Truck Accidents

Any type of car accident is sure to cause stress and disruption for a victim’s life. When the accident involves a large truck or semi-truck, moreover, the outcome is often severe. Trucks are almost always larger than regular passenger vehicles. Many of them carry large loads of cargo. The large size and weight of trucks make them capable of doing far more damage in an auto crash than a regular car. In some instances, the drivers have been operating their trucks for extensive periods of time. Although there are many laws and regulations designed to ensure that trucks are operated safely, these rules do not always prevent accidents from taking place. At McCroskey Law, our Grand Rapids truck accident lawyers are here to help you explore your legal options following a serious truck accident. We assist victims throughout West Michigan from offices in Grand Rapids, Muskegon, and Battle Creek.

One of the most important things to note after a truck accident is that truck drivers are often employees of large trucking companies. Like many states, Michigan recognizes a legal doctrine called vicarious liability, which means that employers are liable for the tortious acts that employees commit during the course and scope of their employment. If you are injured in a truck accident, therefore, you may be able to bring a claim against the company that employs the driver. Another important consideration is that trucking accidents may involve both state and federal laws and regulations. A skilled trial attorney can demonstrate how a trucking company or truck driver violated these laws and regulations, leading to a successful claim or lawsuit. Seeking guidance from an experienced truck accident attorney in Grand Rapids is a critical step in securing the outcome that you deserve.

Michigan takes a no-fault approach to motor vehicle accidents, which means that people involved in a crash must seek coverage through their own auto insurance, called first-party Personal Injury Protection benefits. However, there are some instances in which a victim can bring a claim against the other driver in the courts, stepping outside the limits of the no-fault system with the assistance of a truck accident attorney. One example of this possibility is when a victim suffers a permanent or devastating physical injury, such as disfigurement or a serious impairment of a bodily function.

If you are seriously injured in a truck accident, you may be able to bring a negligence lawsuit against the truck driver and often the trucking company that employed the driver. In this lawsuit, you must show that the defendants acted negligently. There are various ways to prove negligence in a truck accident case. Perhaps the company retained a driver with a poor driving record or a driver who did not satisfy driver training requirements, or your Grand Rapids truck accident attorney might show that the driver was intoxicated or distracted behind the wheel. In other instances, the defendants may have failed to perform routine inspections and maintenance on the vehicle. McCroskey Law attorneys have the resources and skills to prove when a trucking company is not operating safely.

If your attorney is able to show that the defendants acted negligently and that your injuries were a direct result of this negligence, you will be entitled to compensation in the form of lost wages beyond three years, lost earning capacity, and more. There are additional requirements to qualify for pain and suffering damages. As a result, it is critical to retain an attorney who can identify and pursue all of the damages to which you may be entitled.

Having served Michigan residents in a wide variety of motor vehicle accident cases, we know that truck accidents are often traumatic and life-altering for the victims involved. Our team will proudly stand by you during the entire process, negotiating with insurance companies and securing key evidence to support your claim. Our truck accident lawyers serve people in Grand Rapids and the surrounding areas of West Michigan, and we are prepared to provide you with comprehensive legal representation. Call us at one of our three office locations to schedule your free consultation: Muskegon at 231-726-4861, Grand Rapids at 616-364-6607, or Battle Creek at 269-968-2215.