Truck Accident Lawyer in East Lansing, Michigan

Truck accidents involve unique complexities that can make the process of recovering compensation more challenging than in standard car accident cases. These complexities include:

• Multiple Liable Parties: One of the most significant challenges in truck accident cases is determining liability. Several parties may be held responsible for the accident, including the truck driver, the trucking company, the vehicle manufacturer, or a maintenance contractor. Each of these parties may share liability, making it crucial to conduct a thorough investigation to identify who is at fault.
• Federal and State Regulations: Trucking companies and drivers must adhere to strict federal and state regulations, such as those enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations govern aspects such as hours of service (how long a driver can be on the road), vehicle maintenance, and cargo loading. Violations of these rules may indicate negligence, and proving such violations is key to building a strong legal case.
• Severe and Long-Term Injuries: The nature of truck accident injuries is often more severe than those from car accidents, leading to long-term or permanent disabilities. Victims may require ongoing medical care, physical therapy, and modifications to their living environments. Calculating the full extent of these future costs is essential in ensuring that victims receive adequate compensation for both their immediate and future needs.
• Insurance Challenges: Trucking companies typically have large commercial insurance policies to cover accidents involving their vehicles. While this means that more compensation may be available, it also means that insurance companies will aggressively defend against claims to avoid large payouts. They may attempt to reduce the settlement amount or deny the claim altogether. Having an experienced truck accident lawyer on your side can help combat these tactics and ensure you receive a fair settlement.
• Evidence Preservation: Truck accidents require the immediate preservation of evidence, such as truck maintenance records, driver logs, and data from the truck’s black box (event data recorder). This evidence is crucial for determining liability and proving negligence. Trucking companies may not always willingly provide this information, so it’s important to act quickly and have legal representation to ensure evidence is properly preserved.