Detroit Truck Accident Lawyer Near You: Best Semi Crash Attorneys
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Detroit Truck Accident Lawyer Near You: Best Semi Crash Attorneys

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At Michigan Auto Law, our Detroit truck accident lawyers handle the complex legal and investigative aspects of commercial truck crashes to help victims in Michigan secure the compensation they deserve. We thoroughly investigate each crash, gather critical evidence such as police reports, truck black box data, and maintenance records, and identify all potentially liable parties. Our team works directly with insurance companies to negotiate fair settlements and is fully prepared to take your case to court if necessary. Leveraging our deep knowledge of commercial semi crash laws and extensive experience with insurance company tactics, we fight to maximize recovery for damages including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

The Best Detroit Truck Accident Lawyers Near You Are At Michigan Auto Law

The lawyers at Michigan Auto Law are widely regarded as one of the top truck accident law firms for semi crash cases in Detroit, MI. Here’s why:

  • Our law firm has decades of experience in tractor trailer litigation. We have more than 50 years of experience with semi crashes throughout the state. We’ve seen it all.
  • We specialize exclusively in large commercial vehicle crashes. This is our sole focus, which means our truck accident lawyers have the in-depth knowledge and expertise to handle any challenge that may arise in your Detroit, MI crash case.
  • We have secured more million-dollar settlements and verdicts from commercial vehicle crash cases than any other law firm in the state. We’ve won more million-dollar commercial vehicle crash settlements and verdicts than any other firm in Michigan. We also secured the largest commercial vehicle crash settlement in the state’s history—and the largest in the nation that year.
  • Board certification. Michigan Auto Law is the only law firm in the state whose lawyers hold a board certification in Truck Accident Law from the National Board of Trial Advocacy, giving you a distinct advantage in handling your Detroit, MI crash case and maximizing your potential recovery. No other attorney or law firm in the state is board certified.
  • Hall of Fame – Steven M. Gursten of Michigan Auto Law is one of only three lawyers in the country named to the American Association for Justice Trucking Litigation Group “Hall of Fame” for his truck accident litigation, giving you unmatched expertise for your Detroit, MI crash case.
  • Every transportation company, insurance adjuster, and insurance defense attorney in Michigan knows we don’t settle for less than the full value of a case. They also know we’re ready to take a case to trial if necessary. Our reputation in the courtroom means we often settle cases for more money and in less time than other attorneys or law firms.
  • We are known for our ethics and compassion. We return calls and emails promptly and treat every client with care and respect. Thanks to the exceptional service we provide, we have earned more than 2,500 five-star reviews.

Talk to one of our experienced Detroit truck accident lawyers today to find how he or she can help you.

Use our settlement calculator to find out how much your case may be worth.

Over 2,500 5-Star Reviews

What Should I Do After a Crash?

After a crash with a semi, you should do the following: (1) seek medical attention for yourself; (2) seek medical attention for others; (3) report and document all of your injuries; (4) move to a safe area if possible; (5) call the police; (6) refrain from making any statements or signing any releases; (7) file an application for No-Fault benefits; and (8) hire an experienced and specialized truck accident lawyer for your Detroit, MI semi crash case.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer for a Truck Accident in Detroit, MI?

You need an experienced Detroit truck accident lawyer because these cases are more sophisticated and far more difficult than car crash cases. The problem is how few personal injury attorneys truly understand commercial semi crashes. Most treat these as car crash cases but with bigger insurance policy limits, but they don’t understand semi crash law and the federal and state rules and regulations that make these cases different. There can be multiple defendants and hidden layers of insurance. There can be broker-shipper liability.   

The sad truth is that while there are plenty of lawyers on TV and on billboards throughout the Detroit metro area who advertise for commercial semi crash cases, most have no experience and knowledge on how to litigate these cases. 

Attorneys can advertise for these types of cases, but that certainly doesn’t mean they know how to properly handle them. Don’t let you or your loved ones pay for their mistakes.

How Can an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer Help After a Crash in Detroit, MI?

Our truck accident lawyers help by investigating your Detroit, MI crash, handling insurance claims, gathering evidence, identifying all liable parties, and pursuing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Hiring our experienced attorneys maximizes your chance of securing a fair settlement.

Here are some other ways an attorney can help:

Bigger settlements in less time – An inexperienced personal injury attorney who doesn’t specialize in this area of the law can and will miss the crucial federal and state safety violations and will fail to identify all of the negligent parties – and all of the insurance coverage. This means your settlement will end up far less than it should have been. But our trusted and experienced truck accident lawyers who understand this complex law can maximize settlement results in your Detroit, MI case. The insurance industry’s own research shows that settlement amounts can be up to 4x greater when crash victims are represented by skilled, experienced attorneys who have a track record and a reputation for obtaining favorable settlements and trial verdicts.

Stop the motor carrier company from destroying key evidence – Motor carriers can and will legally destroy evidence that will prove your negligence case if they are not specifically asked to preserve the evidence within a certain amount of time once the retention period has expired. This can be as soon as 90 and 120 days after your crash, depending on what federal motor carrier regulations are at issue. Once that time has come and gone, so will your evidence as it heads to the shredder. Our experienced Detroit truck accident lawyers will serve the necessary “preservation of evidence/spoliation” letters on the transportation company or can go to court to file temporary restraining orders to preserve this evidence that you will need to prove your case.

Show violations of federal and state safety regulations – Our Detroit truck accident lawyer’s extensive knowledge with the federal and state safety regulations that apply to commercial vehicles will allow you to identify every violation that led to your crash. When most semi crashes occur they are not random, unforeseeable acts. These are usually the results of broken safety systems that make these crashes not only foreseeable but even sadly predictable. The time and the place and the unfortunate person injured or killed may be by chance, but broken safety systems, unfit and unsafe drivers with terrible driving records, and little or no supervision, monitoring, and training make these types of crashes foreseeable. 

Recruit the nation’s top experts to join your legal team and help build your case – The most commonly used experts in semi crash cases include: (1) crash reconstruction experts; (2) federal and state safety regulation experts; (3) driver training experts; (4) mechanics; (5) toxicologists who can speak to whether a driver was under the influence of alcohol, drugs, and/or prescription medication; and (6) life care planners who can explain to judges and juries what a crash victim’s life will be like going forward and what his or her medical needs will be.

Make sure all of the responsible, negligent parties are held accountable and legally liable – This is not as easy as it may sound. Seldom are all of the defendants in a tractor trailer crash case readily identifiable from the start. The motor carrier companies and the corporations involved in the industry create complex corporate entities so they can hide layers of insurance and assets. An inexperienced attorney won’t be able to find them in your case but an experienced Detroit truck accident lawyer will. Failure to identify and name a proper party as a defendant can mean the loss of millions of additional dollars in applicable insurance coverage that can be used to protect families when tragedy strikes.

Access liability insurance coverage and assets to increase your settlement – Just as it is vitally important to identify all of the parties whose negligence caused the crash, it is equally important to identify all of the financial resources that those parties have available to contribute to a settlement amount that reflects the true value of your case. Our experienced and trusted Detroit truck accident lawyers will discover not only the insurance policies that the defendants readily admit, but also the corporate and umbrella policies that they try to hide. Our attorneys will also do asset checks on the defendant – many of whom are well-heeled corporations – to verify their ability to contribute to a settlement or trial verdict that exceeds their insurance coverage limits.

Who can be held liable after a semi crash?

The parties that can be held legally liable after a crash with a semi are those whose negligence led directly to the crash or played a causal role in the crash. This will always include the big rig driver, but it can include: (1) the tractor trailer broker or shipper; (2) the motor carrier company; (3) the owner of the tractor and trailer; (4) the maintenance company; (5) the loading company; and (6) the shipping company.

How long do I have to sue for injuries after a crash with a semi?

You have three (3) years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit for pain and suffering compensation and money damages. This is Michigan’s statute of limitations for all tractor trailer crash lawsuits, MCL 600.5805(2).

If you don’t file your lawsuit on time, you will lose all of your legal rights to sue the responsible parties and to hold them accountable for injuries, harms and/or deaths that their negligence has caused.

What types of evidence can be used in a lawsuit?

The types of evidence that a lawyer can use to prove your Detroit truck accident lawsuit include:

  • Police reports
  • Photos of the crash scene
  • Surveillance video or dash cam video of the crash
  • Witness statements
  • Expert opinions
  • Medical records
  • The big rig driver’s electronic logging device (ELD) data which tracks the driver’s “hours-of-service,” i.e., the hours that he or she been driving and the hours that he or she has rested
  • The “black box” or “electronic control modules” (ECMs) data which record data about the tractor trailer’s operation such as speed and braking
  • The big rig’s vehicle maintenance and inspection records
  • The motor carrier company’s employee file for the big rig driver
  • The results of a post-crash toxicology test to determine if the tractor trailer driver was under the influence of alcohol, drugs and/or prescription medication
  • Cell phone records from the big rig driver and the motor carrier company
  • The tractor trailer driver’s and motor carrier company’s records of safety violations

Common causes

Our lawyers find that the most common causes of truck accidents in Detroit, MI include:

  • Speeding
  • Fatigued driving
  • Distracted driving
  • Impaired driving (alcohol, drugs and/or prescription medication)
  • Reckless driving
  • Careless driving
  • Violation of traffic laws
  • Disregarding traffic signals
  • Failure to use the ordinary care that a reasonably careful driver would use
  • Following too closely
  • Mechanical malfunction issues due to improper or inadequate inspection, maintenance and repair
  • Failure to adjust to dangerous road conditions
  • Failure to safely monitor and account for blind spots
  • Cargo securement issues due to overloading and/or improper loading of cargo
  • The motor carrier company’s negligent hiring, training and retention of unsafe big rig drivers
  • Motor carrier companies forcing unsafe tractor trailers that should be kept out-of-service back onto the roads

Common injuries

Injuries that our lawyers frequently see from truck accidents in Detroit, MI include:

  • Neck Injuries including disc herniations
  • Back Injuries including disc herniations
  • Head Injuries including traumatic brain injuries, concussions, and brain bleeds
  • Fractures, broken bones and dislocations
  • Spinal cord injuries which can result in temporary or permanent paralysis
  • Injuries to internal organs
  • Internal bleeding
  • Burn injuries
  • Amputations
  • Crush injuries
  • Nerve damage
  • Paralysis
  • Lacerations
  • Emotional trauma
  • Psychological trauma 
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Wrongful death

Over 2,500 5-Star Reviews

Michigan Auto Law attorneys consistently provide compassionate, personal attention to our clients. With over 2,500 five-star reviews, it’s obvious that we work harder to keep our clients satisfied throughout the personal injury case process, answering every question quickly and making challenging times easier.

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  • My attorneys Kevin and Alex were top notch, no games and fought like I was their only client. Made me feel amazing and was happy and ecstatic about the outcome of my case. I would recommend them to ANYONE looking for a top-notch attorney that will fight for them and still make you feel important. 💯 Awesome lawyers 👍🏼🤘🏻

    Eric Behring, Milford, MI



  • I was on Google looking for an attorney. I settled on Michigan Auto Law because of the reviews. Little did I know, the reviews did in fact match the experience I had with them. Kevin and Alex were always there for me on the communication front. I am very happy with how I was treated, along with the outcome of my case.

    Shannon Navock, Brown City, MI



  • My husband and I had a very prolonged lawsuit against an auto insurance provider on behalf of our son who was seriously injured. Through covid, court delays, and everything else we had to deal with Michigan Auto Law stood by us. We feel that we never would have had a favorable outcome without their expertise. We dealt with four lawyers from their team over the years and they were a great bunch of guys. Very down to earth and easy to talk to, they explained everything clearly through the entire process. We would highly recommend Michigan Auto Law.

    Patricia Miller, Wayland, MI



  • Immaculate services! It was a very swift and quick process. Rick had every answer to my 1 billion questions! He truly has your interest and welfare at heart. During my healing and recovery process I was extremely at ease to know that someone like Rick was taking care of all of the difficult negotiating and problem-solving. Thank you Michigan Auto Law, but more so thank you Rick Houghton!

    Brooke Novess, Flushing, MI



  • I was represented better than I could have ever imagined. My needs were put first and was treated as a friend rather than a number. My opinions were valued. The process was always explained. My attorneys, Alexander P. Kemp and Kevin H Seiferheld, fought hard for me and went above and beyond and did everything that they could to ensure a great outcome. I couldn’t have asked for a better law firm or attorneys. Thank you!

    Kimberly Medaugh, Richmond, MI



  • I had never been through anything like this before. Lots of attorneys to choose from and I didn’t want to make a bad choice so I started researching. After reading hundreds of reviews I narrowed my search down to 3 attorney offices to represent me. The first one I met with was Michigan Auto Law. I never met with another. They were spot on with all my questions. They immediately set my mind at ease so I could concentrate on healing. They took over from there. My attorney is Rick Houghton and instantly we got along like lifetime friends. The guy never let me down. He answered calls and texts on weekends and after hours if I had questions, not just Monday through Friday bankers hours. He did everything he said he was going to do and never left me in the dark on anything. In the end he got me a higher settlement than I expected and I never had to enter a court room. I actually think of him as a friend now!! You won’t find a better person or attorney!!!

    Kip Kidder, Marshall, MI



  • I experienced a very serious auto accident. The accident devastated me completely. I had multiple herniated discs in my cervical and lumbar, and among other things brain trauma. I felt a great sense of hopelessness. Josh and Jordan Ewald quickly went to work on my auto accident claim, and me as well. They assured me they would do their best for me. I must honestly state Josh exceeded all my expectations in every way. All my legal questions were timely answered and I could contact him anytime. Josh and Jordan kept me timely updated and also kept me fully informed through the complete process until completion. I was grateful and blessed to have Josh and Jordan assigned to handle my auto claim. They were without a doubt simply the BEST! Words and this post cannot express what Josh and team were to me throughout this process. How excellent they handle my auto injury claim. The counseling, the comfort, the assurance he would do his best for me. Josh and Jordan Ewald understood completely. Auto accidents and serious injuries are devastating. I needed an attorney like Josh and experienced and real good! Because I had very difficult issues from the beginning Josh and Jordan were on top of my difficult issues from the very beginning. What a comfort exceeding beyond my expectations. Jordan is awesome!! I was a package with many difficult problems due to the injuries from my auto accident. But Josh guided and helped me solve every problem that came up and always followed-up with me to make sure my problems were solved, and were satisfactorily addressed. Thank you Michigan Auto Law. Thank you Josh and Jordan where would I be, and what would have done without you, your sturdy guidance tremendous patience, understanding with what I was going through and dealing with. Notwithstanding the legal knowledge and advice was always spot on. You guys are terrific in what you know and do. If there’s a better legal team around, it is not on earth. I salute you both!!! They’re # 1. Thanks. My family and I deeply appreciate you both (Josh and Jordan). Winners🏆 ❤️ 🙏

    Derrick McKinney, Southfield, MI



  • Trying to recover from a major auto accident is difficult enough without the added stress brought on by insurance companies. Thankfully, Alexander Kemp represented me and my case. Although I was unprepared for how complex the process could be, Alex guided and strategized with me through every step. In a legal case, the comfort comes from having a reputable attorney who is also a good communicator, and Alex is definitely both. I received an extremely personal level of interaction, meaning nearly all of my correspondences and phone calls were handled directly by Alex and in a timely manner. I highly recommend Michigan Auto Law and Alex Kemp for your auto legal matters!

    Lorena Marchese, Rochester Hills, MI



  • It makes a good difference when you have a good lawyer. With Josh, his listening and speaking skills are just a few of his top qualities. His responsiveness was the best, he did unbelievable research with my case. Josh made magic in my actual trial. He prepared me throughly for this event. Josh literally held my hand, as I did not have to say a word. In order to be a successful attorney, you must all have the traits that Josh possesses. This whole ordeal with my attorney Josh was mind blowing. I admire his composure, work ethic, and most of all, his excellent representation. Jordan Ewald, Amber, and Jordan Jones, credit is well deserved to them for putting the icing on the cake.

    Martha Cavill, Lincoln Park, MI



  • I was coming home from work during traffic time and had been stopped at the red light on a June sunny day when I was rear ended by a detached wood chipper. I had never been in an accident and was stunned by what had happened. There were people looking on, but traffic had been backed up. You don’t know exactly what to do at the moment when you’ve never been in this situation. So many things encompass your thoughts, especially when you’re a senior. Fright, anxiety, police, the negligent party, work, insurance, anger, independence and hurt. How am I going to deal with all this! A family member suggested I need to get in touch with a lawyer for guidance, because this was too over whelming and health, both physically and emotionally, would be a challenge. I put in a call to Michigan Auto Law and began the process. Thank God! Brandon had taken my intake and Mike outlined how the process would proceed. Any questions, and there were multiple ones, I was told to call any time. I then was placed into the hands of Kevin and Alex who have been my guardian angels of whom I hold much gratitude to!!! They are my Davids against the Goliaths of the insurance companies! Elise has been there to explain any paper work that is necessary and oh so pleasant. This family has become my extended one. Again, with much gratitude, I thank you ALL!

    Linda Turner, Roseville, MI



  • I lost the most important person in my world due to someone else’s negligence. I didn’t know what to do or how to make sense of it. Staying up with my thoughts until 3am, I knew that if I didn’t reach out for legal help when it was top of mind I might never do it, so I called Michigan Auto Law right then and there. They put me at ease and started my case right away. They took care of the insurance claim and legal process so I could focus on my family. There is no amount of money that can bring her back to me, but what Tom Baker and Jeremy Tiedt were able to do will help us in finding some peace and closure.

    Michael McKee, Three Rivers, MI



  • I would 100% recommend Michigan Auto Law to anyone looking for representation. Kevin and Alex treated us like family and worked hard to get us our settlement. They made the entire process worry free. They promptly returned my phone calls and emails. They were also extremely thorough when it came to explaining anything pertaining to the case and made sure I understood everything clearly before ending each phone call. They were happy to answer any questions or concerns that I had. They definitely made life a lot easier while dealing with the aftermath of a serious motor vehicle accident. Thank you guys so much!

    Brittany Gregory, Burt, MI



  • Chris and his team did an excellent job for me. Unfortunately, after my auto accident, I had three surgeries. The staff at Michigan Auto Law were very attentive, caring, and compassionate. I mean, Chris made this process totally seamless for me considering the situation I was in. My wife and I will be eternally grateful to Chris and his team.

    Kelly Howard, Roseville, MI



  • I had the pleasure of working with Rick Houghton at Michigan Auto Law and he was excellent. He knew how to navigate through this process and how to help me jump through all the hoops demanded by the insurance adjuster.

    This was a lengthy process but Rick’s communication was great and I always knew what was going on. He is extremely easy to talk with and when we needed additional support he put together an excellent team.

    The case was settled and the insurance adjuster worked well with Rick in the end to get this resolved.

    I’m grateful that I can now put this behind me and I’m lucky to have had an attorney like Rick.

    Mark Gaubatz, Traverse City



  • Alex Kemp was a wonderful attorney for me in my time of need. He was caring and always willing to listen. His staff was amazing as well, always returning my calls and keeping me informed. I will happily recommend Alex and Michigan Auto Law to friends and family in need. Thank you, Alex!

    Patricia Whaley-Lauderdale, Detroit, MI



  • My husband, Glenn, was in a serious car accident in February of 2022. A truck drove into oncoming traffic, and hit my husband head on at 55 mph. Tom and his team were beyond helpful assisting us during such a difficult time. Tonya, Lori, and Tom communicated very well, as it was easy to get in contact with the entire team when needed and they responded in a timely manner. They were friendly and professional at all times. Tom thoroughly explained the process, and gave us an accurate timeline of when each step in the settlement would occur. Tom took the time to answer our questions through the entirety of the process. Tom was forthcoming, honest, and easy to work with. We highly recommend Tom and his team, as they made an awful time easier to deal with due to their positive mindsets. We were very satisfied with the results.

    Glenn & Olivia Thompson, Greenville, MI



  • If I could give more stars I would. I was struck head on by another driver and was left with many issues. Being the sole owner and operator of a start up fitness company, the auto accident left my life decimated. The physical injuries left me unable to walk for months and the loss of my physical ability coupled with the inability to gain new clients put me in a deep mental and financial hole. It felt hopeless for a long time as I figured that I had to eat my losses and move on. Which was a horrific conclusion to realize as I had no fault in this accident. That was until I was able to connect with attorney Rick Houghton and Michigan Auto Law. At first I was slightly skeptical as I had never worked with an attorney for anything. I could not believe how easy they made the process. All they needed was the details from me about my accident and subsequent issues and they took it from there. My settlement changed my life. It got me back on track financially and allowed me the mental space to begin operating and feeling like myself again. I am not one to use the term life saver lightly, but that’s exactly what Michigan Auto Law was for me. I don’t even want to think of where I’d be at now without receiving help from Rick and Michigan Auto Law. Thank you again for all of your help!

    Kyle Beyer, Clarkesville, MI



  • I found Michigan Auto Law through Google. I spoke with a few different law firms, but Michigan Auto Law was the only firm that was clear and decisive about my rights and legal options. They gave me hope that I could make it through my injuries and that I would come out OK on the other side. After speaking with Brandon, he had me with Tom Baker and his team right away. They helped me understand my claims and calmed my confusion regarding my medical treatment. No matter how many questions I had, Tom always took the time to explain things to me. They called every month, even while I was in the hospital. The sense of security I had over the last few years knowing my attorneys were fighting for me was confirmed when my case settled far beyond anything I could have expected. I would like to think that was because of who my attorneys were. Thank you to Tom Baker and all of Michigan Auto Law.

    Danielle Washington, Grand Rapids, MI



  • The entire group of professionals that handled my case at Michigan Auto Law worked tirelessly for me. They helped me to turn one of the worst experiences of my life into something that will help me and my family overcome the challenge that we face daily, after the auto accident. I can not say enough great things about this wonderful group of people, and I would recommend Michigan Auto Law to anyone who finds themselves in the same situation.

    Ronald LaGorio, Macomb, MI



  • My husband was killed in an automobile accident involving a gravel hauler truck on the freeway. The left front steer tire of the gravel hauler blew on I-75 near the Rouge River bridge, and the truck hit my husband’s car, trapping him between the retaining wall and the gravel hauler. It became apparent that I needed to seek out an attorney. After interviewing four different lawyers, Steven Gursten of Michigan Auto Law stood out amongst them as the guy to go to for several reasons. There was a genuine nature about Steve. He was exceptionally easy to talk with and an incredible listener. Of course his knowledge and the know how to get the job done was apparent. He treated me with a real sense of kindness as an individual and not a potential case. Steve settled my husband’s case out of court so I didn’t have to go through a trial. Throughout the whole process, Steve went above and beyond my expectations in terms of his hard work to uncover the truths of the matter and all of the things the trucking company did that were unsafe and contributed to the accident. Steve treated me with a lot of respect. He responded to my questions and phone calls very promptly. I never felt like he was in a hurry to get me off the phone. He listened to everything I had to say all the time. In terms of when I had to give my deposition, he prepared me and was next to me every step of the way. That was also the case when I had to go to court before the judge for the settlement. It made me feel very safe. Steve gave me confidence and the strength to get up there and do what I had to do. He did so much research and he explored every possible avenue to get me the best settlement possible. He worked very hard for me. Along the way, he kept me informed of the status of everything.

    I would say if anybody is involved in an automobile accident involving trucks or other commercial vehicles, to not hesitate to contact Steve. You will not be let down. If you’ve done your homework and investigated attorneys, Steve is the obvious right choice. I walked out of his office knowing it was a no-brainer decision to go with him. It was the right thing to do for my family, in the wake of such a terrible accident and traumatic time in our lives. I felt it in my heart, and I was right. Another thing I would like to note is that even after the case was closed, Steve is still here for me with advice and all the time I need.

    Lynda Nunez, Riverview, MI



  • While traveling in the Midwest, I was rear ended on a Michigan Freeway. Myself and countless others were at a standstill in construction traffic. Upon the arrival of Law Enforcement, I was advised that the individual who hit me had no insurance and unbeknownst to me Michigan is a “No Fault State,” at the time and had no idea what this meant.

    During the next several months I attempted to handle matters on my own with Doctors, X-Rays, MRI’s, Physical Therapy, Insurance, Bills, etc. Finally, it became apparent that even “I was out of my league” and needed legal assistance. Over the course of five months, I was highly referred to and represented by another Michigan Attorney, who shall remain nameless. This Attorney made countless promises and commitments, until I discovered he never followed through on filing even one piece of paperwork on my behalf. This inept Attorney was severely chastised & promptly dismissed.

    At this point, I began doing internet research to find “the Best Michigan Auto Accident Lawyer.” The first firm that came up in my search was Michigan Auto Law. At 8:04 PM EST on a Tuesday evening I sent an email to Michigan Auto Law’s Attorney Steven Gursten. Very unexpectedly, I received a “personalized response,” from Attorney Gursten at 8:13 PM EST. Nine Minutes Later, Steven let me know he was in meetings all day on Wednesday; but he would have an Attorney from his firm call me the next day.

    Odd but true, Attorney Jeff Bussell called and emailed me on Wednesday. Jeff Bussell and I exchanged over 50 emails between that Wednesday and Friday; doing my initial intake and contract for representation. Unfortunately, during this time I was apprised that my former Attorney was in fact so incompetent that we were approaching a Statute of Limitations to file any legal action. I’m sharing this very prompt and proficient interaction with Attorneys Gursten and Bussell, as this is not my over 40 personal years of experience with Attorneys within any area of expertise….No One ever responds to a prospective new client like this!!! NEVER!

    Thank God Michigan Auto Law agreed to take my case and began their very hands on & caring representation. If I had stayed with the other Attorney, I could have easily lost all my rights and any ability to acquire several very expensive, yet vital surgeries and additional medical treatment.

    There was also no choice, I had to have these procedures or I would be permanently & severely impaired for the rest of what would easily be a very miserable existence. Having to bear the cost of these surgeries alone would have financially destroyed our family forever.

    Subsequently, I was provided with a Litigation Team headed up by Attorney Kevin Seiferheld. For the remainder of my case Kevin and his Assistant Elize took my calls, returned my emails and provided extremely sound advice from beginning to end. After it was all said and done “My Champion,” Kevin Seiferheld provided the utmost legal representation possible. There was never a time where I felt left in the dark or under educated in how my case was being handled. Never, was there one too many “Stupid Questions,” as I called them.

    Kevin, Elize and their entire Team could not have been more accessible, efficient, genuine, understanding, patient, forthright or compassionate & empathetic to my injuries, never-ending physical/mental exhaustion, pain and multiple surgeries.

    My case settled out of Court. My family and I could not be more grateful for Steven Gursten, Jeff Bussell, Alex Kemp and “Super Rock Stars” Kevin Seiferheld & Elize Vartanian Simon!!!! While closing out my “10 Star Review,” please know that I’m typically that person who leaves the “Bad, Horrific, Scathing, Negative 10 Star Review!” So, I encourage you to believe the words I impart as 100% truthful and heartfelt. Do not hesitate to hire this firm to represent and protect you, your health, your family and your rights.

    Thank you Michigan Auto Law from the bottom of our hearts.

    Skyler Stapleton, El Dorado, CA



  • December 23rd of 2020 I was in a serious car accident at which I was young and had no idea of what to do. Rick Houghton helped me for the past 3 years, first settlement I got wasn’t a lot especially for the circumstance of my accident. Well 2 years later he did a lot of research behind the scenes and was able to get me a better settlement than the first. I give praise to this man’s dedication and graciousness to help others even when they may not know.

    Hayden Hannahs, Byron Center, MI



  • TLDR: There are many slimy lawyers, particularly in the personal injury space. Michigan Auto Law is one of the few class-acts. These lawyers recognize that you are going through the worst moments of your life and advise what’s best for YOU vs what will put more money in their wallet.

    In the 5+ years which I worked with the team, I could not be more pleased with my attorney Chris Hunter, or his support, Eileen Kelly and Jordan Barkley. They have truly become like family. My case lasted 5 years due to the significant injuries requiring time to stabilize/diagnose; then, COVID started and the courts shut down for much of two years. Chris was nothing but prompt pushing the case along.

    When first injured, I searched online for the best law firm. With minimal digging, the choice was clear with Michigan Auto Law because of their reviews and the legitimacy of their website/advertisements. While many other practices appeared slimy from the start, even in reviews, Michigan Auto Law had an immediate upstanding appearance. It is clear they target a certain caliber of client with genuine meat to their case vs seeking misinformed clients who the lawyer can puppet their words (and life) into whatever they wish to make money. It’s unfortunate that those in a lawsuit need to be careful with the appearance of everything they do. There are a lot of lawyers who would have urged me to stay out of work far longer than I did in an effort to “milk” the case. Even with my doctors advising me to stay out, Chris fully supported my decision to return for my own mental state and chance to regain normalcy in my life. He cared about my quality of life and NEVER insinuated I should hold back on living just for the risk of appearing better off than I was. He recognized I was in a terrible place and needed any joy I could grab.

    Likewise, many lawyers ask clients to milk the extent of injuries. I NEVER felt the slightest pressure from Chris to speak louder or more critically of my injuries. Never once did Chris encourage me to go to one of “his” doctors for hope of a diagnosis which leaned more severe than those by my selected doctors. I was proactive in researching my own care and so I did not need recommendations, but should I have wanted this, I am confident that he would have only named doctors to take the most action in improving my conditions. I received a settlement for my case. The amount was not life-changing nor did it “make-up” for all the suffering I had endured, but it did cover some adjustments needed in my life due to the accident so I am glad that I pursued. My case was complicated (multiple vehicles, multiple faults, none with sufficient liability coverages). My injuries were largely “invisible” (brain injury, PTSD, back pain, etc.). Chris was thorough in identifying insurance company spins and provided solid evidence to the contrary.

    The unfair truth is that if you’re not missing a limb or out of work the rest of your life, it’s unlikely you will get millions of dollars for “pain”. The guidance provided by Michigan Auto Law all around was invaluable and another reason I am glad I pursued the case. I do not believe another company would have provided so much support through my recovery, which was chaotic balancing bills, insurance, doctors, work leave, etc.; all of which were firsts for me. Overall, my experience with this company was superb. From “on-boarding” to closure, I was impressed with the level of professionalism everyone, even secretaries answering the phones, had with me.

    Beyond their professionalism, they are people. Chris would routinely call me, evenings and weekends, when he was aware that I may be distressed in any way (i.e. insurance denying medical benefits, difficult medical diagnosis, general stress about suit, etc.). He made it his top priority to help me through this difficult time, all while exemplifying a top-notch attorney whose years of experience are clear by all the tricks he employed to hold insurance companies.

    Courtney Tamaro, Riverview, MI



  • Awesome lawyers and great communication. Love this group of people…you could do no wrong in picking them to stand for justice…Kevin and Alex are there for you…

    Love you all, 5 stars plus.

    Melissa Breedlove, Applegate, MI



  • Our attorney Rick Houghton has been amazing. My husband was killed in a motorcycle accident where the driver was clearly negligent. Rick listened. If we had questions he answered them. He didn’t pass us off to a paralegal. He took an actual part in our case even helping with issues when it came to the disbursement when we had family that thought they deserved more than what they were going to get. He has been supportive and helpful. He gave us real timelines for our case to be finished as well. I cannot recommend them enough. I pray you never need them but if the time comes and you find yourself dealing with the loss of a loved one, these people know their business.

    Jeanette Cross, Bloomingdale, MI



  • From the very first call, when I contacted Michigan Auto Law, I knew this was the firm I needed to handle my case. From Mickey, Josh, Jackie, and Amber, I received the best information, knowledge, and help from start to finish. I also appreciate the efficiency of how the case was handled.

    I can say that Michigan Auto Law is number one and best in class. Do yourself a favor and call them!

    Aseel Al-Dahhan, Dearborn Heights, MI



  • I hired an attorney when I got into an accident. I started to regret my decision and decided to look for another firm. That’s when I found Michigan Auto Law. Everything I was lacking from my old firm, is what I found in Michigan Auto Law. My attorney Chris helped to guide me through the entire process. Chris made sure to make the focus my health and recovery. He handled all the heavy lifting. I have already referred several people from my job to Michigan Auto Law.

    Quiana Glenn, Westland, MI



  • We appreciate all you did for us throughout this process, and we say Thank You to Rick Houghton and his team! You were sympathetic to our situation, and kept us informed and educated. Communication was always timely, and if we had any questions, there was always someone to answer our questions. We were referred by a dear friend, and we would definitely recommend Mr. Houghton, and utilize his services again if necessary!! It was a journey we never thought we’d go on, but you made us more confident in our decisions along the way, and for that we are grateful!

    Mark Menne, Ostego MN



  • I highly recommend Michigan Auto Law.

    Kevin Seiferheld & Alex Kemp are excellent Attorneys and always very professional. I also want to say thank you to Elize and Daniella for their hard work.

    I highly recommend this firm and was happy with my results. Thank you.

    Pete Gennero, Macomb Township, MI



  • I had an amazing time working with this law firm.

    Very smooth sailing, professional, and committed to getting you your highest pay out!

    Jaelynn Rutherford, Wayne, MI



  • I was injured in a car crash after which I was scared for the future of myself and my family. Keven and Alex treated us like family, and made sure to put all of my worries to rest. I highly recommend Michigan Auto Law and specifically Kevin and Alex. Great communication, great representation, they will take care of you like their own. I don’t honestly know how my life would have turned out without their leadership, advice, and representation. Thanks to them I feel I have my life back. I’ll never be able to thank Kevin and Alex for all they’ve done for me. You will not be disappointed.

    Jeff Middleton, Flushing, MI



  • You were amazing and kept us all informed through the process.

    I would recommend you to anyone.

    Gary Courtney, Battle Creek, MI



  • Thank You, Rick Houghton!…You helped me through what I consider the biggest test of my well-being, quality of life, and happiness that I was trying to be robbed of. My life is not perfect, but I can at least make the most of it knowing I will not be burdened the rest of my life with medical bills that I could no longer work to pay for. Your legal experience in fighting for my health care gave me quality of life back and peace of mind for a future that is worth struggling through daily pain for. Thank you so much for fighting for me, justice, and the right thing. Peace to you and yours always.

    Kathy Polaski, Midland, MI



  • I can go on and on about the entire staff and will not be able to repay everything they did for me, as soon as I entered Michigan Auto Law’s building, I felt I was in the right place! Front desk was very welcoming and everyone there was smiling and very nice.

    I am so grateful for Michigan Auto Law for helping me get through my case, honestly, I would give them 10 stars if I could.

    Fadi Esho, Sterling Heights, MI



  • I called several attorney offices after my accident. When I called Michigan Auto Law, I knew this was the firm I would choose. It was evident with the very first phone call. My attorney Josh was very specific, to the point, clear, and concise. In turn, he is also thoughtful, pleasant, and had great follow through. There were no hiccups for me through the entire process. Michigan Auto Law is the only firm I will ever recommend, along with being the first and only firm I will ever call if I am involved in another auto accident.

    Eric Richard, Benton Harbor, MI



  • Kevin, Alex, and Elize were amazing! They always answered my questions and helped with everything along the way.

    Great communication and great lawyers! I highly recommend them!

    Dana Prieskorn, Clinton Township, MI



  • If you are searching for the right law firm to assist you, search no further!

    The lawyers at Michigan Auto Law have been nothing but knowledgeable, professional and concerned for my well being both physically and mentally. They were always quick to respond to my many questions, providing answers and guidance to give me peace of mind.

    I placed all trust in my lawyers and HIGHLY recommend them and the Michigan Auto Law firm.

    Thank you Rick, Tim and Jason!

    Lou Ann Kirkpatrick, Stanwood, MI



  • I am so happy with Michigan Auto Law and especially Rick Houghton. I was on the fence about even hiring a lawyer and everyone at Michigan Auto Law made me feel confident and answered all of my questions patiently. My case was not black and white, and it took a while, but Rick pushed forward and settled for 2x what we originally thought. I would highly recommend Rick and Michigan Auto Law to my family and friends.

    Bethany VanOeffelen, Grand Rapids, MI


What's My Case Worth?

Types of Compensation After a Crash With A Semi

After a truck accident in Detroit, MI, a lawyer may be able to recover the following types of compensation for you, a loved one or a family member: (1) pain and suffering; (2) current and future medical expenses; (3) current and future lost wages; and (4) wrongful death damages including lost financial support and loss of your loved one’s society and companionship.

To recover these types of compensation, under Michigan law you will need to be able to prove that the semi driver and any other responsible parties acted negligently and that their negligence caused the crash that resulted in your injuries.

In the case of pain and suffering compensation, Michigan law will also require that you prove that your injuries caused you to suffer a “serious impairment of body function,” which means that your injuries have affected your general ability to live the “normal” life you were living before the crash.

Our Results

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  • $102.6Million

    AWARDED AMOUNT


    Verdict against General Motors

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  • $40Million

    AWARDED AMOUNT


    Verdict for wrongful death

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  • $34.5Million

    AWARDED AMOUNT


    After a final insurance company offer of $14 million.

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    FULL STORY
  • $15Million

    AWARDED AMOUNT


    Amputation injury

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  • $14.3Million

    AWARDED AMOUNT


    Last insurance company offer was $25,000.

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  • $13.5Million

    AWARDED AMOUNT


    Settlement for burn injuries

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  • $13.2Million

    AWARDED AMOUNT


    Verdict for wrongful death truck accident

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  • $10.5Million

    AWARDED AMOUNT


    Our attorneys found $9 million of extra insurance coverage that 2 other law firms had missed

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  • $9Million

    AWARDED AMOUNT


    $1 million final insurance company offer to previous attorney

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    FULL STORY
  • $8.5Million

    AWARDED AMOUNT


    Road Defect

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  • $8Million

    AWARDED AMOUNT


    This $8 million dog bite settlement is the largest ever dog bite result ever in Michigan. Our attorneys won this record-setting amount even though the defense aggressively contested liability. While we are most known for auto accidents, lawyers around Michigan refer serious dog bite cases throughout the state to our firm based on our results and expertise in this area.

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  • $7Million

    AWARDED AMOUNT


    Wrongful Death, including $3 million in personal contribution over insurance policy limits

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    FULL STORY
  • $6.2Million

    AWARDED AMOUNT


    $400,000 final insurance company offer to previous/referring attorney

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    FULL STORY
  • $6.2Million

    AWARDED AMOUNT


    This confidential out-of-state wrongful death case involved a commercial motor vehicle causing the death of a motorcyclist.

  • $6.1Million

    AWARDED AMOUNT


    Detroit Edison’s negligent installation/maintenance of power lines in Oakland County resulted in wrongful death of 5-year-old. Sanctions and interest brought total award to $10 Million.

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  • $5.65Million

    AWARDED AMOUNT


    $500,000 insurance company offer before trial ($1 million during jury deliberations)

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    FULL STORY
  • $5.25Million

    AWARDED AMOUNT


    Traumatic brain injury after truck ran a stop sign

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More Detroit Truck Accident Lawyer FAQs

Can I Still Seek Compensation if I Was Partially at Fault for the Semi Crash?

You can still seek compensation if you were partially at fault for the crash so long as you were not more than 50% at-fault. Under Michigan’s comparative fault rule, a crash victim’s compensation will be reduced by the percentage of his or her comparative fault for the crash.

Only if the crash victim is “more than 50% at fault” for a tractor trailer crash will the comparative fault rule completely eliminate the victim’s ability to recover any compensation.

Should I Give a Statement to the Insurance Company’s Adjuster?

Our Detroit truck accident lawyers recommend that you don’t give statements to insurers or adjusters and never sign releases or documents presented by insurance claims adjusters until you have talked with an attorney first. You can tell the insurance adjuster that you will talk, but only after you’ve consulted with your attorney.

After a crash with a semi, it is common for the transportation company’s insurer to request a statement from you. It is crucial to approach this situation with extreme caution. The insurance adjuster’s goal is to protect the insurance company and keep to a minimum the amount of compensation or benefits it must pay out on behalf of its insured whose negligence caused your crash. As much as he or she can, the adjuster will want to get you to make statements that limit or eliminate the transportation company’s liability and, thus, the insurance company’s obligation to pay you compensation and money damages for your injuries, pain and suffering, and damages.

Ultimately, it is important that you cooperate with your own insurance company to collect your auto No-Fault insurance benefits (also known as PIP benefits). It’s also one of the contractual terms in your own auto policy. But your duty to cooperate with YOUR insurance company does not extend to the insurance company that insures the tractor trailer that caused your crash, and even with your own insurance company this duty to cooperate does not in any way prohibit you from seeking the advice and counsel of an attorney first.

The insurance company has its attorneys who look out for the insurer’s best interests.

You are entitled to have an attorney who is looking out for your best interests as well.

When To Consult A Lawyer For A Truck Accident in Detroit, MI?

You should consult a lawyer as soon as possible after a truck accident in Detroit, especially if you have suffered injuries, significant property damage, or if liability is disputed. Early legal guidance ensures that your rights are protected, evidence is preserved, and deadlines for filing claims under Michigan law are met.

Consulting with our trusted and specialized Detroit truck accident lawyers can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling complex semi crash claims and a deep understanding of both state and federal regulations. We work closely with crash reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and insurance adjusters to build a strong case on your behalf. By contacting us early, you ensure that your injuries and losses are fully documented, your rights are protected, and you have an experienced advocate fighting to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.

How Does Early Evidence Preservation Impact Your Injury Claim?

Preserving evidence as soon as possible after a crash with a semi is crucial for the success of your injury claim. When you act quickly, you help protect vital information—such as black box data, commercial vehicle maintenance records, surveillance footage, witness statements, and photos of the crash scene—before it can be lost, altered, or destroyed. Transportation companies and their insurers often begin their own investigations immediately, and without prompt action, important evidence could disappear or become harder to obtain.

By securing evidence early, your legal team can more effectively prove fault and liability, counter any attempts to shift blame, and build a strong case on your behalf. This not only increases your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, but also helps ensure that justice is served.

In contrast, delaying the collection of evidence can make it much more difficult to establish what really happened, potentially weakening your claim and limiting the amount of compensation you receive. That’s why consulting an experienced Detroit truck accident lawyer right away is so important—they can take immediate steps to preserve evidence, guide you through the legal process, and fight for the best possible outcome for your case.

How Much Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Cost in Detroit, MI?

There is no upfront cost to hire a lawyer for your Detroit, MI truck accident case . You will not be asked to pay anything while your case is pending. Only after your case has been resolved and we’ve recovered a winning settlement or trial verdict for you will we ask you to pay our 1/3 contingency fee.

This means that the attorney fee you pay is a percentage – 33% – of the amount that we recover for you.

In other words, you don’t have to pay a fee unless we win for you.

How to Choose the Best Truck Accident Lawyer for a Crash in Detroit, MI?

When choosing the best truck accident lawyer for your Detroit, MI case, pick an attorney who has these qualities: (1) specialized experience; (2) a proven record of winning settlements and trial verdicts for victims like you; (3) respect, compassion and patience with clients; and (4) a fair and reasonable fee structure.

Our trusted and experienced Detroit truck accident lawyers meet these standards by bringing years of specialized experience and a thorough understanding of the No-fault law, federal regulations and personal injury law to every case. We have a proven record of record breaking settlements and trial verdicts for clients, showing our ability to handle even the most complex cases successfully. At the same time, we treat every client with respect, compassion, and patience, answering questions, explaining the process, and guiding you through each step of your case. We also work on a contingency fee basis, ensuring our fees are fair and reasonable—meaning you pay nothing unless we secure compensation on your behalf.

What is the Average Settlement Amount For A Semi Crash?

There is no specific average settlement amount for a semi crash because every case is unique. The compensation you may receive depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the cost of medical treatment, how your injuries affect your life and work, and the strength of the evidence in your case. Settlement amounts can vary widely, with some cases resulting in much higher compensation due to serious or permanent injuries. Our experienced Detroit truck accident lawyers can help you pursue all available damages for your specific situation.

Injured In A Truck Accident In Detroit, MI And Need A Lawyer?

CALL MICHIGAN AUTO LAW NOW!

If you were injured in a semi crash in Detroit MI, call now for a free consultation with an experienced and trusted truck accident lawyer near you. There is no cost or obligation. You can also visit our contact page or use the chat feature on our website.

Michigan Auto Law is Michigan’s largest and most successful law firm that specializes exclusively in helping people who have been injured in tractor trailer and motor vehicle crashes.

Our secret? Our attorneys deliberately handle fewer cases than other personal injury law firms. This allows us to focus more time and attention on our cases.

Unlike other law firms, our Detroit truck accident lawyers are never too busy to promptly return phone calls and answer questions.

We have more than 2,500 5-Star Reviews that reflect this care and attention to detail.

More importantly, this client-focused approach leads to better and faster settlements for our clients. Michigan Auto Law has recovered more million-dollar settlements and trial verdicts for motor vehicle crashes than any other lawyer or law firm in Michigan. We’ve also recovered the highest-ever reported car crash and big rig crash settlement in the state.

Call now so we can start making a real difference for you.

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How Much Is Your Michigan Auto Accident Case Worth?

Michigan Auto Law is the leading and largest law firm in Michigan exclusively handling auto accident cases for more than 50 years. By answering a few simple questions we can help you determine how much your accident case could be worth

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