Truck Accidents

Kalamazoo & Grand Rapids Truck Accident Lawyer

Handling Truck Accident Claims Throughout Western Michigan

In a collision between a commercial truck and almost any other vehicle, the commercial truck and its occupants are bound to suffer less damage and fewer injuries. An 18-wheeler driven by a negligent driver or lacking proper maintenance can become an object of destruction on our roadways, leaving innocent motorists to pay the price physically, emotionally, and financially.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in West Michigan, you do not have to bear the burden alone. At Willis Law, our Kalamazoo & Grand Rapids truck accident attorneys represent the occupants of passenger cars, motorcycle riders, bicyclists, and pedestrians who have been injured by a trucker or trucking company’s negligence.

Contact us now at (888) 461-7744 to discuss your case. If you’re unable to visit our offices in Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, or Paw Paw due to your injuries, we’ll come to you.

Common Injuries in Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can result in severe injuries due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. Common injuries include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These injuries occur when the brain is jolted or hit during the accident. Symptoms can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, affecting memory, motor skills, and emotional regulation. TBI victims often require long-term care and rehabilitation.
Spinal Cord Injuries: A severe spinal cord injury can result in paralysis or loss of movement and sensation. These injuries often require lifelong care and can drastically reduce a person’s ability to work and perform daily activities.
Fractures and Broken Bones: The force of a truck accident can cause fractures in various parts of the body, such as arms, legs, ribs, or the pelvis. These injuries may require surgery and extended physical therapy to heal.
Internal Injuries: Internal injuries, such as damage to organs like the liver, kidneys, or lungs, can occur when the body is subjected to high impact. These injuries may not be immediately visible but can be life-threatening.
Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash occurs when the neck is abruptly jerked during an accident, causing damage to the muscles and ligaments. These injuries may cause chronic pain and require ongoing medical treatment.

How Trucking Companies Are Held Responsible for Accidents

Trucking companies are often held responsible for accidents due to:

Negligent Maintenance: If the company fails to maintain the truck properly, like neglecting routine inspections or fixing known issues, it can be liable for any accidents caused by faulty equipment.
Driver Fatigue: Trucking companies are required to ensure drivers take proper rest. If a driver is overworked or violates hours-of-service regulations, the company could be liable for accidents caused by driver fatigue.
Safety Violations: Trucking companies must comply with federal safety regulations. If a company allows unsafe practices, like overloading vehicles or failing to secure cargo, they can be held responsible for accidents.

Legal action against a trucking company often involves proving negligence, gathering evidence, and demonstrating how the company's actions led to the accident. This can include investigating maintenance records, driver logs, and safety practices.

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

If you are involved in a truck accident, it’s important to act quickly to protect your rights and health. Here are the steps to follow:

Call Emergency Services: Immediately report the accident to 911 to ensure medical help and law enforcement are dispatched.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it’s important to seek medical care. Some injuries, like internal damage or brain injuries, may not show immediate symptoms.
Gather Evidence: If you are able, take photos of the scene, the vehicles involved, road conditions, and any visible injuries. This evidence can be crucial in supporting your claim.
Speak to Witnesses: Collect contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident. Their testimonies can help establish what happened.
File a Police Report: Make sure a police report is filed to document the accident. This official report can be valuable when dealing with insurance companies and legal matters.
Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company about the accident, but be cautious with statements. Avoid admitting fault or agreeing to a settlement without legal advice.
Consult a Truck Accident Lawyer: A truck accident lawyer can guide you through the complex legal and insurance processes. They can ensure that you pursue all avenues for compensation, including claims against the trucking company, the driver, or other liable parties.

By taking these steps, you can protect your health, ensure that evidence is preserved, and give yourself the best chance for a successful outcome in your case.

Building Strong Injury Claims for the Injured in MI

There are few experiences in life as harrowing as a truck accident. Between the physical injuries and the extensive property damage, you have a lot on your plate as you move forward. Let our truck accident lawyers in Kalamazoo handle the legal work for you. We pursue every penny that truck accident injury victims are entitled to, including compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and lost wages. At all phases of these cases, we fight to hold negligent truck drivers, truck companies, and their insurers accountable for the losses they have caused.

We thoroughly investigate these accidents, which are often caused by:

Equipment malfunctions caused by inadequate maintenance
Failures to observe requirements for rest periods
Driver fatigue
Driving too many consecutive hours, which is a violation of the law
Drunk driving or drugged driving
Overloaded vehicles
Poorly secured loads
Inattentive or distracted driving
Speeding
Unsafe driving in hazardous conditions, including in construction zones
Rollovers due to sharp turns
Ignoring roadway signals

Our lawyers work with professionals such as accident reconstructionists, doctors, and vocational rehabilitation specialists to demonstrate the needs of our clients and obtain favorable settlements from all liable parties. If we must resort to litigation, we are fearless trial lawyers who can fight for you in the courtroom.

Fatal Truck Accidents & Wrongful Death Claims in MI

If your loved one passed away in a fatal truck accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you have been left to deal with the emotional and financial consequences. At Willis Law, we are dedicated to helping the surviving family members of fatally injured truck accident victims obtain the full compensation to which they are entitled to make themselves whole again.

While we understand there is nothing we can do to bring back your loved one or erase what you have gone through, a successful wrongful death claim can provide the financial resources you need to move forward from this tragedy. A successful wrongful death lawsuit also builds on and augments the precedent that negligent parties should be held accountable for the destruction their actions cause.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I do if I am injured in a truck accident?

The first step is to seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Then, document the accident scene and contact a truck accident lawyer who specializes in these cases to help you navigate the legal process.

Can I file a claim against the truck driver and the trucking company?

Yes, you may be able to file a claim against both the truck driver and the trucking company, depending on the circumstances. The company can be held liable for the driver’s actions, maintenance failures, or safety violations.

How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Michigan?

In Michigan, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including truck accidents, is typically three years from the date of the accident. It’s important to act quickly to preserve your legal rights.

What damages can I recover in a truck accident claim?

You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage. In some cases, punitive damages may also apply if gross negligence was involved.

How do I prove that the trucking company is at fault?

To prove fault, your lawyer will gather evidence such as the truck's maintenance records, driver logs, accident reports, and witness statements. Expert witnesses, like accident reconstructionists, can also help establish liability.

Can I still file a claim if the truck driver wasn’t insured?

Yes, you may still be able to pursue compensation through your own insurance, or if the trucking company was negligent, through their commercial liability insurance. If both the driver and company are uninsured, other options may be available, like uninsured motorist coverage.

Do I need a lawyer for a truck accident case?

While you may not be required to hire a lawyer, having one is highly recommended due to the complexities of truck accident cases. An experienced lawyer can navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurers, and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Turn to Willis Law

Our goal is to obtain a successful settlement or jury verdict that provides you with the peace of mind and financial resources needed to pick up and carry on with life after this devastating incident. Our Kalamazoo truck accident lawyers have decades of combined experience to put to work for you.

Contact us at (888) 461-7744 for a free initial consultation to discuss your rights and options.

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