Truck accidents often cause personal injury and property damage far beyond the limits of a Michigan no-fault auto insurance policy. Consult an experienced truck accident lawyer to explore ways to obtain legal recourse after suffering severe injuries in this type of incident.
Legal Recourse for Severe Truck Accident Injury: Advice From Your Michigan Truck Accident Lawyer
How No-Fault Insurance Works
The state’s no-fault insurance law requires you to file a claim with your auto insurance provider after an accident regardless of fault. Your personal injury protection policy covers medical costs and lost wages. However, you can file a lawsuit under certain circumstances, including accidents that cause severe injury, disfigurement, or death. Serious personal injury occurs frequently in truck accidents because of the large size and weight of these vehicles.
You can also sue if you get in a truck accident with a driver from out of state. Responsible parties in a truck accident may include the driver, the trucking company, the owner of the trailer, and other involved third parties (a tire manufacturer, for example). If you have a valid case under state law, your lawsuit can name multiple defendants.
Available Truck Accident Compensation
Available economic damages after a truck accident include related medical bills, transportation to medical appointments, mileage costs, prescription medications, and other treatments. You can sue for lost wages and earning capacity if you’re temporarily or permanently disabled because of your injuries.
Additional economic damages include the cost of hiring household help such as cleaning and child care. State law also allows you to recover non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
Understanding Modified Comparative Negligence
The state’s modified comparative negligence law gives you the opportunity to recoup damages if you were up to 50% responsible for the accident. In this case, the court will reduce the economic damages based on the determined fault percentage. However, you cannot recover noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering if you share fault for the accident.
The Role of a Truck Accident Attorney
A knowledgeable attorney can advocate on your behalf after a truck accident. We have the skills to build a case against large trucking companies with extensive legal resources. Our team will ensure that you get a fair settlement for your injuries. They’re also prepared to represent your case in court if negotiations don’t result in a satisfactory agreement.
To win your case, your attorney must prove negligence by the responsible party. For example, truck accidents may result from distracted driving, reckless driving, speeding, or motorist substance use.
According to a 2023 report by the Institute for Safer Trucking, truck accidents cause nearly 155,000 injuries a year in the U.S. The state gives you three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. It’s important to seek legal assistance right away so you have an advocate to work with insurance companies and gather evidence on your behalf. Contact Jay Trucks & Associates P.C. in Clare, MI today to start the process of legal recovery for your injuries.
