If you’ve suffered serious injuries in a truck accident in Westland, MI, the lawyer you choose can significantly impact the outcome of your case. An experienced attorney will have specialized knowledge and skills necessary to determine fault, identify hidden insurance policies and financial assets, and get you the maximum possible settlement in the shortest amount of time.
Specialization matters in semi crash cases. Attorneys who don’t focus their entire practice in this area often lack the knowledge to uncover violations of complex laws and regulations, hold responsible parties accountable, and negotiate the best possible settlement for you and your family.
How quickly you hire a truck accident lawyer also plays a key role in the outcome of your Westland, MI case. Transportation companies often have the upper hand early on, as they can control the narrative and legally destroy evidence after a certain time. An experienced attorney knows how to act quickly, preserve evidence, and investigate the crash thoroughly to strengthen your case.
At Michigan Auto Law, we have the best truck accident lawyer for you and your Westland, MI crash case. With 50 years of experience focused exclusively on motor vehicle crash cases, we’ve secured more million-dollar verdicts and settlements than any other law firm in Michigan. And our reputation among clients shows in our more than 2,500 5-star reviews.
Contact an experienced truck accident lawyer from Michigan Auto Law today if you’ve been injured in a tractor trailer crash in Westland, MI. Your consultation is free, and you won’t pay any fees upfront. Plus, we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee!
State and Federal Regulations
Semi crashes are far more complicated than typical car crashes due to the complex regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which oversees the entire transportation industry. These regulations, which Michigan has largely adopted, cover hours-of-service, driver training, driver hiring, weight limits, vehicle inspections and vehicle maintenance. Violations of these rules often play a key role in semi crashes.
However, many lawyers aren’t fully familiar with the FMCSA regulations and may struggle to identify violations that could be important to your Westland, MI truck accident case. This is where experience and specialization make all the difference. At our law firm, every attorney is well-versed in the FMCSA rules and knows exactly where to look for potential violations.
When our truck accident lawyers take on your Westland, MI crash case, we conduct a thorough investigation that includes examining:
- The vehicle’s “black box” data – This device records critical information such as speed, braking patterns, and other metrics that can reveal if the semi was being operated unsafely.
- The vehicle’s inspection and maintenance history – We review maintenance records to determine if the semi was properly maintained or if any mechanical issues contributed to the crash.
- The semi driver’s drug and alcohol testing records – We check to see if the driver passed his or her mandatory drug and alcohol screenings to determine whether impaired driving caused or was a factor in the crash.
- The driver’s employment file, driving history, and phone records – This helps us assess if the driver had a history of violations or was distracted at the time of the crash.
Rapid Response Teams and the Importance Of Timely Crash Investigation
Delaying the decision to hire an experienced truck accident lawyer can have serious consequences in your Westland, MI crash case. In fact, waiting too long could mean the difference between winning and losing your case, potentially costing you millions of dollars.
That’s because transportation companies have an early advantage that can only be countered by a skilled attorney.
Transportation companies deploy what are known as “rapid response teams” to get a head start on shaping the narrative of the crash. Here’s how it works: as soon as a crash occurs, the semi driver contacts the dispatcher, who then notifies the company’s risk manager, who in turn calls the insurance defense attorney. The risk manager and attorney rush to the scene, where they begin immediate damage control, working to minimize the company’s liability and avoid paying you for your injuries.
The sooner you hire an experienced truck accident lawyer, the sooner you can level the playing field for your Westland, MI crash case. When you choose an attorney from Michigan Auto Law, our team immediately begins our own investigation. We gather crucial evidence, ensure that the transportation company doesn’t destroy key documents or data, interview witnesses, speak with law enforcement, and make sure that all the facts are properly documented and preserved. This swift action helps protect your rights and strengthens your case from the outset.
What Is Considered Important Evidence In A Case?
Our truck accident lawyers know that the most critical evidence in your Westland, MI crash case includes:
- Information from the tractor trailer’s Event Data Record (EDR) or “black box” – This device records key data such as speed, braking patterns, and other critical information that can help establish how the crash occurred.
- Information from the tractor trailer’s “electronic logging device” (ELD) – The ELD tracks the driver’s hours-of-service, ensuring that he or she stayed within the legal limits for driving time. This is essential in cases involving tired driving.
- The results of the semi driver’s mandatory alcohol and drug screening – Drug and alcohol testing is required after a crash, and the results of the driver’s post-crash toxicology test may show that impaired driving led to the crash.
- Crash scene photos and videos – Detailed photos and videos of the crash scene, vehicle damage, and surrounding area can help with crash reconstruction and strengthen your case.
- Surveillance videos – Security camera footage from intersections or nearby businesses can provide additional evidence showing how the crash unfolded.
- Dash cam videos – Many tractor trailers are equipped with dash cams that record video of the road, which can offer a first-hand look at the crash.
- Witness statements – Eyewitness accounts can provide important details about what happened before, during, and after the crash.
- The police report – The official police report will contain details of the crash, including any citations issued, witness accounts, and the officer’s conclusions about fault.
- The semi driver’s cell phone records, driving history, and employment file – Reviewing these records can help identify any past violations or patterns of unsafe driving behavior that may have contributed to the crash.
- Safety records – The semi driver’s and the transportation company’s safety records will show if they have a history of unsafe driving practices
- Maintenance records – These records will show whether the vehicle was being properly inspected, maintained and repaired prior to the crash.
The Best Truck Accident Lawyers Near You For Your Westland, MI Crash 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 Westland, MI and throughout the state. 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 Westland, 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 Westland, 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 Westland, 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.
- Award-winning attorneys – Our attorneys have consistently been named by independent third-party attorney review organizations as being among the “Best Lawyers” and “Best Law Firms” in America. We have more attorneys ranked as “Super Lawyers” than any other Michigan personal injury law firm, including two attorneys ranked among Michigan’s top 50 attorneys in the state, in a review of over 60,000 Michigan attorneys of all areas of legal practice.
- Client satisfaction – We are known for our unwavering ethical standards and our compassionate approach to client care. Our truck accident lawyers treat every client in Westland, MI and throughout the state with the respect and dignity they deserve, always returning calls and emails promptly. Thanks to the exceptional service we provide, we have earned more than 2,500 five-star reviews.
If you want an experienced and trusted truck accident lawyer to get you the biggest possible settlement in the shortest possible time for your Westland, MI crash case, look no further than Michigan Auto Law.
What Should I Do If I’ve Been Involved In A Crash With A Semi?
Our experienced Westland truck accident lawyers advise that there are several steps you should take if you or a family member have been involved in a semi crash:
- Move to a place of safety
- Get immediate medical attention for yourself and others
- Contact the police
- Report and document all of your injuries
- Refrain from signing any legal documents if you are not represented by counsel
- Submit your No-Fault benefits application as soon as possible
- Check your insurance policy and be sure to comply with all notification requirements
- Attend all doctor appointments and follow up with diagnostic testing, procedures, etc.
- Keep detailed records
- Hire an experienced attorney right away!
Who Can Be Held Responsible For My Crash?
In many semi crashes, multiple parties may share responsibility. Our experienced and trusted truck accident lawyer can help determine liability in your Westland, MI crash case and ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve. These are the most common parties who could be liable:
- The Semi Driver – More often than not, the driver is the primary responsible party. Negligent actions such as speeding, distracted driving, tired driving, impaired driving, or failing to follow traffic laws are negligent actions that create liability.
- The Transportation Company – If the transportation company is negligent in its hiring or training of drivers, or in the maintenance of its vehicles, or specialized truck accident lawyer could hold the company liable for your Westland, MI crash. Companies that push drivers to work beyond hours-of-service limits or fail to enforce proper safety protocols may share responsibility.
- The Semi Owner – If the semi is owned by a separate entity from the transportation company, the owner of the semi could be held liable for safety violations, maintenance issues, or equipment failure that causes or contributes to the crash.
- The Trailer Owner – Similar to the truck owner, our experienced truck accidents lawyer can hold the trailer owner may be responsible if there were issues related to the trailer’s condition or maintenance that led to the crash in Westland, MI.
- The Manufacturer – The manufacturer of the semi, trailer, or specific parts (like brakes, tires, or lighting) could bear some fault if a defect in the vehicle or its components contributed to the crash.
- The Maintenance Company – If the semi or trailer was improperly serviced or maintained or serviced, the maintenance company could face liability.
- The Leasing Agent – Where a semi is leased, the leasing company could be liable if it failed to ensure the vehicle met certain safety standards.
- The Shipping Company – If the shipping company provided inadequate or unsafe instructions for handling the cargo, our attorneys can find them at-fault for your crash in Westland, MI.
- The Load Broker – Load brokers, who arrange for the transportation of cargo, can be held liable if they negligently allow a tractor trailer to carry an unsafe or improper load.
- The Cargo Loading Company – Improper loading of the cargo, whether it’s overloading the semi or failing with cargo securement, can make the cargo loading company an at-fault party.
What Are The Most Common Causes Of Crashes?
According to our experienced lawyers, the most common causes of truck accidents in Westland include:
- Fatigued Driving – Tractor trailer drivers are often under intense pressure to deliver cargo quickly. However, they are also required to follow the FMCSA’s hours-of-service regulations. When drivers ignore these limits, they risk fatigue, which can lead to devastating crashes.
- Impaired Driving – Tractor trailer drivers who drive under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or even prescription or over-the-counter medications are at a much higher risk of causing a severe crash.
- Distracted Driving – Engaging in activities like texting, talking on the phone, or eating while driving a large semi can cause distractions that take a driver’s attention off the road, leading to potentially catastrophic results.
- Aggressive Driving – The stress of meeting tight delivery deadlines can result in reckless driving behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, and weaving through traffic. These actions significantly increase the likelihood of a serious crash.
- Lack of Driver Experience or Training – To save time and money, some transportation companies hire drivers without proper training. Insufficient experience can result in critical errors on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Equipment Failure – Mechanical failures, such as issues with brakes or lighting, are often the result of inadequate inspections and maintenance. When vehicles aren’t properly maintained, it can lead to dangerous equipment malfunctions that cause crashes.
How Long Do I Have To Sue After A Crash?
Michigan’s statute of limitations allows you three (3) years from the date of the crash to sue for pain and suffering and economic damages resulting from your crash. (MCL 600.5805)
Failing to file your lawsuit within this three-year window will preclude you from filing it at all. You will lose all of your legal rights to sue the negligent parties and hold them accountable for your injuries.
This is another reason to consult with an experienced and specialized attorney as soon as possible after your crash. An experienced attorney knows what needs to be filed, and when.
What Damages Can A Lawyer Help Recover From A Truck Accident In Westland, MI?
If you or a loved one was involved in a truck accident in Westland, a lawyer can help you recover the following damages:
- Medical costs
- Past and future lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Fright and shock
- Embarrassment, humiliation, or mortification
- Denial of social pleasures and enjoyments
- Wrongful death – If a loved one has died in a crash, compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support may be available.
How Common Are Semi Crashes In Michigan?
In 2023, Michigan saw 15,852 semi crashes, resulting in 103 deaths and 3,677 injuries, according to Michigan Traffic Crash Facts.