Semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, big-rigs, and other large commercial trucks are necessary for the United States economy. However, they can pose a serious threat to motorists. While the risk of an accident is incredibly low when these vehicles are operated safely, they can cause tremendous damage when an accident happens. Unfortunately, safety lapses are common in the trucking industry, resulting in an unacceptable number of preventable injuries and deaths.

Damages in a Truck Accident Lawsuits

Trucks are a significant threat to motorists because they are massive, cumbersome, and difficult to maneuver. Drivers and passengers involved in Michigan semi-truck accidents often sustain life-changing injuries—if they are lucky enough to survive.

Typically, emergency responders will transport accident victims to the hospital. After a major truck accident, accident victims may need to spend days, weeks, or months recovering from physical injuries. Once released from the hospital, truck accident victims must often undergo a lengthy course of physical therapy to regain their abilities. However, this rarely marks the end of the accident’s effects on a victim’s life.

Physical recovery is only the first step of the recovery process. Often, accident victims find the months after their physical recovery to be the most challenging. Post-recovery, accident victims must deal with a seemingly endless flow of medical bills. Also, during this time, most people fully begin to realize the impact that their injuries will have on the rest of their lives. For example, sports and other activities that provided joy may no longer be possible; keeping up with young children or grandchildren may be challenging; returning to work may be difficult or impossible.

Truck accident victims who successfully pursue truck injury lawsuits can obtain various damages to help reimburse them for both their direct injuries and the secondary effects that impact their lives. These are called “economic” and “non-economic” damages, both of which can be recovered in a Michigan truck accident injury lawsuit.

Economic damages are those that can easily be assigned a monetary value, including:

• Lost wages
• Decrease in future earning capacity
• Medical expenses, including medical bills and hospital expenses
• Future medical expenses
• Property damage
• Any other out-of-pocket expenses, such as travel to and from doctor’s appointments

Non-economic damages are those that are harder to quantify and include:

• Physical pain
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of activities
• Worsening of existing injuries
• The temporary or permanent loss of relationships

There are no damages caps for economic or non-economic damages in Michigan truck accident cases; a jury can award whatever amount it finds appropriate. This highlights the importance of working with an experienced truck accident lawyer who can create a compelling case to recover the maximum amount of damages.

How Sommers Schwartz's Truck Injury Lawyers Can Help Michigan Accident Victims

Choosing a personal injury law firm to represent you in your truck accident case is a critical decision. With over 40 years of experience handling a wide range of injury claims, the dedicated team of truck accident lawyers at Sommers Schwartz has developed an effective approach to the recovery process.

At Sommers Schwartz, P.C., we are here to help you and your family through the recovery process. We help create a safer society by holding accountable those who hurt others through their negligent actions. Our dedicated team of injury accident lawyers has decades of collective experience representing injury victims in all types of Michigan truck accident cases. Sommers Schwartz’s lawyers enjoy a national reputation for excellence, and we strive to live up to and further that reputation with every client we help.

Case evaluation – We offer all prospective clients a free case evaluation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys who will listen to you and answer any questions. We will not pressure you to move forward with your case; instead, we will help you understand your options. If you decide to pursue legal action, we will explain the process in detail, helping to provide you with confidence and peace of mind.

Investigation – Once you allow Sommers Schwartz to join your team, we will conduct a thorough investigation. This includes examining the evidence, speaking to any witnesses, researching your case, reviewing medical records and reports, and contacting any insurance company or other party that could be a potential source of compensation.

Negotiations – As skilled negotiators, the attorneys at Sommers Schwartz can often secure fair out-of-court settlement offers after speaking with the other party’s insurance company or lawyer. If we can reach a settlement agreement, you will typically receive compensation much more quickly.

File a lawsuit – As seasoned litigators, our team of Michigan truck accident lawyers will not back down from a case merely because the other side is not willing to settle. If the other party is unwilling to make a fair offer, we will formally file a lawsuit on your behalf in either state or federal court without unnecessary delay.

Discovery – During the discovery phase of a truck accident injury lawsuit, the parties exchange information to get a better idea of what caused the accident and the impact it has had and will continue to have on your life. This includes submitting written questions called interrogatories and obtaining the other party’s verbal testimony, witnesses, records, and experts.

Mediation – Sometimes, the judge presiding over your case may require the parties to meet with a neutral third-party mediator in hopes of coming to a non-trial resolution. The recommendation of a mediator is not binding but may help the parties come to an agreement.

Trial – If all attempts at negotiation and mediation fail, the case will proceed to trial. While most truck accident cases settle before trial, those that do not are presented to a judge or jury. After the trial, the jury or judge will render a verdict as to whether the defendant is liable for your injuries and losses along with their determination of the appropriate amount of damages.

When you choose Sommers Schwartz to represent you, we provide you with the benefit of our many years of experience. Because of our steadfast commitment to aggressively pursuing your right to compensation, you are in good hands.