Judgment
$5M
For a family after a fatal semi-truck crash
We represented the estate of a husband and father killed in a semi-truck crash. Nearly two years of investigation and litigation led to a $5 million judgment.
Legal Help After a Fatal Truck Crash
For Michigan families
If someone you love died in a Michigan truck crash, we can help you decide what to do first. You can call while police are investigating and before anyone has been appointed to handle the estate.
- $300M+ Recovered for Michigan clients
- 400+ 5-star ratings across review platforms
- $0 Upfront. No fee unless we recover
- 1989 Serving Michigan since
- 10 Offices across Michigan
- 24/7 Free case review, any time
Free case review
You can talk to us before there’s a report.
You can speak with our team now or leave a way for us to reach you. Share only what you feel ready to talk about.
- What we’ll ask. Where the crash happened, whether an insurer has been in touch, and what questions your family needs answered first.
- Prefer to call? Reach our team at (248) 886-8650.
- Read about a fatal semi case we handled
Ask us to contact you
Leave a phone number or email so our team can follow up. The review is free, with no obligation.
We couldn’t send your request. You can also call (248) 886-8650.
A first conversation with our team
Start Here
Save what you have in one place.
Keep the crash date and location, the investigating agency or report number, and any messages or paperwork from insurers. If someone has been appointed to handle the estate, keep the court’s letters of authority with those records.
Michigan Legal Center
Fatal crash case results
Selected results from our truck, car and motorcycle cases.
Settlement
$4.5M+
For the family of a union member killed in a vehicle crash
The defense disputed liability and initially made no settlement offers. The case resolved with a $4.5 million+ settlement for the family.
More motor vehicle cases
Jury verdict
$5.2M
Teacher rear-ended by a city work van
Recovery
$2.1M
Motorcycle accident recovery
Recovery
$1.25M
Fatal rear-end crash
Recovery
$1M+
Hit-and-run recovery with lifetime PIP benefits
For families
What your family can do now
Find out who can act for the estate
Under Michigan’s Wrongful Death Act, the estate’s personal representative brings the action. If someone has already been appointed, have their letters of authority handy. If no one has been appointed, a lawyer can explain how that step fits with the investigation.
Find out who may have the truck records
Keep any photos, witness contacts, carrier names and tractor or trailer numbers you have. A lawyer can assess which companies may hold camera footage, dispatch records, driver logs or vehicle data and request preservation. A name on the trailer is a lead. The records can help show who ran the trip and controlled the equipment.
Ask about wrongful death and No-Fault benefits
A wrongful death claim may address losses such as financial support and companionship. Eligible dependents may also have a separate Michigan No-Fault survivors’ loss claim. Bring any policy information, claim numbers and letters. Which benefits apply depends on the circumstances.
Keep track of dates and requests
Save letters, bills, receipts and any notice with a response date. Ask about applicable time limits even if the police investigation or estate paperwork is still pending. The Michigan wrongful death deadlines guide explains why those dates need to be checked together.
Common Questions
Questions families ask after a fatal truck crash
Can I call before a personal representative has been appointed?
Yes. A family member can call to ask about the crash and the next steps. In Michigan, the estate’s personal representative brings the wrongful death action. If no one has been appointed, tell us where things stand.
Do we need to wait for the police report or a criminal case?
You can ask for a case review while the investigation is open. The civil claim has its own evidence and deadlines. Tell us which agency is investigating so we can discuss what may be available and what should be preserved.
What if my loved one was working at the time of the crash?
Tell us who employed your loved one and what work they were doing. Work-related death benefits and claims against another company can raise different questions. We can help identify which issues need review.
An insurer asked for a statement or sent a release. What should we bring?
Keep the request, the claim number and any stated deadline. We can help you identify which insurer is asking, whose claim it concerns and what the paperwork would do.
Our Team Approach
Every case at Christopher Trainor & Associates is a team effort. Our attorneys collaborate on strategy, discovery, and litigation so you get the full strength of the firm behind you—not just a single lawyer. We have built our practice on this collaborative model since 1989.
Meet Our AttorneysRelated resources
Michigan Truck Accidents How Michigan truck crash claims are investigated. Learn More Michigan Wrongful Death How estate authority, family losses and claim deadlines fit together. Learn More
In-depth guide Michigan Wrongful Death Deadlines How deadlines and estate appointment can affect a claim. Read guide In-depth guide Preserving Truck Crash Evidence Which records can help explain what happened. Read guide In-depth guide Michigan Car Accident Help Center Find the official crash report and other practical help. Read guide