Traverse City
Traverse City
After sustaining a personal injury, seeking legal help from a licensed injury attorney can be a positive step forward in your recovery. Jay Trucks and Associates have represented the injured in Grand Traverse County and across Michigan for more than three decades. Our proven track record of recovering more than $500,000,000 in compensation demonstrates our commitment to pursuing maximum compensation for our clients.
We have been handling personal injury claims for more than 30 years and have a proven track record of success including a $2,000,000 recovery for a victim that suffered a traumatic brain injury and the loss of an eye, and a $1,000,000 recovery following the death of a 17-year-old and her unborn child.
B. Thornton
Call a Traverse City personal injury attorney at our firm for answers about the claims process and to learn about your legal options for recovering compensation. Initial consultations are a completely free, no-obligation opportunity. If we take your case, you pay us zero upfront costs for our services unless we are successful in achieving compensation for you.
Free Consultation.
(989) 601-2554
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Do I Have A Valid Damages Claim?
There are many types of claims our Traverse City personal injury lawyers handle, including:
Injuries resulting from car accidents
Dangerous dog bites and attacks
Truck collisions
Nursing home abuse or neglect injuries
Accidents that happened in the workplace
Boat accidents
Motorcycle crashes
Medical malpractice injuries
To have an eligible claim, we must review the details of your accident, the extent of your injuries and be able to establish that your injury was caused by negligence. This means proving these four legal elements:
Duty of Care Existed
The other party owed you a duty of care. This can be established in different ways, depending on the type of relationship. For example:
- All drivers owe a duty to drive in a reasonable manner, by following traffic and safety laws, to prevent harm to others.
- Doctors have a duty to provide medical care that not only meets acceptable standards but is also in alignment with what other doctors with a similar background and training would provide.
- Property owners have a legal duty to invitees and licensees to repair known hazards and maintain reasonably safe premises.
Duty of Care Was Breached
The other party neglected to behave as another reasonable individual would under similar circumstances, such as a motorist who chooses to get behind the wheel to drive while intoxicated, a doctor who fails to properly diagnose a patient, or an owner who neglects to repair an uneven sidewalk on the property.
Establishing a Causal Link To Your Accident
Your injuries also must have been directly caused by someone else’s negligence. This means if the duty owed to you by the other party was not violated, then you would not have suffered harm.
Damages Resulted
You must have suffered damages from the accident. This could include economic damages, such as lost wages or medical bills, as well as non-economic damages, including pain and suffering or mental anguish.
Our Traverse City personal injury lawyers are prepared to assess whether your claim has merit in a free legal consultation.
Give us a call anytime, day or night
(989) 601-2554
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What Is The Value of My Personal Injury Case?
We are prepared to determine the full value of your potential case after reviewing all of the contributing factors, including how the accident happened, how badly you were injured, and how long it may take you to achieve maximum recovery.
Typically speaking, some of the types of compensation you could receive in Michigan include:
Medical Expenses
- Doctor appointments
- In-patient hospital stays
- Required surgeries
- Diagnostic tests
- Prescribed medications
- Physical or rehabilitation therapy
- Ambulance services
- Travel to and from medical appointments
- Medical equipment, such as crutches or a wheelchair
Loss of Wages
You may be compensated for income lost while recovering from your injuries, as well as for a loss of future earnings if you are unable to return to work.
Property Damage
You may be eligible for compensation if you suffered damage or total loss of your personal property. This could include a vehicle, clothes or electronic items.
Pain and Suffering
These damages provide compensation for any physical and mental pain and suffering endured as a result of the accident and your injuries.
Emotional Distress
Part of pain and suffering, these damages may include anxiety, depression, fear and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Loss of Companionship
These damages may be awarded to a spouse or partner when your injuries have negatively affected the relationship.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
If the extent of your injuries makes it impossible to be able to enjoy your favorite activities, such as going to the gym or taking your daily run, you may qualify for this type of compensation.
Exemplary Damages
In other states, punitive damages may be issued to punish the other party for malicious or intentional negligence. However, Michigan awards exemplary damages. These damages are similar to punitive damages but are awarded in extremely malicious or egregious cases when the other party showed a complete indifference for your rights that caused you to suffer mental anguish, humiliation or outrage.
Michigan’s Damage Caps
In Michigan, there are caps on non-economic damages for medical malpractice and defective product cases. However, for economic damages, there are no caps.
Our Traverse City personal injury lawyers at Jay Trucks and Associates are prepared to aggressively pursue maximum compensation for your injuries caused by another’s negligence.
Are There Any Filing Deadlines in Michigan?
Trying to understand the state’s filing deadlines is complicated. Our knowledgeable attorneys handle these types of cases every day, so we know how to determine which deadline may apply in your situation.
Generally speaking, Michigan’s statute of limitations are as follows:
Personal injury
Product Liability
Medical malpractice
Claims against a government entity
There may be exceptions to these dates that an attorney could assess on your behalf to ensure you do not miss your filing deadline. Time flies quickly, and if you miss the deadline, you may lose any right to pursue compensation for your injuries.
What Benefits Are There For Hiring a Licensed Attorney?
Many victims who suffer an injury caused by someone else’s negligence may take the first offer from their insurer because they feel their injuries are too small. However, you can really only know the full value of your claim after seeking legal help from a licensed attorney. Victims who hire legal representation often recover more compensation than those who do not.
Our Traverse City personal injury attorneys have extensive knowledge of state laws and other complex legal processes that are available to injured victims. We are prepared to fully investigate what happened and gather supportive evidence to build a strong case on your behalf.
Call Jay Trucks and Associates today
(989) 601-2554
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What to Do After Suffering an Injury
We recommend not speaking with anyone from the insurance company until after you have sought legal advice from an attorney. Our legal team understands the different ways insurance companies will try to devalue or deny claims in an effort to save themselves money.
Adjusters are trained to be friendly and ask leading questions to confuse you and get you to unknowingly admit fault, contradict yourself or make your answers seem untrue. It is important to remember that your insurer is a for-profit business, so operating and avoiding unnecessary payouts is its primary goal.
Other important things to know when dealing with insurance companies includes the following:
- If you speak with your insurer, we strongly recommend sticking to basic facts only, such as:
- I had an accident at this location on this date at approximately this time
- I suffered injuries, but I do not know the extent
- Please refer to my attorney for any further information
- If your insurer says you must provide a recorded statement, you are within your rights to decline. It will not delay your claim or risk your ability to pursue damages. An attorney will be able to discuss the purpose of this statement and review the best way to respond to this request.
- If your insurer offers a quick settlement, do not accept the initial offer. Often insurance companies will make a lowball offer early-on to avoid having to pay for ongoing medical costs.
Our Traverse City personal injury lawyers are ready to handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance company for you. If a settlement is not reached, we are ready to go to trial, if necessary.
Complete our Free Case Evaluation form today.
(989) 601-2554
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Important First Steps After a Personal Injury
The most important action after suffering any type of personal injury is to protect your health, but it does not hurt to be mindful of a potential claim in case your injuries cause you to suffer financial and physical damages. This is why our Traverse City personal injury lawyers recommend you take the following steps:
Call 9-1-1 to get first responders on the scene
Seek medical care immediately
Follow the treatment plan
Photograph the scene
Take pictures of your injuries
Keep a daily journal to document your pain and recovery
Common Injuries Caused By Negligence
Even seemingly insignificant harm can result in expensive medical bills and lost wages while you recover. This is why hiring an attorney is a good idea for many different kinds of injuries caused by another’s negligence, including:
Sprains, strains, and other soft-tissue injuries
Simple or compound fractures
Loss of one or more limbs
Whiplash
Nerve damage
Hearing loss
Spinal cord injuries
Internal organ damage
Vision loss
Traumatic brain injuries
Back injuries
Get Legal Help From a Traverse City Personal Injury Lawyer
Did you or a loved one suffer a personal injury caused by another’s negligence? If so, Jay Trucks and Associates is prepared to help.
Our legal team offers 150 plus years of combined experience advocating for injured victims in Michigan. Our firm’s founder Jay Trucks and President Todd Trucks are active members of the Michigan Association for Justice.
Do not delay finding out whether you may be able to pursue compensation for your damages. There is no financial risk to contacting our firm and taking advantage of the free legal consultation we offer. If we take your case, there are zero out-of-pocket costs unless we first obtain compensation on your behalf.
(989) 601-2554
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About Traverse City, MI
Uniquely nestled at the geographic heart of Northern Michigan, Traverse City reverberates with the vibrant pulse of a diverse and thriving community. Bearing the coordinates 44.7631° N, 85.6206° W, this charming city has become a hub for fellow residents and tourists alike, with a rich history reflected in the timeless elegance of landmarks such as the Traverse City State Hospital and the iconic Traverse City Opera House.
Founded in 1847, the city's current population stands at an impressive 16,558. As the city nourishes in this melange of cultures, Jay Trucks & Associates, PC has become a beacon of support, representing the local community with their unparalleled expertise as renowned Michigan Personal Injury Lawyers.
Our work spans across various neighborhoods, ranging from the tranquil scenery of Old Town to the picturesque West End, the bustling Central Neighborhood, the historic district of Slabtown, and the vibrant community of Kid's Creek. Each neighborhood bears unique characteristics and needs, which we meticulously cater to, offering tailored solutions centered around individual and community wellbeing.
Traverse City's climate significantly influences our approach. Conscious of the long, snowy winters and humid summers, our firm ensures that our clients receive our dedicated services irrespective of the weather obstacles.
At Jay Trucks & Associates, PC, our commitment to Traverse City extends beyond our professional work. We conform to the local regulations to ensure a safe and ethical practice, while embracing an eco-conscious approach, employing sustainable strategies such as using recycled materials.
Get in touch with us, be it from the stylish boutiques of Downtown or the cozy retreats of Boardman Neighborhood, and see Jay Trucks & Associates, PC’s commitment to Traverse City firsthand. We are more than just your trusted Michigan Personal Injury Lawyer, we are proud members of the Traverse City community. Experience the benefits of our uniquely tailored services that truly underscore our unwavering commitment to you.