Detroit Truck Accident Lawyers

Trucks are essential for transporting goods and keeping the economy running. However, semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and other large commercial trucks can endanger other vehicles that share Michigan’s highways and roadways. A truck accident has the potential to cause devastating injuries and even death.

In 2020, there were 11,867 truck and bus accidents in Michigan. Of those crashes, 78 were fatal, while 2,001 caused injuries. The most common types of vehicles involved in truck accidents were tractors and semi-trailers, accounting for 4,064 collisions. Single-unit trucks with two axles were involved in 3,363 crashes.

Trucks are massive, and their heavy loads can make them difficult to maneuver. Unfortunately, not all commercial truck drivers have the experience to operate these vehicles safely. Inexperience can cause a driver to lose control of their rig, especially in inclement weather conditions.

Because the trucking industry is demanding, some truck drivers work long hours without taking the required breaks. Busy schedules can lead to dangerous driving practices and safety lapses, such as missed equipment checks or improper loading. All these factors contribute to preventable truck accidents.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Wayne County is the most populous county in Michigan, encompassing Detroit and its metro area. In 2020, it had the highest number of truck and bus crashes in the state, with 2,533 accidents. These occurrences caused 14 deaths and 699 injuries.

Most truck accidents can be prevented by taking proper safety precautions and following trucking industry regulations. However, truck accidents occur on Michigan roads and highways for various reasons. Some of the top causes of crashes include:

• Driver negligence.
• Poor truck maintenance.
• Truck malfunctions or defects.
• Improperly loaded cargo.

Driver Negligence

Driver error is one of the leading causes of truck accidents in Detroit and across the U.S. When truck drivers are fatigued or careless, they can engage in risky driving behaviors that endanger other motorists.

Some common forms of driver negligence that may cause truck accidents include:

• Drowsy driving.
• Distracted driving.
• Aggressive driving.
• Intoxicated driving.

In 2020, distracted driving was to blame for 699 truck and bus crashes, including 225 tractor and semi-trailer accidents. Alcohol was a factor in 82 truck accidents that involved tractors and semi-trailers. Other top causes of Michigan truck accidents were drivers failing to yield, using lanes improperly, and being unable to stop.

Most truck drivers understand the importance of staying alert behind the wheel of their massive vehicles. However, long work hours and lack of proper rest can take a toll. Commercial truck drivers may also feel pressured to complete deliveries within a short timeframe. Drowsy drivers have slower reaction times and poor decision-making abilities. Falling asleep for even a few seconds behind the wheel of a multi-ton truck can cause a massive, deadly collision.

Poor Truck Maintenance

Regularly maintaining semi-trucks is critical to ensure they function on the road without any issues. Poor maintenance increases a truck’s risk of involvement in a collision.

While truck maintenance is costly and time-consuming, it is necessary and required by law. Truck owners and operators are legally responsible for performing regular inspections and maintenance and addressing any problems that arise. These can include:

• Broken taillights and turn signals.
• Worn-out or improperly filled tires.
• Unbalanced brakes.
• Damaged coupling devices.

Regular inspections and maintenance allow owners and operators to discover issues before accidents occur. Failing to do so can allow parts to degrade and lead to malfunctions. Malfunctioning truck equipment can cause a truck driver to lose control of their vehicle.

Truck Malfunctions or Defects

Sometimes a malfunction is caused by a defective part. When a defective part is to blame for a truck accident, its manufacturer or the trucking company may be legally responsible for the resulting damage. Many different truck parts have the potential to malfunction and cause an accident, including:

• Tires.
• Lights.
• Steering mechanisms.
• Brake systems.
• Fuel tanks.
• Underride guards.

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident caused by a malfunctioning part, you may be able to pursue claims against the manufacturer or distributor of the equipment. Talk to an experienced truck accident to learn more about these cases.

Improperly Loaded Cargo

Trucking companies must follow strict federal laws specifying how to handle loads safely. Overloaded or improperly loaded semi-trucks can significantly increase the risk of an accident, and loading cargo unevenly can make a truck unbalanced.

Loaded trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Excessive weight can damage the truck’s frame or suspension and significantly change its handling. Truck drivers transporting improperly loaded or overloaded cargo are likelier to lose control of their vehicles and have difficulty turning or steering.

Pursuing a Truck Accident Claim

Truck accidents can occur in the blink of an eye and have the power to cause lasting harm. Drivers and passengers involved in a crash often suffer a wide range of debilitating injuries, many of which may require long-term medical treatment.

Detroit truck accident victims can pursue damages in a personal injury lawsuit. At Sommers Schwartz, our skilled truck accident lawyers dedicate themselves to seeking maximum compensation for our clients. Our team of experienced injury advocates works hard to hold negligent truck drivers, trucking companies, and manufacturers accountable for every crash and the damage they cause.

Damages in Truck Accident Cases

Recovering from injuries after a truck accident can take a few days to many months. After being released from the hospital, an accident victim may require ongoing care, such as physical therapy or lifelong assistance for routine daily activities. They may lose mobility, strength, or other physical abilities. They may experience cognitive disorders, especially if they suffer traumatic brain injuries or concussions.

A truck accident’s effects aren’t limited to physical injuries. After the trauma of being involved in a crash, recovery often includes emotional challenges. Accident victims may suffer from flashbacks or post-traumatic stress, insomnia, depression, fear, and other mental distress. Physical limitations may make it impossible to perform everyday activities that were a source of joy in the past, such as participating in sports, playing with children or grandchildren, gardening, and other activities, which can contribute to depression and listlessness.

On top of their recovery, truck accident victims face expensive medical bills and other losses after a crash. These costs can quickly add up. Filing a truck accident lawsuit can help you obtain compensation for crash-related expenses.

Individuals injured in a Detroit truck accident may be eligible to recover “economic” and “non-economic” damages. Economic damages can be readily quantified, while non-economic damages are intangible losses that can be harder to calculate.

Examples of economic damages include:

• Medical expenses.
• Lost income.
• Decreased earning capacity.
• Property damage.
• Medical devices and equipment.
• Costs to modify vehicles or homes to accommodate disabilities.
• Costs of caregivers and household help.

Types of non-economic damages include:

• Emotional distress.
• Pain and suffering.
• Disfigurement.
• Loss of enjoyment.

There are no caps on economic or non-economic damages in Detroit truck accident lawsuits; that is, there is no limit to the amount of compensation a jury can award. At Sommers Schwartz, we help clients present a strong case supported by solid evidence. Our skilled truck accident lawyers help maximize the amount of damages our clients recover in every lawsuit we handle.

Determining Fault in Truck Accident Cases

In some Detroit truck accident cases, the responsible party is obvious. A negligent truck driver speeding or driving under the influence of alcohol may be solely to blame for causing the collision.

In other cases, multiple parties may be to blame for a crash. A jury may even find an injured victim is partially at fault for causing the accident or failing to take steps to avoid it. For example, a driver may have committed an avoidable traffic infraction that contributed to the collision, like following too closely or changing lanes without signaling.

Even if you are partially to blame for a truck accident, you may still be able to recover if other parties are also to blame. Michigan uses a modified comparative fault doctrine for damages in Detroit truck accident cases. If a judge or jury determines you were 50% or less to blame, any compensation they award to you will be reduced according to your percentage of fault. A victim who is more than 51 percent to blame for their truck accident will be ineligible to recover non-economic damages.

How Sommers Schwartz Can Help Detroit Truck Accident Victims

Choosing the right lawyer to represent you in a Detroit truck accident lawsuit is challenging. For more than 40 years, clients have placed their trust in Sommers Schwartz. We help individuals and families move forward with their lives after a devastating crash. Our experienced team has successfully recovered compensation in even the most challenging truck accident cases.

Sommers Schwartz efficiently handles truck accident lawsuits from start to finish, beginning with investigating and gathering evidence and continuing through negotiations and trial, if necessary. We strive to live up to our national reputation for excellence, providing every client with attentive, top-quality legal representation.

Contact an Experienced Detroit Truck Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Detroit truck accident, contact Sommers Schwartz for immediate assistance. Our team has more than 40 years of experience helping clients recover compensation for their injuries, property damage, and other crash-related costs.

To learn more about pursuing a Detroit truck accident claim, call Sommers Schwartz today at 800-783-0989 to schedule a free consultation. There is no cost to speak to a lawyer. Because our firm works on a contingency basis, we will only bill you for our services if we successfully recover compensation for your damages.