Truck Accidents

Michigan law permits commercial vehicles weighing up to 164,000 pounds. A normal family vehicle weighs less than 6,000 pounds. It is not hard to understand the damage that can occur when a commercial vehicle strikes a regular car or truck.

There are over 12.5 million large trucks and buses registered in the United States. Those vehicles travel more than three million (million vehicle miles) each year. There are more than 100,000 injury crashes involving large trucks or buses reported each year, with more than 4,000 fatalities on average. It seems like every week there is a news report on the evening news reporting on a semi-truck or bus that has been involved in a crash that has caused serious injuries or even death.

Trucking accidents can be caused by numerous factors including:

• Improper Loading
• Driver Fatigue
• Equipment failure
• Improper/lack of routine maintenance
• Driver Fatigue
• Driver Error
• Speeding
• Failure to maintain an assured clear distance
• Improper Lane Use
• Failure to account for changing weather or traffic conditions
• Inattention
• Cell Phone Use/Texting while driving
• Aggressive driving/Road Rage

As a result of the significant disparity in weight and size commercial vehicles are supposed to be rigorously and routinely inspected. Drivers are supposed to receive specialized training in order to obtain a commercial driver’s license. Large truck driver’s have limits on the time and distance they are allowed to travel in any given period of time. Driver’s and commercial vehicle owners are also supposed to keep detailed logs of their travel and maintenance. Any or all of these issues could be important in determining the owner/operator’s negligence.

If you or your family is injured by a semi-truck or bus there are some important things to remember. First and most importantly- take care of your medical needs immediately. If you have any question at all, don’t be afraid to accept an ambulance ride to the hospital to get checked out. Make sure to follow up with your family doctor and get any testing or make appointments for any referrals he or she recommends. Make sure to report the accident to your own insurance company as you will be able to recover No-Fault benefits (including payment of medical bills, wage loss, Household replacement services, and Attendant care) for any accident related injuries. We would also recommend that you politely not speak with any representative of the trucking company, at-fault driver or their insurance company as they may attempt to limit their exposure.

The attorneys at Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates have more than 30 years experience handling cases involving semi-trucks, buses and other large commercial vehicles. We have recovered millions of dollars from trucking companies and negligent commercial drivers. We have experience untangling the sometimes complicated insurance coverage issues that can occur in these types of claims. Make sure the law firm you select to handle your claim is the right firm with the right experience to get the right result. If you are injured by a semi-truck or bus DON’T WAIT AND GIVE US A CALL TODAY. We will accept NO FEE unless and until we make a recovery on your behalf.