Jay Trucks & Associates, P. C.

Truck Accidents

FREE CASE CONSULTATION

No Fees Unless We Win

Accidents with a commercial truck, such as a semi-truck or 18-wheeler, often cause serious injuries that can be life-changing or even fatal. These truck accidents often affect the victim and his or her loved ones emotionally, physically, and financially. A Clare truck accident lawyer can help you through this difficult time and help you get the compensation you need and deserve.

Hire a Clare truck accident lawyer today.

At Jay Trucks and Associates, we understand you may feel overwhelmed and not sure what to do next. We have more than 30 years of experience helping Michigan injury victims by aggressively pursuing maximum compensation on their behalf.

I would like to thank you for all of your support and efforts to make things easier…

– T. Fraly

We have a proven track record that includes a $2 million settlement for a victim who suffered a catastrophic injury, a $208,000 recovery for a 58-year-old truck driver who suffered neck and back injuries, and $90,000 for a 46-year-old truck driver who sustained a back injury.

Our founder, Jay Trucks is currently an active member of the Michigan Association for Justice and the American Trial Lawyers Association.

The Clare truck accident lawyers at our law firm welcome the opportunity to learn the details of your accident and determine whether you may have grounds for a truck accident case. Our initial consultation is completely free. If we represent you, there are also no upfront fees since we do not get paid unless we successfully recover damages for you.

Complete our Case Evaluation Form today.

How Do I Know if I Have a Truck Crash Case?

If you are a victim of a truck accident, it is important that you contact a Clare truck accident attorney as soon as possible. At Jay Trucks and Associates, we are well-versed in the differences between Michigan semi-truck accidents and car crashes, and we are prepared to help you navigate the confusing truck accident legal process if you have a case.

Some of the major ways that truck collisions differ from car accidents include:

  • Federal and state laws mandate commercial trucks and require them to carry insurance, keep logbooks, and keep records of details such as hours behind the wheel, cargo carried, and required record retention periods..
  • There may be multiple liable parties, not just the driver, including:
  • There may be multiple liable parties, not just the driver, including:
    • Trucking company
    • Truck and/or trailer owner
    • Manufacturer of the truck
    • Maker of the trailer/li>
    • Service/maintenance company
    • The company that leased the trailer
    • The broker
    • Suppliers
    • Shipping company
    • Cargo-loading company
    • Retailers (if parts supplied were defective and contributed to the crash)
  • There are typically multiple insurance policies that may apply after a truck accident.
  • Because of a commercial truck’s size and weight, there is a greater force at impact and, typically, a higher risk for serious, catastrophic injuries or death.

Have question? We have answers. Ph: 989-254-6113989-565-9047.

What Is The Value of My Case?

Every motor vehicle accident is unique, so it is difficult to give you a specific monetary value without learning more about what happened and the injuries you suffered.

You may be eligible for first-party no-fault insurance benefits from your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, such as:

  • Medical expenses – Policies issued or renewed before July 1, 2020, provided unlimited coverage for related medical expenses. Drivers who purchase or renew policies after that date must choose their amount of coverage, under the No-Fault Auto Insurance Reform Law:
    • Unlimited coverage
    • $500,000
    • $250,000
    • $50,000 (if you are enrolled in Medicaid)
    • Zero coverage if you fully opt out (with a qualifying health insurance plan)
  • A portion of lost wages (up to 85 percent of your former income) for up to three years
  • Replacement services, up to $20 per day for up to three years to use to hire someone to help with tasks such as housekeeping or yard work that you cannot do because of your injuries

Compensation may also be available through a third-party insurance claim filed with the other entities responsible for the truck or its cargo. For instance, the driver may have primary liability insurance to pay for damages suffered by crash victims. If a truck with no trailer attached hits you, you may be able to file a claim for compensation with a bobtail insurance policy.

Can Hiring a Lawyer Benefit My Truck Accident Case?

Our firm handles complex personal injury cases on a regular basis, and we have been doing so for over 30 years. We understand Michigan’s complex insurance laws, including the No-Fault Auto Insurance Reform Law, and how it can impact truck accident victims.

There are many other benefits to working with our trusted truck accident attorneys. If you hire us, we can:

  • Fully investigate your accident
  • Pursue claims against all liable parties, such as the truck driver, truck owner, and trucking company, to hold them financially accountable for your injuries
  • Communicate with the insurance companies and all third parties
  • Protect your legal rights and best interests throughout the legal process
  • Keep you informed about your claim

Those who hire experienced attorneys often recover more compensation than those who do not.

Learn more by calling us at 989-254-6113989-565-9047.

Is There A Deadline for Filing My Michigan Truck Accident Claim?

There are multiple deadlines to be aware of in a Michigan truck accident claim:

Inform Your Insurance Company

Insurance companies typically have a deadline telling policyholders how much time they have to report a claim. Sometimes that deadline may be vague, but it is better to file with your insurance company immediately rather than risk losing benefits.

First-Party, No-Fault Insurance Benefits

Michigan is one of a few states with a no-fault car insurance system. That means drivers injured in a car accident usually seek compensation from their own car insurance company regardless of who was at fault for the accident.

Accident victims have exactly one year from the date of the accident to file for no-fault benefits through their insurance company. But filing a claim immediately or within days of your accident is best. If you miss this deadline, it is likely you will not get an extension and you will lose your chance to obtain benefits.

Some types of compensation you may be eligible for include:

  • Past, present, and future medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Physical therapy
  • Surgical interventions
  • Prescription drugs
  • In-patient hospital stays

Truck Accident Lawsuits

Michigan’s statute of limitations provides three years from either the date of the accident or injury to file a personal injury claim or three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim in court.

If you are eligible to pursue a third-party truck accident claim and your attorney can establish negligence, there are non-economic damages he or she may be able to pursue that may not be available in an insurance claim, such as:

  • Emotional trauma and mental anguish, such as post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Loss of a spouse or other loved one
  • Loss of the enjoyment of life

Although three years sounds like a long time, it is not. Truck accident claims take a lot of time to investigate—your attorney needs time to investigate not just the accident, but also any other third parties who may share liability.

There are multiple exceptions to the three-year rule that may require you to file significantly sooner, or later. We strongly recommend contacting an experienced truck accident lawyer to find out what statute of limitations may apply in your situation.

Call Jay Trucks and Associates today: 989-254-6113989-565-9047

Should I Take An Offer From An Insurance Company Before Talking To A Lawyer?

We do not recommend that you accept any offer from the insurance company until you speak with your lawyer. An insurance adjuster may sound like they are working on your behalf, but they are trained to sound friendly and helpful. In reality, their job is to make sure your claim has as little effect on company profits as possible.

Additionally, because it is a truck accident, there will likely be multiple types of insurance policies that you may be able to file a claim against for damages.

Having one of our truck accident lawyers on your side can provide peace of mind so you can focus more on your recovery. We understand the many tactics an insurance adjuster may use to try and trick you into saying or doing something that could damage your claim or your credibility.

We can handle all communication with the insurance companies and other third parties, so you do not have to. We are prepared to protect the value of your claim through each step of the legal process.

Trucking Industry Laws That May Impact Your Claim

State and federal laws govern commercial trucking, such as the number of consecutive hours drivers can be behind the wheel, the maximum weight a trailer can carry, and securing cargo.

Federal and state agencies regulate commercial trucks—at the federal level by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and at the state level by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).

For instance, under FMCSA rules, truck drivers who are carrying property cannot drive more than 11 hours after being off duty for 10 straight hours. The Federal Highway Administration has a webpage explaining how to calculate the maximum allowable weight a commercial truck can carry on the Interstate Highway System.

MDOT also has regulations on the height and length of semi or tractor-trailer trucks and semitrailers, including the movement of oversize or overweight vehicles and the permits you may need.

Common Causes for Truck Accidents

Commercial vehicle operators drive larger and heavier vehicles and therefore are charged with a greater duty to take precautions to prevent causing harm to other motorists, pedestrians, motorcyclists, or bicycles that may be traveling on the road.

Driver negligence is often the cause of truck accidents. Examples of driver negligence include:

  • Distracted driving
  • Drowsy driving
  • Driving under the influence
  • Aggressive driving behavior
  • Unbalanced or improperly loaded cargo
  • Equipment malfunction
  • Inexperienced truck drivers
  • Drivers in ill health
  • Severe weather conditions
  • Poor truck maintenance
  • Drivers being unfamiliar with a route or local road construction

These and other forms of negligence can contribute to many types of truck accidents, some of the most common being:

  • Underride crashes where the car slides under the trailer
  • Jackknife collisions where the trailer swings out wide of the cab
  • Rollovers
  • Rear-end crashes, which occur when a truck plows into the back of a car, possibly because the truck driver was tailgating

Injuries Frequently Seen in a Motor Vehicle Accident

There is a range of serious injuries that drivers and other vehicle occupants could suffer from a truck crash. Injuries from a Michigan truck accident could include:

  • Third-degree burns
  • Deep lacerations
  • Whiplash or other neck injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Severe bruising
  • Internal bleeding or organ damage
  • Lost limbs
  • Fractured bones
  • Airbag injuries

If a car is smaller or the truck overturns on top of the car, there could be catastrophic injuries or fatalities.

Contact One of Our Knowledgeable Clare Truck Accident Lawyers Today

Our experienced attorneys are expert truck accident lawyers. We are committed to helping truck accident victims obtain compensation from the parties at fault for your accident if we find you have a case. Over more than 30 years, we have obtained more than $500 million in compensation for our clients.

We have represented thousands of injured victims in Clare and throughout Michigan, and we are committed to aggressively pursuing the benefits and compensation you need. Read testimonials from other satisfied clients who used our services.

At Jay Trucks and Associates, we charge zero upfront fees and only get paid if we are successful in obtaining compensation for you. Call today for a free consultation. You are under no obligation to take legal action.

Free consultation. No upfront fees. 989-254-6113989-565-9047.

Clare Truck Accident FAQs

How does the no-fault law apply to my accident?

Michigan is a no-fault state when it comes to car accidents as well as truck accidents. That means, drivers injured in accidents usually seek compensation through their own insurance provider regardless of who was at fault for the accident. You have exactly one year from the date of the accident to file for no-fault benefits, but it is best to act as soon as possible so you don’t lose out on the opportunity to obtain benefits.

Be aware that truck accident lawsuits are an entirely different matter and have a different set of deadlines set by Michigan laws. If you have been in a crash involving a truck, you should contact a truck accident lawyer to see if you have a case.

What should you do after a truck accident?

If you are a truck accident victim, there are specific steps you should take, including:

  1. Call 911. Regardless of the severity of your injuries, you want to call the police to the accident scene so you can file an accident report.
  2. Gather information from other drivers involved in the truck accident, such as their name, contact information, driver’s license, license plate number, and insurance policy information. If there are witnesses on the scene, ask for their contact information as well.
  3. Seek medical attention. You will want to be seen by medical professionals as soon as possible after your truck accident even if your injuries appear minor. You will want to have all your medical exams related to your accident documented in your medical records.
  4. Don’t assume fault. Even if you believe you may be partly to blame for the accident in some way, don’t admit fault or sign any documents at the accident scene. And do not accept blame if you are contacted by an insurance adjuster. Let your truck accident lawyer field any calls with insurance companies.

Who is at fault in a rear-end collision in Michigan?

More often than not, the driver of the vehicle in the rear is responsible for a rear-end collision. Michigan law mandates that drivers maintain safe following distance at all times, defined as “reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of the vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.”

Can you sue a truck driver in Michigan after a car accident?

Yes, you can pursue a lawsuit if your truck accident lawyer can establish negligence on the part of the truck driver. You may be able to recover pain and suffering damages, as well as excess lost wages and medical bills.

When should you hire a personal injury lawyer after a truck crash?

You have three years after the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit or three years from a death related to truck accident-related injuries to file a wrongful death lawsuit. You should contact a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible following an accident with a semi-truck or tractor-trailer.

Truck accident lawyers are knowledgeable about federal and state laws. They can investigate your accident’s circumstances and help determine if you have a case against the truck driver or trucking company.