Truck Accident Lawyer Serving Sterling Heights

The United States Department of Transportation estimates that the average semi-truck owner-operator will drive roughly 2.6 million miles throughout their career. For many truck drivers, Michigan marks the end of a long haul. Interstate 75, in particular, ends in Michigan after going through some major cities throughout the United States.

When truck drivers reach the end of a route, they are exhausted and, unfortunately, more prone to error. This is especially true when truckers are coming off busy routes. That means that other drivers should not assume that truckers will always make the right decision while driving in Sterling Heights, Michigan. When a truck driver makes a mistake, those in passenger vehicles are left to deal with significant injuries and medical bills.

However, a truck accident does not always mean financial ruin. Instead, the personal injury lawyers at Matz Injury Law can help truck accident victims get compensation for their injuries. Our law office has helped hundreds of clients get good verdicts at trial. We have also helped victims get hundreds of thousands — even millions — in settlements to address their injuries and losses after a car accident.

Traffic and Truck Accident Information for Sterling Heights

According to crash statistics, the most dangerous intersection in Macomb County is at the roundabout between the 18 ½ mile road and Van Dyke Ave right in Sterling Heights. This area saw 229 crashes in 2019 and another 131 accidents in 2020.

The second most deadly spot in Michigan can also be found in Sterling Heights — the intersection of 11 Mile Road/I-696 and Van Dyke Ave. There were 129 accidents in that spot in 2019 and another 124 in 2020. In 2019, the rate of fatal accidents in Sterling Heights was about half of the rate throughout the rest of Michigan.

In addition, a 2019 study named I-94 the deadliest road in Macomb County. Although I-94 does not run directly through Sterling Heights, it is still close enough that many Sterling Heights residents travel this interstate on a regular basis. Ten fatal accidents occurred on I-94 from 2017 to 2019.

Macomb County saw 21,871 total reported crashes in 2021. Of those, 4,619 accidents caused 6,328 injuries. There were also 59 total fatalities during that period as well.

How Do Car Crashes and Truck Crashes Differ in Sterling Heights, Michigan?

Although car accidents and truck accidents are similar, there are some important differences between the two. Because of these differences, not every car accident lawyer will make a good truck accident attorney.

The Severity of the Accident

Trucking accidents tend to be more severe compared to car accidents. Truck accidents often involve higher speeds and a much larger vehicle, which generally means more injuries and higher medical bills. These serious injuries often end up being permanent or long-lasting, like brain injuries and permanent impairment. Wrongful death cases are often triggered in truck accident cases.

The Trucking Company’s Insurance

Trucking companies are very experienced in handling truck accidents. They likely deal with truck accidents far more often than the average passenger vehicle driver. Trucking companies also often use special trucking insurance, making dealing with the insurance company that much more difficult.

The Causes of the Truck Accident

Truck accidents are often caused by different circumstances compared to car accidents. Car accidents are usually the result of human error (not paying attention, speeding, not stopping properly, etc.). Truck accidents can certainly be caused by driver error, but they also tend to be the result of the sheer size of the truck. It is harder to stop, turn, and maneuver when you are driving a larger vehicle.

Equipment failure and improper loading also cause many truck accidents. Because trucks are on the road far longer than the average car, they are more prone to equipment problems and failures.

Third Parties Involved in the Truck Accident Case

Truck accident cases also often involve more than just two parties. They might have a separate insurance company for the driver or another company that was involved with loading the truck. They might also have another company that maintains the truck or owns the cargo.

All of these additional parties can make a truck accident case in Sterling Heights very complicated. Having a Sterling Heights truck accident attorney like the legal team at Matz Injury Law can be very helpful in these situations.

6 Causes of Truck Accidents in Sterling Heights, Michigan

Reckless Driving

Sometimes truck drivers make maneuvers that are not safe, especially for the large vehicle that they are operating. This reckless action sometimes results in truck collisions.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving can cause any type of motor vehicle accident. However, because trucks are slower and bigger, even a second or two delay in reaction time can cause a crash. As a result, distracted driving is especially dangerous for truck drivers.

Road Conditions

Slippery, icy, and snowy road conditions can also contribute to accidents. Unfortunately, truck drivers are sometimes in a hurry to meet deadlines and drive too fast for the weather conditions.

Weather

Anyone who lives in Michigan knows that snowstorms in this area can be deadly. Because truck drivers come to Michigan from all over the United States, they might not be fully prepared to drive in weather that affects us, especially in the winter. Truckers are sometimes out on the road when they should not be or drive too fast in low visibility.

Poor Cargo Loading

When cargo in a truck moves, it can cause control problems for a semi-truck driver. Improper loading can result in serious accidents due to control issues.

Unrealistic Time Constraints

Being a truck driver requires adhering to strict timelines for deliveries. Unfortunately, these deadlines are not always realistic and may force a driver to drive too long or too fast.

If a driver is tired, their reaction time is slowed because of driver fatigue, and they may fall asleep at the wheel. Driving too fast sometimes results in problems controlling the tractor-trailer and being able to slow down to react to emergency situations or traffic congestion.

What Are the Statutes of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims in Sterling Heights, Michigan?

You must bring a legal claim against the trucking company that caused your accident within three years from the date of the accident. However, you must also file with your own insurance company before asserting a claim against someone else. You have just one year from the accident date to file with your insurance company.

In addition, if the accident resulted in property damage greater than $1,000, injuries, or death, Michigan law requires you to report the accident to the nearest local police station within 24 hours. Since most truck accidents result in significant property damage, you will most certainly have to file a police report.

What Type of Damages Am I Eligible to Receive After a Truck Accident in Sterling Heights, Michigan?

In Michigan, there are two categories of damages that you might be able to receive after a truck crash.

• Economic Damages. These damages are easy to prove because there are hard losses associated with them. There might be bills or invoices. Medical expenses and lost wages are the most common economic damages after a truck accident.
• Non-Economic Damages. These damages compensate you for the losses you experienced that are hard to quantify. Pain and suffering damages are the most common example, but mental suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and money for loved ones and family members (loss of consortium) also fall under this category.

Every case is different, but many will have both economic and non-economic damages. Talk to the accident attorneys at Matz Injury Law to learn more. Our law firm will be able to review your situation as part of our attorney-client relationship and help you determine what money damages might be available to you.

Does My Insurance Handle Truck Accident Claims?

Yes. Because Michigan requires everyone to have no-fault personal injury protection coverage, your insurance is your first line of defense after any auto accident. After your PIP coverage is exhausted, you must turn to the truck driver’s or trucking company’s insurance adjuster for additional money.

However, insurance companies might not have your best interests in mind because they want to save money when paying your claim — they might try to get you to admit fault or provide you with a meager offer to get you off their backs. Neither option benefits you, so having the injury lawyers at Matz Injury Law work with an insurance company after any car accident is generally a good idea.

How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help Me After a Truck Accident in Sterling Heights, Michigan?

A personal injury attorney is even more valuable in truck crashes involving serious injuries. You often cannot gather information or talk to witnesses after this type of accident because of the severity of your injuries. Instead, a truck accident lawyer will do this leg work for you while you focus on recovering. They will also act as a go-between for you and the insurance companies involved in your truck accident claim.

Recover 340% More in Damages for Your Truck Accident

Hiring a personal injury lawyer like those at Matz Injury Law makes financial sense — people who hire personal injury lawyers receive 340% more in compensation for their losses on average.

Matz Injury Law takes a lower percentage fee compared to other injury lawyers in Michigan. We take just 22% as a contingency fee in personal injury cases instead of 33%. That means you keep more of your lost wages, pain and suffering damages, and more after a semi-truck crash. Turn to Matz Injury Law for legal advice with a free consultation. We serve clients in Sterling Heights, Warren, Southfield, Troy, Livonia, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today for more information or call 866-226-6833.