the complex legal process associated with such accidents.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A TBI can range from a mild concussion to a more serious form of brain damage, causing long-term cognitive impairment. The accident lawyers at Matz Injury Law are familiar with these types of injuries and can advocate for you to get the medical care and compensation you need.
Spinal Cord Injuries
These injuries often result in lifelong impacts, causing not only physical but also emotional and financial challenges. A truck accident lawyer can help victims of spinal cord injuries to pursue compensation.
Fractures and Other Injuries
It’s important to seek immediate medical attention after a truck accident, even if you think you are uninjured. Some injuries might not become apparent until days or even weeks after the accident.
Why Injury Victims of Michigan Truck Accidents Choose Matz Injury Law
As personal injury attorneys for trucking cases, Matz Injury Law always works to provide you with a satisfactory settlement. From traumatic brain injuries to spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and even wrongful death, as well as depression, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium, our truck accident lawyers are here to help victims of all personal injury cases get the compensation they deserve. We travel all across the state and will meet with you wherever and however you are most comfortable.
Recent Client Testimonials
“My family is grateful for Steve Matz’s professional handling of our case. Steve was very thorough, candid, responsive, and strategic in his approach throughout our legal proceedings. If ever in a situation again like my family has experienced over the past year, we would immediately retain Matz Injury Law to represent our interests. Thank you Steve.” – John P.
“I reached out to Steve after my car accident and even without paying him he was there for me. Offered me advice and told me everything I needed to know about what my insurance company owed me. He cares about people and it shows!” – Kyanna W.
“Steve was very professional and stayed on top of the process , I would recommend him very highly” – Cindy H.
Recent Injury Claim Results
$3.45 Million Settlement In Genesee County
$3.45 million settlement against a cement company whose truck crossed a center line causing three deaths and severely injuring a 4 year-old boy. The settlement was $450,000 in excess of available insurance.
$1.3 Million Settlement In Monroe County
$1.3 million Federal District Court settlement on behalf of a mother and daughter in a car/truck collision. Mom suffered a pancreas injury but returned to full-time employment within six months; eight year old daughter suffered an aggravation of a pre-existing learning disability as well as a ruptured spleen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Insurance companies often offer low settlements to quickly resolve claims. However, accepting this offer can prevent you from receiving the full compensation you deserve. A Michigan truck accident lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement that covers your economic expenses.
In Michigan, the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident claim is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, it’s important to consult with a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected
After a truck accident in Michigan, ensure your safety and that of others, then call emergency services. Document the accident scene with photos and notes, exchange information with the truck driver, file a police report, and seek medical attention even if injuries are not immediately apparent. It’s crucial to contact a skilled Michigan truck accident lawyer to protect your rights and begin the process of seeking compensation.
Recent Settlements
$4,150,000 settlement on behalf of the family of a college student who was killed in a traffic crash while riding a motorcycle. The settlement came from three different insurance companies.
$450,000 settlement for an injury sustained while working at a manufacturing facility in Michigan. We were able to get around the workers compensation act exclusive remedy by proving our client was not an employee but instead, an independent contractor.
$3.45 million settlement against a cement company whose truck crossed a center line causing three deaths and severely injuring a 4 year-old boy. The settlement was $450,000 in excess of available insurance.
$1.74 million settlement against a 19 year-old driver and the fraternity where he was drinking immediately prior to a head on collision that killed a 52 year-old husband and father of 3 children.
$1.3 million Federal District Court settlement on behalf of a mother and daughter in a car/truck collision. Mom suffered a pancreas injury but returned to full-time employment within six months; eight year old daughter suffered an aggravation of a pre-existing learning disability as well as a ruptured spleen.
$1 million settlement for a 52 year-old woman in a rural county who broke both ankles and suffered a retrobulbar hemorrhage of her right eye after being struck by a gravel truck.
Matz Injury Law obtained a $1,000,000 settlement for a woman in Northern Michigan who fractured both ankles as a result of being rear-ended by a gravel truck.
A settlement of $3,450,000 for a family who lost loved ones as a result of an inattentive cement truck driver.
$100,000 uninsured motorist settlement (policy limit) for family of passenger killed in Detroit in suspected joyriding incident.
$1 million settlement on behalf of a 60 year-old woman with a mild closed head injury due to County Road Commission negligence.
$950,000 settlement on behalf of the mother of a young boy who died while a passenger in a one-vehicle crash.
$750,000 to the family of a passenger killed in a collision on an icy road.
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