18 Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Michigan:
Advocates for Your Rights and Compensation
Suffering a truck accident can be a life-altering event, leaving you with physical injuries, emotional distress, and mounting financial burdens. When it comes to navigating the complex world of truck accident claims, having skilled and experienced legal representation on your side is crucial. At Marko Law in Michigan, we understand the intricacies of truck accident law and have a proven track record of fighting for the rights and compensation our clients deserve.
Commercial Driver and 18 Wheeler Truck Regulations
Large truck accident cases are quite a bit different from other automobile accident cases. Commercial vehicles and their drivers are regulated much more rigorously than standard vehicles and drivers. Due to the inherent threat that these huge vehicles pose to other motorists, there are multiple laws and regulations at both the federal and state level to ensure that truck drivers are safe.These laws include:
- Ensuring that truck drivers have sufficient training,
- That their vehicles meet defined safety guidelines,
- That drivers abide by regulations.
Michigan commercial truck regulations include:
- Restricting the number of hours a trucker can drive per day
- Alcohol or drug use testing practices
- Vehicle inspection regulations
- The regularity of vehicle systems for maintenance and service
- How loads need to be secured
There are additional regulations concerning the transport of dangerous materials. All of these rules and regulations are regularly being updated and revised to reflect the discovery of new dangers and the development of new safety equipment. Additional information can be found in the MCTS Truck Drivers Guidebook.
Why Choose Marko Law for Your Michigan Truck Accident Case?
When it comes to truck accident claims, you need a legal team with a deep understanding of Michigan's laws and regulations, as well as the determination to hold negligent parties accountable. Here's why you should choose Marko Law:
Decades of Experience
Our truck accident lawyers have spent years advocating for accident victims in Michigan. With a combined experience of over 250 years in personal injury law, we have the knowledge and skills necessary to handle even the most complex cases.
Insider Knowledge
Some of our attorneys have previously worked as defense lawyers for insurance companies. This unique perspective allows us to anticipate their tactics and motivations, giving us an edge in negotiations and litigation.
Comprehensive Services
We offer a comprehensive range of legal services designed to support you at every step of your truck accident case. From meticulously investigating the accident scene to gathering crucial evidence and skillfully negotiating with insurance companies, we are committed to handling all aspects of your claim while providing empathetic support.
Responsive Support
We provide 24/7 toll-free phone access to ensure you have the support you need when you need it most. Our team is dedicated to being there for you every step of the way.
In-Depth Investigations
Our experienced investigators will visit the accident site and gather essential evidence to strengthen your case. We leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice.
Types of Truck Accident Cases We Handle in Michigan
Semi-truck collisions are serious business, and safety is paramount when it comes to the operation of commercial trucks. At Marko Law, we are dedicated to handling a wide array of truck accident cases in Michigan, each unique in its circumstances. Our experienced team is prepared to assist you in claims involving various factors, such as:
Truck Collisions: Accidents between trucks and other vehicles can result in severe injuries due to the size and weight disparity. We fight to ensure you receive fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Trucking Company Negligence: If a trucking company's negligence contributed to the accident, we'll hold them accountable for their actions. This may involve issues such as inadequate training, poor maintenance, or improper loading.
Cargo Spills: Improperly secured cargo can lead to catastrophic accidents, endangering other drivers on the road. We work to uncover negligence in cargo loading and secure compensation for victims.
Negligent Truck Maintenance: Neglected maintenance can lead to equipment failures and accidents. We'll investigate maintenance records to determine if negligence played a role in your accident.
Driver Fatigue: Driver fatigue is a prevalent factor in truck accidents. Our team meticulously examines logbooks and other relevant evidence to determine whether driver fatigue contributed to the accident.
Lack of Training: Inadequate training for truck drivers can lead to serious accidents. We delve into cases involving insufficient training programs and ensure that responsible parties are held accountable.
Overweight Trucks: Overloaded or overweight trucks pose significant risks on the road. If an accident is caused by an overweight truck, we investigate and fight for rightful compensation for your injuries and damages.
Drunk Driving: Truck drivers operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs endanger everyone on the road. We aggressively pursue cases involving drunk driving to secure the justice you deserve.
Distracted Driving: Distracted truck drivers can cause devastating accidents. Our team investigates cases where distractions, such as cell phone use or other activities, contributed to the collision.
Road Hazards: Hazardous road conditions can contribute to truck accidents. We assess the involvement of road hazards and work to ensure that responsible parties are held liable.
Speeding: Speeding by truck drivers can result in catastrophic accidents. If excessive speed played a role in your collision, we fight to establish accountability and obtain the compensation you need.
Our dedicated team is committed to ensuring you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from truck accidents. We thoroughly investigate each case, utilizing our expertise to build a strong legal strategy tailored to your situation.
Common Injuries from 18 Wheeler Accidents
Accidents involving semi-trucks tend to result in more severe injuries compared to collisions between standard-sized vehicles. This heightened risk is due to the substantial force generated by semi-trucks. These incidents can lead to a range of severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, neck and back injuries, lacerations, scarring, internal injuries, and more.
While some individuals may emerge from truck accidents unscathed or with minor injuries, others endure significant harm, often accompanied by pain, suffering, and disability. The financial burden of extensive medical expenses is also a common consequence. Serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, lacerations, and internal injuries can profoundly impact victims' lives, underscoring the importance of seeking appropriate legal representation.
What Compensation Can I Get from my Truck Accident?
After a truck accident, you're likely going to have medical costs, lost wages, as well as pain and suffering. You may be stressed about how you're going to handle these challenges. This is where an experienced truck accident lawyer can help. Marko Law can handle your injury claim thoroughly, and ensure you get maximum compensation for your injuries. If a truck accident results in injuries, you might be qualified to recover both economic and non-economic damages.Economic damages refer to losses with a monetary value associated with them. This consists of:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning ability
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Property damages
- Household services
- Miscellaneous out-of-pocket costs
Non-economic damages are subjective and negotiable. These types of damages refer to losses that do not have an exact monetary value associated with them and may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
- Loss of pleasure of activities
- Loss of companionship
- Worsening of previous injuries
The amount one can recover for non-economic damages differs. It depends on the severity of the injury (or injuries) and how much your life has changed because of the crash. The amount is negotiated by your attorney and the insurance provider, or a judge and jury in court. Your attorney will utilize their previous experience, and past settlements and jury verdicts when making settlement demands.
Consult Our Michigan Truck Accident Lawyers Today
If you've been involved in a truck accident in Michigan, don't face the aftermath alone. The skilled attorneys at Marko Law are here to provide you with unwavering support, expert guidance, and a relentless commitment to securing the compensation you deserve. Reach out to us today at 1(313)777-7LAW for a free consultation or visit MarkoLaw.com for more information. Your rights matter, and we're here to fight for them.
Understanding Truck No-Zones: Safeguarding Against Blind Spots
Navigating the road alongside commercial trucks demands heightened awareness, especially when it comes to truck no-zones – areas around the truck where a driver's visibility is either compromised or completely obstructed. Due to the expansive dimensions of trucks, their drivers face limitations in vision due to the vehicle's size and structure. These no-zones include:
- Front No-Zone: This zone encompasses the area directly in front of the truck's cab, where a driver's line of sight is significantly restricted.
- Right-Side No-Zone: Positioned behind the truck's cab on the right side, this no-zone poses a visibility challenge for drivers, rendering nearby vehicles virtually invisible.
- Left-Side No-Zone: Similar to the right-side no-zone, this area behind the truck's cab on the left side presents a significant blind spot for truck drivers.
- Rear No-Zone: Unlike standard vehicles equipped with rearview mirrors, trucks lack this feature, rendering the area directly behind the truck inaccessible to the driver's view.
For drivers of smaller vehicles, vigilance is crucial to avoid these truck no-zones. Entering these areas can result in your vehicle being unseen by the truck driver, increasing the risk of accidents and hindering their ability to maneuver and stop safely. By staying clear of these blind spots, you contribute to road safety and reduce the chances of collisions with commercial trucks. Your attentiveness on the road helps ensure a safer journey for all motorists.
FAQs
Trucking companies in Michigan are subject to strict regulations including regular vehicle maintenance, proper load securement, and compliance with federal safety standards. Companies that violate these regulations can face significant fines and penalties, as well as a negative impact on their reputation.
Yes, truck drivers in Michigan are required to undergo regular drug and alcohol testing to ensure that they are not under the influence while operating their vehicle, which can impair their driving abilities and increase the risk of accidents.
Trucking companies can promote safety and reduce the severity of truck accidents by following all safety regulations and guidelines, regularly maintaining their equipment, and ensuring that all of their drivers are trained and aware of the potential dangers on the road.
The faster a truck is traveling, the greater the force of impact will be. A truck’s speed is one of many factors that can determine the severity of the injuries.
The size and weight difference between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles is significant and can have serious implications in the event of an accident. Commercial trucks, also known as tractor-trailers or semi-trucks, are significantly larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. The average commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while the average passenger vehicle weighs around 4,000 pounds. In addition to being heavier, commercial trucks are also much larger in size. They are typically 70 to 80 feet in length and up to 13.5 feet in height, compared to the average passenger vehicle which is about 14 feet in length and 6 feet in height. The larger size and weight of commercial trucks means that they require more space to maneuver and stop, and they also have larger blind spots that can make it difficult for drivers to see smaller vehicles. The size and weight difference between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles can increase the severity of injuries and damage in the event of an accident. In a collision between a commercial truck and a passenger vehicle, the passenger vehicle is likely to sustain significantly more damage and the occupants are at a higher risk of serious injury or death. This is why it's important for drivers of passenger vehicles to be cautious and aware when sharing the road with commercial trucks, and to give them plenty of space to maneuver.
Not necessarily. In many cases, an attorney can negotiate a settlement with the trucking company or their insurance company that provides fair compensation for your losses. However, if a settlement cannot be reached, filing a lawsuit may be necessary to recover the compensation you deserve.
The liability in a truck accident depends on the specific circumstances of the case. In some cases, the driver may be solely responsible, while in others, the trucking company or another party may share liability. An experienced truck accident attorney such as Marko Law can investigate the accident, determine liability, and help you pursue compensation.
Commercial trucks are subject to different laws and regulations than passenger vehicles, and truck accident lawsuits may involve more parties, such as the trucking company or the truck's manufacturer. Complex state and federal laws govern the operation of commercial trucking vehicles. This is another reason you should consult a lawyer right away.
An experienced truck accident attorney, such as Jon Marko and Marko Law can help you in a number of ways, including understanding your legal rights and options, investigating the accident, determining liability, negotiating with insurance companies, calculating your damages, and pursuing fair compensation on your behalf. Additionally, an attorney can provide guidance and support throughout the legal process, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Depending on the specific damages you have suffered, you may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other losses. Contact Marko Law Firm to help calculate the full extent of your damages and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
A truck accident refers to a collision involving any kind of truck or heavy machinery. This can include dump trucks, city or other buses, construction trucks, semi-trucks, delivery trucks, or any other kind of commercial or industrial vehicle.
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