Truck Accident Lawyer Serving Portage

Semi-trucks and tractor-trailer drivers spend hundreds of hours on the road making necessary deliveries. Since these individuals must travel long distances for many hours, they are at an increased risk of causing a truck accident due to fatigue.

Unfortunately, it is usually other drivers on the road who have to pay the price. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 82 percent of truck accident fatalities in 2019 were not the occupants of the large truck.

You should not have to pay for unsafe road conditions caused by distracted or overworked truck drivers. If you or a loved one have been injured in a vehicle accident involving a truck, we suggest calling our personal injury attorneys as soon as possible to get the compensation you deserve. Call 866-226-6833 to obtain a free consultation.

5 Portage Truck Accident Statistics You Should Know

Unfortunately, Michigan and Portage are no strangers to deadly truck accidents. Here are some 2021 statistics.

• 14,293 accidents occurred in Michigan involving a truck or a bus.
• Of those 14,293 accidents, 103 people were killed.
• 451 accidents occurred in Kalamazoo County involving a truck or a bus.
• Three people were killed in those 451 accidents and 120 were injured.
• 361 truck (and bus) accidents in Kalamazoo county caused property damage.

Tragically, many truck accidents each year occur needlessly.

How Are Car Accidents and Truck Accidents Different?

One of the biggest differences besides injuries is that truck accidents are usually caused by different circumstances than car accidents. Human error often causes car crashes, but truck accidents have other complexities involved. For instance, the size of most commercial trucks makes it hard for drivers to stop quickly or make proper turns.

Other unique circumstances contributing to truck collisions include equipment failure, manufacturer defect, and poor maintenance. When trucks are not properly serviced, malfunctions tend to occur since problems are overlooked. The complexities associated with truck accidents can lead to serious injury.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Portage, Michigan?

With I-94 running east to west in Portage and U.S. Route 131 running north to south, many truckers, including those driving 18-wheelers, utilize these main roadways on a regular basis. Sadly, many semi-truck accidents occurring on these roadways and others are preventable. The following behaviors contribute to needless crashes that devastate accident victims’ lives either through injury or wrongful death.

Reckless Driving

Speeding, drinking while intoxicated, swerving in and out of lanes, tailgating, and other irresponsible driving behaviors are reckless and frequently lead to accidents. These types of accidents are 100% preventable as long as due care is taken by a truck driver.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a persistent problem in our society and truckers are not immune. Texting, dialing calls, answering calls, plugging in GPS coordinates, and other distractions while driving lead to crashes. All it takes is a split second with eyes off the road for a life or lives to be changed forever.

Road Conditions

Poor construction markers, potholes, debris left on roadways, and other hazards create conditions that truckers cannot navigate quickly enough to avoid accidents.

Weather

Portage sees its share of wintry and wet weather every year. With an average of 36 inches of rain and 47 inches of snow each year, roads can be hazardous numerous times throughout the year, leading to serious truck crashes, injuries, and fatalities if drivers and their employers do not plan accordingly.

Poor Cargo Loading

Truck companies must get cargo loaded on their vehicles. Either in-house staff or a third party may have this responsibility. If not loaded correctly and safely, cargo could come loose and drop debris on the road or send it flying through the air at high speeds, creating dangerous conditions for anyone driving on Portage roadways.

Unrealistic Time Constraints

One of the biggest problems in the trucking industry is that drivers work under unrealistic time constraints. To meet customer and employer demands, drivers are often pressured to work longer hours than allowed by law without breaks or speed to get their deliveries done more quickly.

How Long Do I Have to Sue for Personal Injury After a Truck Accident in Portage, Michigan?

The State of Michigan imposes a three-year statute of limitations to file a personal injury claim from the date of the accident. However, to pursue compensation, you must first file with your insurance company within a year of the accident.

Am I Eligible for Compensation After an Accident in Portage?

Generally, yes you are eligible to file for compensation after suffering a truck or auto accident in Portage, Michigan. State accident law allows accident victims to file two types of damages: economic damages and non-economic damages. Your eligibility will depend upon the specifics of your case.

Economic Damages

Most truck accident victims suffer losses that would be considered economic damages in personal injury cases.

• Medical bills — past and future, including travel to and from appointments
• Medications for pain, mental stress, or infections
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Property damages
• Economic value of household services
• Vocational rehabilitation

Essentially, any out-of-pocket financial losses that are a calculable amount can be categorized as economic damages.

Non-Economic Damages

As a big rig accident victim, you may have experienced a lot of pain and suffering, including both physical pain and any emotional trauma or PTSD. All of these are common and accident victims face many challenges after a painful collision with a truck. Non-economic damages can be difficult to prove. Having a good accident lawyer by your side can significantly boost the chances of obtaining the amount of compensation you need for your recovery and securing your future.

Will My Insurance Help Me After a Truck Accident?

You can talk to your insurance company, but know their adjuster is not going to look out for your best interests, even if they sound sympathetic. Essentially, their job is to either get you to admit fault or accept a meager settlement worth far less than you deserve.

What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Truck Accident Lawyer in Portage, Michigan?

Working with an experienced truck accident lawyer after an accident is very beneficial to you. Your attorney will do the heavy lifting to allow you to focus on your recovery. The advantages of obtaining legal services include:

• Gathering evidence from the accident scene and any other potential causes (e.g. truck drivers’ cellphone records, truck company documents, video surveillance, etc.)
• Reviewing your auto insurance policy and notifying them of the collision
• Serving as the go-between with any involved insurance companies
• Identifying any potential at-fault parties in the accident
• Interviewing any witnesses to the crash and documenting the details
• Collecting medical records, pay stubs, and other accident-related documentation

Your attorney will help you with the above processes, along with any other situations that arise related to the accident to help relieve your stress and make things easier for you.

Do You Want to Receive Four Times More Compensation?

Our personal injury law firm has helped clients all over Michigan win personal injury lawsuits, including many Portage auto accident cases.

People who hire car accident lawyers receive an average settlement of $77,600. People who do not have legal representation receive $17,600, according to a lawyers.com study. This is a substantial difference. The compassionate and caring personal injury lawyers at Matz Injury Law have your best interests foremost. With our contingency fee of 22% instead of the industry norm of 33%, you have a better chance of walking away with more.

Our experienced truck accident attorneys want to help you. If you are ready to seek legal advice, talk to our law office today by calling 866-226-6833 or completing our convenient online contact form to schedule a free case evaluation. A member of our law firm will be in touch immediately.