800-777-0028

truck accident statistics in michigan and the united states

Every year, there are nearly 500,000 tractor-trailer accidents (semi-truck accidents) in the United States. Approximately 5,000 of these tractor-trailer accidents are fatal tractor-trailer accidents. In fact, one out of every eight fatal auto accidents is caused by a collision with a large truck (a fatal tractor-trailer accident). Not surprisingly, most of the deaths and injuries involve the passengers of the vehicles struck by tractor-trailer trucks. Truck drivers typically escaped unscathed.

The law and public policy in Michigan regarding truck litigation is one of the worst in the United States. Because Michigan attorneys can not sue a trucking company for punitive damages for knowingly hiring terrible truck drivers with many safety violations and accidents (the cause of action does not exist in Michigan). The worst truck drivers who can not find jobs in States with punitive damages come to Michigan and drive on Michigan roads. In fact, a Michigan personal injury attorney is often prevented from introducing evidence of how unfit the truck driver causing the truck accident or wrongful death actually was.

The Federal government requires tractor-trailer truck drivers and other large truck operators to acquire a commercial driver’s license and undergo limited drug and alcohol testing. However, many truck safety advocates question the effectiveness of the licensing and testing program based upon the large numbers of defective trucks on the roads with major safety violations.

Contact Lawrence E. Gursten or Steven M. Gursten 1-800-777-0028

AV Peer Review Rated

Michigan Auto Law is an AV RATED law firm, the highest possible rating for legal ability and ethics. Very few lawyers and law firms in Michigan have been selected with this top rating.

American Association for Justice

Steve Gursten is Chair for the 2008 Interstate Truck Litigation Group for the American Association for Justice (AAJ). Michigan Auto Law has been a long standing member and contributor to the American Association for Justice (AAJ), formerly the American Trial Lawyers Association (ATLA).

Michigan Super Lawyer

Top 5% of Attorneys in Michigan

Michigan Super Lawyer features only the Top 5% of attorneys in Michigan.

3 Michigan Auto Law attorneys
have been featured as

Michigan Super Lawyer:
Lawrence E. Gursten - 2007, 2006
Leonard M. Koltonow - 2007
David E. Christensen - 2007

Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers

Only 5% of Law Firms in the U.S. Qualify

Only 5% of all U.S. law firms qualify to be included in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, making Michigan Auto Law one of the most distinguished and respected in the country.

Michigan Lawyer of the Year

Steven M. Gursten was selected as "Lawyer of the Year" for 2005, by Michigan Lawyers Weekly, the state's largest legal periodical. Steve was selected after winning a $9 million dollar pain and suffering settlement for one of his clients - the largest settlement for pain and suffering in Michigan in over ten years.

Michigan Trial Lawyers Association (MTLA)

Robert M. Raitt of Michigan Auto Law is President for the Michigan Trial Lawyers Association (MTLA) for 2008. The attorneys at Michigan Auto Law are well-respected members of the Michigan Trial Lawyers Association (MTLA), dedicated to helping Michigan families seek justice when they are injured by another person's negligence.