If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a truck accident in Grand Rapids, MI, you need an experienced lawyer near you who specializes exclusively in this area of law to get you and your family the full compensation and money damages you deserve.
And there is no law firm that has more experience or that has had more success in litigating these types of cases in West Michigan than Michigan Auto Law. Our attorneys have litigated hundreds of semi crash cases throughout the state. With eight local legal professionals based in West Michigan and an office in downtown Grand Rapids, our team of truck accident lawyers combines deep local knowledge with unmatched results. We have secured the semi crash settlement ever by any lawyer or law firm in the state, as well as the highest reported semi crash settlement and jury verdict in the state—outperforming every other firm in Michigan over more years than anyone else.

What Sets Us Apart From Other Truck Accident Lawyers In Grand Rapids, MI
The lawyers at Michigan Auto Law are widely regarded as one of the top truck accident law firms for semi crash cases in Grand Rapids, 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 Shelby Township, 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 Shelby Township, 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 Shelby Township 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.
What our Grand Rapids Truck Accident Lawyers Will Do For You
When a crash involves a semi or other large commercial vehicle, the aftermath is often overwhelming. Victims face not only severe injuries and mounting medical bills but also the legal challenges of dealing with transportation companies, multiple insurance carriers, and complex federal and state regulations. That’s where our Grand Rapids truck accident lawyers step in. We guide you through every stage of the process—investigating the crash thoroughly, standing up to insurance companies, protecting your rights, ensuring proper medical documentation and treatment, and pursuing the full compensation you deserve. With our experience and dedication, you can focus on healing while we focus on winning your case. Here is more details on what we will do for you:
Navigate the Complexities of Commercial Semi Crashes
Collisions involving semis and other commercial vehicles are far more complicated than a standard car crashes. Our Grand Rapids truck accident lawyers understand every detail of these challenging cases. Multiple parties may be involved—from the semi driver and transportation company to maintenance providers or even vehicle manufacturers—making liability difficult to untangle. We dig deep into the evidence by reviewing black box data, driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, and crash reports to uncover the real cause of the crash.
Our team also has a thorough knowledge of the state and federal safety regulations that govern the transportation industry, and we use that expertise to hold negligent parties accountable. Whether it’s handling aggressive insurance companies, calculating the full scope of your damages, or making sure you receive compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering, we manage the legal complexities so you can focus on recovery. With decades of experience, we are prepared to build a powerful case and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
Our Grand Rapids Truck Accident Lawyers Will Conduct a Detailed Investigation
A strong case starts with a thorough investigation. Our Ann Arbor truck accident lawyers act quickly to secure critical evidence before it disappears. We gather police reports, witness statements, black box data, and photos or videos from the crash scene. We also review driver logbooks, hours-of-service records, inspection and maintenance reports, and the trucking company’s safety history to identify violations of state or federal law.
When necessary, we collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and industry experts to create a complete picture of what happened. This attention to detail ensures that all liable parties are identified and held accountable. By leaving no stone unturned, we strengthen your claim and put you in the best position for a successful outcome.
Our Grand Rapids Truck Accident Lawyers Will Guide You Through Medical Documentation and Treatment
After a serious commercial semi crash, your health should always be the top priority—but at the same time, the medical care you receive and how it is documented can play a critical role in your case. Our Grand Rapids truck accident lawyers help ensure that you get the treatment you need and that every visit, diagnosis, and follow-up is properly recorded. Insurance companies often try to argue that injuries are exaggerated or unrelated to the crash, so having accurate, consistent medical documentation is key to proving the full extent of your injuries.
We work closely with medical providers to make sure your records reflect the ongoing impact of your injuries, from emergency room visits and surgeries to physical therapy and long-term rehabilitation. If necessary, we also consult with medical experts who can explain how your injuries affect your daily life and future health. By guiding you through this process, our team strengthens your case while giving you the peace of mind that your treatment and recovery remain the top priority.
Stand Up to Insurance Companies
After a serious tractor trailer crash, insurance companies often move quickly to protect their own interests—not yours. Adjusters and lawyers may attempt to minimize your injuries, shift blame, or pressure you into taking a quick settlement that won’t cover your long-term needs. Our experienced Grand Rapids truck accident lawyers know these tactics well, and we take over all communication so you don’t have to deal with them directly.
We back up your claim with a fact-based case built on evidence like black box data, maintenance logs, driver records, and expert analysis. Armed with this, we negotiate aggressively with insurers—often multiple carriers in truck crash cases—to demand the full value of your claim. And if they refuse to play fair, our Grand Rapids truck accident lawyers are ready to take your case to trial to protect your rights.
Protecting Your Rights Every Step of the Way
From the moment you hire us, our Grand Rapids truck accident lawyers make it their mission to safeguard your rights. We ensure all claims are filed correctly and on time, handle all communication with insurers and trucking companies, and shield you from being pressured into an unfair settlement.
Through careful investigation and strong documentation, we build a case designed to hold every responsible party accountable. Whether negotiating a settlement or fighting for you in court, we are committed to maximizing your recovery and protecting your legal rights—so you can focus on healing.
Pursue the Compensation You Deserve
Our Grand Rapids truck accident lawyers fight for both No-Fault benefits and full compensation for pain and suffering. We handle the claims process for medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation, and other financial losses, while also determining whether your injuries qualify for additional non-economic damages.
By analyzing medical records, consulting with experts, and thoroughly investigating the crash, we build a case aimed at securing every dollar you’re entitled to. From start to finish, our we handle the legal and insurance challenges, allowing you to concentrate on your recovery while we fight for the maximum compensation you need and deserve.
Semi crash claims are different from car crash claims
Semi crash injury claims are very different car crash injury claims. Transportation companies are required to follow strict federal and state laws related to hours of service, weight limits, maintenance, hiring drivers, and much more. There are often also multiple parties who can be responsible for your crash – and multiple layers of insurance coverage and financial assets – available to pay for your settlement in the case of a catastrophic personal injury or wrongful death. Unfortunately, many personal injury lawyers in Grand Rapids, MI, while they may advertise for serious truck accident cases and claim they handle them, do not have the requisite knowledge and legal sophistication to identify all of the responsible parties, meaning that millions of dollars in insurance can be lost in the case of a catastrophic injury or death.
This is why it’s so important to secure and protect your future with our experienced Grand Rapids truck accident lawyers.
Waiting to hire an attorney after a semi crash can give the transportation company a major advantage. By law, they only have to preserve key documents for limited periods of time, and their attorneys often destroy critical evidence the moment those deadlines pass. Every day you wait also gives the transportation and insurance companies more time to build their defense and find ways to deny you the full compensation you’re entitled to. That’s why it’s so important to contact our experienced and trusted Grand Rapids truck accident lawyers immediately—we know how to move quickly to preserve evidence, protect your rights, and maximize your recovery.
Talk to one of our experienced attorneys today to find how he or she can help you.
Why choose a Grand Rapids Truck Accident Lawyer From Michigan Auto Law?
Simply put, the truck accident lawyers at Michigan Auto Law have handled more serious semi crashes in Grand Rapids, and in the state of Michigan, than any other law firm. Our attorneys specialize in handling truck accident cases successfully, and lawyers from across Michigan refer these cases to our attorneys because of this specialization and experience. We have a proven track record of winning semi crash settlements and verdicts and 5-Star reviews from more than 2,500 clients to prove it. Michigan Auto Law has recovered more multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements in truck accident cases than any other firm in the state, including the largest truck crash settlement for any attorney ever in the state.
Our mission when we represent you is to get you and your family the best possible settlement in your case. You are entitled to be compensated for your pain and suffering, and you have a legal right to insurance benefits that will help you pay for your medical bills and provide you a financial lifeline if you haven’t been able to work because of your injuries. Our Grand Rapids truck accident lawyers will fight to ensure that your settlement reflects the full, true value of your case.
We will help you prevent the destruction of evidence that is essential to proving your case and is so common in semi crash cases.
And we help you make sure that all responsible parties are held fully accountable for the injuries, losses and harms that you have suffered.
Michigan Semi Crash Statistics
In 2024, there were 16,678 large commercial vehicles involved in motor vehicle crashes in Michigan, including 104 that were part of fatal collisions and 2,706 that were involved in crashes where one or more people were injured, according to the most recent data available from Michigan Traffic Crash Facts.
State and Federal Regulations
Semi crashes are much more complex than car crashes. They involve hundreds of specific federal and state safety laws and regulations. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules and regulations don’t come into play with car accidents.
Knowing these rules, regulations and laws are the keys to proving negligence on the part of the semi driver and transportation company who was at-fault for causing your crash. Knowing how to successfully use these federal and state rules and regulations and laws to build your case for liability and hold the responsible parties accountable is an essential skill that our truck accident lawyers have for your Grand Rapids, MI case.
Michigan has adopted the FMCSA rules and regulations for its commercial vehicle industry almost in their entirety. These laws and safety regulations established by the FMCSA set regulations and driver requirements for aspects of the job, including physical standards, alcohol and drug testing, hours of service, cargo, weight, licensing, inspection, repair and maintenance.
Our truck accident lawyers have the knowledge and experience to use federal and state rules and regulations to identify every safety violation in your Grand Rapids crash. We know how to present the most persuasive case—whether to an insurance adjuster, a judge, or a jury—showing exactly how those violations caused your serious injuries.
To build a strong case, our Grand Rapids truck accident lawyers will:
- Obtain mandatory driver drug and alcohol screening results.
- Review the driver’s logs for “hours-of-service” violations.
- Examine the semi’s weight records, inspection and maintenance history, and electronic data recorder (black box) information.
- Conduct inspections of the truck.
- Investigate the driver’s background, including past crashes, traffic violations, training, and medical history.
- Review the driver’s employment file and related records.
By carefully analyzing all of this evidence, we ensure no detail is overlooked and your case is as strong as possible.
What Is Considered Important Evidence In A Truck Crash Case?
Our truck accident lawyers know that gathering and preserving evidence after a semi crash can be critical to the success of your Grand Rapids case. You should start collecting evidence, such as the police report, eyewitness statements, and photos of the damage to the vehicles, the crash scene, and your injuries right away.
The types of evidence that a lawyer can be used to prove your Grand Rapids 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 semi 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 semi’s operation such as speed and braking
- The semi’s vehicle maintenance and inspection records
- The transportation company’s employee file for the semi driver
- The results of a post-crash toxicology test to determine if the semi driver was under the influence of alcohol, drugs and/or prescription medication
- Cell phone records from the semi driver and the transportation company
- The semi driver’s and transportation company’s records of safety violations
What Are Common Causes Of Semi Crash?
Our truck accident lawyers know that common causes of crashes in Grand Rapids 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 issues due to overloading and/or improper loading of cargo
- The transportation company’s negligent hiring, training and retention of unsafe drivers
- Transportation companies forcing unsafe vehicles that should be kept out-of-service back onto the roads
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
Our lawyers know that determining truck accident liability is often more complicated in these Grand Rapids cases because it often involves parties other than the semi driver. As such, most truck accident cases require a detailed investigation to determine what happened and how. A complete review of the evidence may indicate one or more individuals or entities liable for your injuries, including:
The semi driver – The semi driver is generally found at fault after an accident due to negligent behavior, which may include tailgating, speeding, driving while distracted, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The semi owner – The owner of the semi (which is also frequently referred to as a “tractor” – as in “tractor-trailer”) may also bear responsibility for the accident. This liability may arise due to the law of the state in which the accident occurred if that state has an “owner liability” law. Liability may also arise because the owner failed to take the necessary steps to inspect, repair and maintain the vehicle in a safe condition.
The trailer owner – The owner of the trailer which is being hauled by the semi (which is also known as the “tractor”) may not be the owner of the semi. The semi and trailer may have separate owners. In that case, the trailer owner may have liability for a crash for the same reasons that a semi owner would.
The transportation company – Transportation companies are responsible for their semis and drivers. Their liability may arise from their status as the owner of a semi and trailer. Their liability may also arise from their status as the employer of the semi driver who caused the crash. They could also be held legally liable for a crash and the resulting injuries, deaths, damages based on negligent supervision, training and hiring, such as when they employ a driver with driving infractions or when they pressure drivers into violating the hours-of-service requirements or neglecting inspection and vehicle maintenance requirements.
The shipping company – Also called a “shipper,” this is the company that is hiring the semi driver and transportation company to haul – i.e., ship – its products or cargo from one place to another.
The load broker – This is the middleman or intermediary who is hired by a shipper or company who wants to ship their products and goods to find and hire semi drivers and transportation companies who will transport a shipper’s cargo and goods to the destination specified by the shipper.
The leasing agent – This person or company leases their own semi and trailer to a driver, transportation company, or shipping company to be used to transport cargo, products and goods.
The loading company – This company is hired and paid to load cargo, goods and products onto a semi for transportation.
The maintenance company – This company provides regular maintenance of the semi to ensure it is functioning safely and properly. Its services include inspections and repairing and replacing worn-out, broken, defective, and malfunctioning parts of the semi and trailer.
Manufacturer of the semi, trailer and equipment – A commercial vehicle part manufacturer can be held liable if its defective vehicle, trailer, product, part or equipment causes or contributes to a semi crash. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering malfunctions can result from defective products and equipment.
What Damages Can A Lawyer You Recover From A Truck Accident In Grand Rapids?
In general, compensation for a semi crash may include:
- Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
- Loss of current income and potential future earnings
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Mental distress
- Permanent and disabling injuries
- Reduced quality of life
In addition, if you have lost a loved one in a truck accident in Grand Rapids, our lawyers can bring a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party or parties. This type of action allows you to recover payment for your loved one’s pain and suffering as well as the loss of their companionship, support, services, and guidance. Wrongful death compensation also includes economic losses, such as medical bills and funeral and burial expenses.
Rapid Response Teams and the Importance Of A Timely Crash Investigation
When a serious truck accident occurs in Grand Rapids, our lawyers know that the truck driver almost always calls the dispatcher, who then calls the risk manager (sometimes even at home in the middle of the night), who immediately calls in a “rapid response team.” This team usually includes an investigator and a defense attorney in the state where the crash occurred who will begin working right away to claim “work product privilege” for anything that is done.
The two of them often head to the crash scene before the debris is cleared, which can cause critical evidence to be “lost” and the police investigation to be impacted. They sometimes delete electronic evidence within a matter of days and fail to retain documents the minute they are no longer required by law. In addition, driver logs may go missing and GPS data downloads may be modified. And police reports are often prepared without the benefit of input from the injured parties, allowing the semi driver and the investigator to tell their story to the officer. Without eyewitnesses and important physical evidence, many cases are lost before they even get started.
When our truck accident lawyers get your call after a serious crash in Grand Rapids, they like to launch a rapid investigation for themselves, before important information is deleted or goes missing. They will immediately visit the accident scene, obtain the police report, speak with the responding officer, obtain other reports, witness statements and photographs, and interview all known witnesses. They also have access to the best semi crash experts.
In addition, we are often able to obtain photos from sources other than the police, including firemen, tow truck personnel, EMTs, local media, and other governmental agencies that participate in cleanup of semi crash sites. We also try to quickly track down the vehicles involved in the crash to take photos and gather additional data. And if our truck accident lawyers are on the scene quickly enough, they can observe and document skid marks and gather and preserve debris that will be critical in your Grand Rapids crash case.