Livonia Truck Accident Lawyer

Have you or a loved one suffered injuries in a commercial truck accident? We can help with your claim. Contact the Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates for a free consultation.

Most people never imagine being hit by a large semi-truck. We typically move through our routines day to day grocery shopping, commuting to and from work, and picking up our children without ever anticipating something so horrible happening. However, truck accidents can change your life in the blink of an eye.

After being injured in a truck accident, you will likely have to juggle mounting medical bills, doctor visits, and taking time from work to heal. Trying to avoid financial fallout while recovering from your injuries makes you anxious, depressed, and overwhelmed. A skilled Livonia truck accident lawyer can help you through this difficult period.

Reduce Your Stress, Increase Your Settlement

At the Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates, we know the stress you are experiencing during this challenging time. Our legal team has defended the rights of those hurt in auto accidents for many years. We have a track record of successfully guiding injured parties through this challenging legal process. We're dedicated to offering our clients a unique combination of knowledge, skill, and experience.

We are here to help you at this trying time, and it all begins with these three simple steps:

1. Listen to You: We will review your case's specifics and outline your legal options during a free consultation.
2. Prepare to Win: We will create a compelling legal plan after conducting a comprehensive accident investigation.
3. Represent You: Your skilled Livonia truck accident lawyer will negotiate with insurance companies or take your case to court to secure the best outcome possible.

The Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates believes you ought to receive full compensation for the harm you endured. We can help settle your case and get your life back on track. Our numbers and success rate back us up. Call us at 248-886-8650 or send us an email to get started.

How Dangerous Are Commercial Trucks? 

Pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers face specific risks when it comes to massive commercial vehicles. When they crash, semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and other huge vehicles frequently result in fatalities, severe injuries, and significant property damage. Furthermore, these intricate kinds of personal injury lawsuits need competent legal representation.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports 4,998 fatal events involving heavy trucks and buses in only one recent year. These figures show how much increased awareness of safety is necessary. Here are some shocking numbers and information:

• Driver error accounts for 87% of these collisions and can be attributed to several variables, including speeding (23%), poor route knowledge (22%), and the use of over-the-counter medications (17%).
• The majority of commercial truck incidents occur between midday and 2:59 p.m.
• 76% of fatal truck crashes happen during the workday, especially between 6 a.m. and 5:59 p.m.

Wayne County 2022 Crash Data (Includes Livonia)

• Total Crashes: 3,474
• Fatal Crashes: 14
• Fatalities: 15
• Injury Crashes: 590
• Injuries: 868
• Property Damage Crashes: 2,870

The Michigan State Police report provided additional statistics that draw attention to the life-threatening impact of truck traffic accidents. The reasons behind truck crashes shed light on the need for continuous efforts to improve driving safety standards.

The Differences Between Car and Truck Accidents

In many ways, a truck crash differs from a car accident. An outline of the main distinctions between the two is provided below:

• Multi-party Liability: More than one party may be held liable in truck wrecks, including the driver, the trucking firm, the cargo workers, and the parts manufacturers. The nature of these crashes makes establishing liability challenging when settling insurance claims. However, when multiple parties are involved, it can also increase the likelihood of receiving a greater payout.
• Rollover Dangers: Trucks are more prone to roll over because of their higher center of gravity.
• Braking Distance: Before stopping, a fully loaded heavy truck will go 200 yards, or the distance of two football fields. The stopping distance for a passenger car moving at 70 mph is 315 feet or 105 yards.
• Dimensions and Weight: An 80,000-pound big commercial truck is the maximum weight allowed. The average weight of a full-size car is 3,738 pounds. Their sheer size heightens the impact of trucks.

The differences between truck and car crashes draw attention to the challenges associated with personal injury claims. To resolve a personal injury claim, a Livonia car accident lawyer is the best option for car wrecks that don't involve tractor-trailer trucks. However, a truck accident lawyer is more adept at handling the complex nature of a semi-truck collision.

What Are the Leading Factors in Livonia Truck Accidents?

The National Safety Council estimates that 155,000 injuries occurred nationwide in 2021 due to commercial trucks. The causes of these incidents in Livonia are the same as those nationwide. These horrible collisions have the following main causes:

1. New Drivers: There is a rising demand for drivers. Some trucking companies may reduce the entry barrier to attract more applications. The haste to get inexperienced personnel on the road as soon as possible will likely keep them from getting enough training.
2. Driver Fatigue: Commercial truck drivers may work up to 11 hours in a 14-hour workday. Tight deadlines and lengthy hours can lead to exhaustion, which often causes problems with focus, response time, and driving.
3. Distracted Driving: Drivers become distracted when they text, eat, or fiddle with the radio.
4. Impaired Driving: Intoxication, drug use, or other forms of impairment impair judgment, cause poor vehicle control, and slow down reaction times when operating a heavy rig. Driving while intoxicated is what is referred to as this (DWI).
5. Problems with Cargo: Overloaded trucks lose stability, maneuverability, and braking effectiveness. Rollovers, tire blowouts, and other mishaps can become more likely due to overweight cargo.
6. Inadequate Maintenance: Equipment malfunctions when routine safety inspections are skipped. Tire blowouts, steering issues, and brake problems are common in large vehicles.

The safety of traffic is at risk from large tractor-trailers. Big commercial trucks frequently cause accidents that, in many circumstances, could have been avoided.

What Types of Truck Accidents Occur in Livonia?

Let's now look at the most frequent truck-related traffic accidents:

• Rollovers: This type of collision occurs when a semi-truck flips onto its side or roof.
• Tire Blowouts: When a tire blows out, a driver loses control. During a blowout, the truck driver swerves into oncoming traffic, loses control, or collides with another vehicle.
• Rear collisions: A passenger car is struck in the back by a big commercial truck.
• Jackknife: The trailer of the big truck swings out laterally and meets the cab at an angle of ninety degrees.
• Underride: Similar to a rear-end accident, this occurs when a smaller car collides with the rear end of a hefty commercial truck and gets trapped beneath the rig.

A semi-truck's massive size and weight can occasionally cause both fatal and non-fatal damage to the occupants of smaller vehicles. If you or a loved one has been in any of these accidents, contact the Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates. We can protect your legal rights and hold negligent parties accountable.

What Are the Common Truck Accident Injuries?

Truck accident victims face many heartbreaking issues. They must bear terrible physical injuries as well as emotional suffering. The repercussions of these situations often include the following:

• Whiplash: The neck is hurt by the forceful back-and-forth jolting of the head brought on by the accident's impact. After their collisions, some whiplash victims have momentary relief, but others experience chronic pain that never goes away.
• Herniated Back Discs: This condition occurs when a spinal cushion bulges out and presses on nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness that can spread to your arms or legs.
• Fractures: These wounds range in severity from a simple broken bone to complex fractures requiring hospitalization and rehabilitation.
• Severe Burns: Accidents involving tractor-trailers transporting hazardous chemicals are more likely to cause explosions and fires. The victims may have burns of the first, second, or third degree.
• Brain Trauma: Minor concussions can lead to traumatic brain injuries or TBIs. More severe brain injuries may cause cognitive impairments. Symptoms include headaches, dysphagia, sadness, convulsions, and comas.

This list of injuries is not exhaustive. In addition, victims of vehicle accidents sometimes sustain internal organ damage and even amputations. Sadly, some people don’t survive.

What Are the Necessary Actions After a Truck Accident?

It can be overwhelming to know what to do after being in a truck accident. An injured person would likely feel disoriented and unsure of how to proceed. Here are the steps you should take to protect your health and your ability to pursue fair compensation.

1. Dial 911.

Tell the operator if you have any obvious injuries. A dispatched Livonia Police Department officer will arrive at the scene to complete the accident report. The report describes the occurrence, those involved, and any potential infractions in detail. It facilitates the submission of insurance claims and lawsuits.

2. Obtain Medical Treatment

Even if you believe everything is well, getting checked out by a medical professional is still essential. It is feasible to sustain catastrophic or severe injuries that go days or weeks without exhibiting any symptoms. Adrenaline frequently masks the initial pain. A medical evaluation can uncover hidden injuries while documenting the relationship between your injuries and the accident.

3. Take Notes of the Accident Scene

If your health permits, gather evidence. Take pictures of the vehicles, any apparent injuries, the road conditions, traffic signs, and the entire scene. Capture images or record video of everything. This visual record helps identify the cause of the accident.

4. Exchange Relevant Information

Provide your name, phone number, driver's license number, insurance information, and details about your car registration to everyone involved. But do not offer an apology. Your words in a personal injury case could be misunderstood and used against you. Attorneys, detectives, and other experts must evaluate fault through evidence analysis.

5. Notify Your Insurance Provider

Inform your insurance provider of the truck accident. Provide clear facts when assisting with their inquiry. Seek legal counsel before signing any documents or taking any settlement offers. The initial offer made by the insurance provider will likely not cover all of your losses or injuries.

6. Consult a Lawyer for Truck Accidents

Many skilled truck accident attorneys offer free initial consultations, including the attorneys at our office. Scheduling this session is advised so the lawyer can evaluate your case, discuss your options legally, and explain your rights. Your attorney can provide you with insights on how to pursue legal action.

After a truck collision, things could get hectic and tense. By taking these steps, you ensure that in the event of a crash, you'll be prepared to react in a way that protects your best interests. Consulting with a knowledgeable Livonia truck accident lawyer provides guidance for making informed decisions.

How Does No-Fault Insurance Apply to Truck Accidents?

The no-fault insurance policy in Michigan affects commercial vehicle accidents. Regardless of who is at fault, anyone engaged in a semi-truck collision under this system is eligible to receive payments from their insurance company. These advantages cover the following:

• Health care expenses
• Wage loss
• Replacement services

The federal regulations governing insurance can complicate an accident involving a commercial truck. Commercial trucking companies typically maintain substantial insurance coverage, usually beginning at $750,000, to cover potential losses if one of their trucks is involved in an accident.

What Are the Worst Things to Say to an Insurance Company?

Insurance companies aim to maximize their profits by offering their clients lower claim settlements whenever possible. If you talk with insurance representatives without first obtaining legal counsel, you might not get the pain and suffering compensation you are entitled to. Avoid making these statements when speaking with adjusters.

• "Please accept my apologies." Expressing regret can be viewed as admitting guilt. Refrain from using language that implies you accept responsibility if the collision's cause is still uncertain.
• "I don't need to see a doctor." You need medical care following a truck accident. It is common for symptoms to develop days or weeks later. For example, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms may not appear immediately. If you deny or delay a physical examination, an insurance company may argue the collision was not the source of your injuries.
• "I can't remember the events clearly." It's acceptable to say that you only partially recall the accident's events. Just stick to the facts and avoid speculating on what may have happened. A claim that is untrue or inconsistent could harm your claim. The insurance provider may believe you are not a reliable source.
• "I haven't retained an attorney." If an insurance adjuster finds out you don't have a truck accident lawyer, they may move quickly to lowball you. They know your rights and interests are unprotected, so they feel comfortable coercing you into accepting a meager settlement.
• "I welcome any offer you have." Accepting the first offer that is made to you carries some risk. Keep in mind that the insurance company wants to give you the lowest possible payout. The money they give you might not cover all your damages.

A highly skilled truck attorney in Livonia can uncover the actual value of your lawsuit. Using this information, your attorney can negotiate the best settlement with the insurance company.

Why Does Liability Matter in a Truck Accident Lawsuit?

Cases involving trucks are rarely simple. Apart from the state, federal, and corporate legislation, it is hard to pinpoint the exact blame. Many times, there are numerous people at fault in truck accidents. Any of the following people might suffer repercussions:

• The transportation firms
• The manufacturer of trucks
• The driver of the truck
• The company that loads the goods

The intricacies of federal trucking regulations, legislation, and insurance paperwork can be incrediblt daunting, but an experienced truck accident lawyer can handle all of this for you. You'll feel much more at ease knowing your financial and legal interests are protected when you work with such an attorney.

How Is Negligence Proven in Personal Injury Claims?

Getting justice for the victim is the aim of a lawsuit. Of course, this legal action aims to hold the guilty parties accountable. Determining the cause of the collision is made easier by the legal notion of carelessness. The following needs to be confirmed:

1. Duty of Care: In this perspective, the accused owed you reasonable care. A semi-truck, for example, needs to follow all applicable traffic laws.
2. Breach of Duty: A breach occurs when a defendant fails to maintain a lawful level of care. For example, a drunk truck driver or one that speeds.
3. Causation: Actionable negligence results from a duty violation. In other words, the defendant's negligence caused the truck collision.
4. Damages: In addition to other losses, the truck crash victim had property damage, missed wages, medical expenses, and other expenses. The total of these accident-related losses is known as damages.

In a truck accident, the defendant may be a truck driver, a trucking company, a manufacturer of parts, a third party, or any combination of these parties. Due to the complexity of these cases, a successful outcome depends on having experienced legal representation.

What Is Comparative Negligence in Truck Accident Claims?

Michigan follows the legal concept of comparative negligence. This body of legal doctrine acknowledges situations when the accident victim who brought the case bore some of the blame for the incident. The law assigns a specified percentage of negligence to the victim. A plaintiff receives a reduced award of compensation based on that percentage.

Here's an example:

Jack ran into a semi-truck on 6 Mile Road at I-96/I-275. The truck driver had fallen asleep while driving. The evidence suggests that Jack could have avoided the collision if he had focused instead of looking down at his smartphone. Therefore, both drivers contributed to causing the crash.

In this case, the court determines that Jack is entitled to $100,000 in damages. However, Jack is 30% to blame for the crash. In the end, his entire prize is lowered to $70,000.

Comparative negligence affects your compensation. Insurance companies use this legal concept to lower their payout. In terms of making your case, the stakes are higher now. If you suffered injuries in a truck accident, you should think about getting legal representation.

How Do You File a Truck Accident Lawsuit? 

Those hurt in truck accidents experience unanticipated changes in their lives, including financial hardships, intense physical rehabilitation, and emotional strains. Thankfully, Michigan's personal injury rules allow accident victims to pursue compensation. If an out-of-court settlement is impossible, one alternative for reparation is to file a lawsuit. Below is a list of the steps involved in bringing a lawsuit against a negligent party.

1. Formal Report of the Accident: A Livonia truck accident attorney drafts a written complaint outlining the details of the collision and the sought damages. The attorney files this legal complaint. Defendants have up to 21 days to react.
2. Information Disclosure: Documents, proof, witness testimony, insurance information, and medical data are exchanged by all pertinent parties.
3. Pretrial Petitions: The plaintiff and defendant's legal teams may submit motions, which are formal demands made to the judge. For example, a lawyer may ask the court to exclude a piece of evidence if they believe it will harm their client's truck accident case.
4. Talks About a Settlement: The parties may choose to reach a settlement while preparing for trial. Many truck accident cases are resolved out of court since trials are expensive, time-consuming, and prone to errors.
5. Trial Begins: Should your case go to trial, your truck accident attorney will represent you. Lawyers present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and make closing statements. A judge or jury will award you if you win.
6. Motions and Appeals: Any party may file motions after the trial to ask for specific actions, including a new trial or an examination of the result. If any side feels that legal issues tainted the trial, they may pursue an appeal.
7. Obtain Your Compensation: If all goes as planned, you will receive the court's ruling.

A lawsuit requires several steps. A lot of labor is involved, from filing a formal complaint to obtaining a favorable outcome. A Livonia truck accident attorney is equipped to negotiate for the best payment possible. Personal injury attorneys resolve most of these lawsuits before they go to trial, saving money and time for all parties involved.

What Is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit for Fatal Truck Accidents?

When someone passes away as a result of the misconduct, irresponsibility, or negligence of another, a wrongful death lawsuit is filed. Sadly, because commercial trucks are so large, truck accidents often lead to tragedies. In these cases, who can bring legal action? Only the executor or representative of the victim's estate may do so under Michigan law. The following people are the beneficiaries:

• Wives and Husbands
• Children
• Mothers and Fathers
• Siblings

Determine Damages

The court may award damages for various losses in a wrongful death claim. Among them are:

• Health care costs
• Burial and funeral expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Lack of financial support
• Loss of companionship

A detailed estimate of damages is necessary in these circumstances. To ensure the surviving family members receive the maximum amount of compensation for their losses, reach out to a knowledgeable attorney in Livonia who can ensure all the necessary steps are taken.

The Importance of Taking Immediate Action

Timing is crucial in every kind of personal injury lawsuit. According to state law, plaintiffs must file personal injury claims, including truck accident or wrongful death claims, within three years of the date of the accident or death. This length of time enables the comprehensive collection of evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimonies, to build a compelling case.

Money cannot bring back your loved one. Nonetheless, a wrongful death claim offers some justice during a traumatic loss. It's a way to hold the guilty party accountable. A caring attorney will handle all legal matters while you focus on your sorrow.

What Damages Can You Claim After a Truck Accident? 

Truck accident victims experience physical harm, property damage, and mental suffering. This crash could have long-term consequences for the victims and their families. You might be entitled to compensation for your monetary and non-monetary losses if this happened to you. Here are a couple of such examples:

Economic Damages

These damages cover the financial toll that the collision takes on your life.

• Medical costs: This category covers the cost of an emergency ambulance for hospital stays, surgeries, physical rehabilitation, and any necessary prescription prescriptions or medical supplies.
• Lost Earnings: Did you miss work as a result of the accident? Is your job loss temporary or permanent? If so, you have a claim for damages for lost wages and future earnings.
• Replacement or Restoration of Property: Get paid for the damage done to you and your possessions, such as your smartphone, automobile, and clothes.
• Incidental Costs: You might be eligible for reimbursement for extra expenses related to the collision, such as getting to the doctor's visit.

Non-Economic Damages

These damages mainly focus on the collision's intangible or psychological repercussions.

1. Pain and Suffering: Restitution for your bodily and emotional pain.
2. Mental Distress: Truck accidents often have lingering psychological effects, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
3. Loss of Consortium: Compensation is available when a person loses the closeness and intimacy of their loved one.
4. Loss of Life Enjoyment: You might be entitled to compensation if you cannot pursue your favorite interests, hobbies, or pastimes.
5. Disfigurement: You can be compensated for bodily changes, including burns, scars, and amputations that require time to recover.

In situations when there is extreme negligence or malicious intention, Michigan provides punitive damages. Judges seldom award these types of damages. However, this award offers additional compensation in cases of a tragic death or specific product liability action.

How Can a Livonia Truck Accident Attorney Help You Win Your Case?

Accidents involving tractors and trailers disrupt lives. The victims are left to try to put their lives back together. A truck accident attorney might be your greatest ally during the recovery process. They could provide you with an extensive array of legal services, including the following:

Skills and Experience

After a truck accident, you may find yourself entangled in legal complexities. A truck accident attorney can help you figure out who is at fault and grasp all your legal rights.

Settlement Discussions

The goal of insurance companies is not to protect your future financial security. Their goal is maximizing profits, even if you accept a lower settlement amount. Insurance companies can minimize, deny, or delay truck accident claims using "insider tactics" that only an experienced attorney knows. They know how to strategically prepare a counteroffer to swing the odds in your favor.

Personal Injury Case Valuation

Your attorney takes into account all relevant losses you have sustained. These include missed income, health care costs, harm to property, and psychological distress. They see you get the maximum amount of money to support your financial stability.

Help With Emotional Challenges

A truck collision sets off a life-changing emotional journey. A compassionate Livonia truck accident attorney knows the spectrum of feelings that accident victims experience. Your lawyer can provide genuine concern, encouragement, and support.

Experienced attorneys for truck accidents with experience have the knowledge, tools, and capacity to handle any legal matter. This is not a struggle you have to fight by yourself. Let your lawyer handle the tedious labor while you focus on regaining your life.

Trust a Reputable Law Firm with Your Truck Accident Case

Have you ever been involved in a severe truck collision? Do you feel powerless? Are you worried you won't receive a fair payment from the insurance company?

You're in a difficult situation after a terrible truck collision. You don't know what to do. At the Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates, our Livonia truck accident lawyers want to help you move forward. We can help you achieve justice and walk away with fair and full compensation.

Our law firm has defended truck accident victims just like you for a long time. Our clients have received verdicts and settlements totaling more than $250 million. Put our skilled truck accident lawyers to work on your behalf.

You need powerful legal representation, and you need it now. Please fill out our online contact form or call 248 886-8650 to schedule a free consultation.