If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a commercial truck crash in Livonia, MI, hiring an experienced truck accident lawyer in Livonia who specializes exclusively in this area of law will help you ensure that your legal rights are protected and that you get the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering and economic loss.
Hiring an attorney who focuses his or her practice on truck accident cases makes a major difference. Attorneys who lack this specific experience may overlook key issues, like violations of federal trucking regulations, that can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
Acting quickly is just as important. Trucking companies often move fast to secure evidence and shape the narrative in their favor. A seasoned truck crash lawyer knows how to step in right away, protect crucial records, and launch a thorough investigation to build a strong case from the start.
Call an experienced lawyer today to ensure you don’t leave money on the table.
To get an idea of what your settlement might be worth, check out this auto accident settlement calculator.
Comprehensive Investigation of the Crash
Truck crashes often involve complicated crash dynamics, multiple vehicles, and commercial drivers operating under federal regulations promulgated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. They also involve aggressive trucking companies and insurance adjusters who act quickly to control the narrative of the crash and attempt to deny liability. As such, hiring an experienced attorney right away is crucial to your claim.
A qualified attorney will immediately begin a thorough investigation of the accident scene and all circumstances surrounding the crash. This investigation may include:
- Visiting the crash site to document road conditions, traffic controls, skid marks, and debris
- Interviewing eyewitnesses and first responders
- Reviewing the police report and accident reconstruction findings
- Requesting driver logs and maintenance records from the trucking company
- Determining whether there was a violation of the FMCSA
- Analyzing compliance with hours-of-service regulations
The goal is to uncover all the facts and identify how and why the crash occurred. Without this investigation, critical information may be lost or overlooked.
Gather and Preserve Critical Evidence
Evidence can make or break a truck accident case. The best attorneys know how to secure and protect it before it’s lost or destroyed.
Key pieces of evidence may include:
- The truck’s black box (ECM) data, which reveals key information such as speed, braking, and throttle position
- Dash cam or surveillance video footage
- Vehicle damage assessments and photos
- Cell phone records (if distracted driving is suspected)
- Drug and alcohol test results
In many cases, your lawyer will send a formal “notice to preserve evidence” (i.e., a spoliation letter) to the trucking company to prevent destruction of logs, inspection reports, and other critical documents. This step is essential to protect your right to file a strong legal claim.
Determine Liability
In a truck crash, identifying who is legally responsible isn’t always simple. Unlike typical auto accidents, truck crashes may involve multiple liable parties.
An experienced attorney will explore whether liability rests with:
- The truck driver – for speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or impairment
- The trucking company – for negligent hiring, training, or supervision
- The truck &/or trailer owner – If it’s someone other than the trucking company
- A parts manufacturer – if a mechanical failure contributed to the crash
- A third-party maintenance provider – for improper repairs
- A cargo loader – if overloaded or unsecured cargo was a factor
Michigan law allows you to pursue claims against all parties who share fault. Your attorney’s job is to identify every source of potential liability and hold them accountable.
Assess and Calculate Damages
Truck crashes often cause devastating injuries that result in overwhelming financial, physical, and emotional consequences. Your attorney will carefully assess the full scope of your damages to ensure you pursue maximum compensation.
Damages in a truck accident case may include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement or permanent disability
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death damages if a loved one was killed in the crash
The best attorneys work with medical experts, economists, and life care planners to document and quantify your losses so that your case reflects the true value of your injuries.
Negotiate a Full and Fair Settlement
In many cases, truck accident claims are resolved through settlement before reaching trial. However, insurance companies rarely offer fair compensation unless they know you have a strong case and a legal professional ready to go to court.
Your attorney will use the evidence gathered and the damages assessed to negotiate from a position of strength. By understanding the tactics used by trucking companies and their insurers, your legal representative will push for a settlement that covers all your losses.
Unlike some firms that take quick settlements to close files, experienced truck crash lawyers take the time to build leverage and maximize your recovery. Their goal is to protect your future, not just wrap up your case.
File Your Lawsuit
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to court. Filing a lawsuit involves strict procedural rules and deadlines that must be followed under Michigan law.
Your attorney will:
- Draft and file your complaint within the statute of limitations
- Serve the proper parties
- Engage in the discovery process to obtain evidence
- Represent you at depositions and court hearings
- Respond to motions and legal defenses raised by the other side
Most importantly, your lawyer will prepare your case for trial and fight to secure a verdict in your favor if necessary.
How To Find An Experienced Truck Crash Lawyer In Livonia?
Here’s what to look for if you want to choose the right attorney:
- Experience handling truck crash cases – Ask how many trucking cases the lawyer has successfully resolved.
- Exclusive focus on truck accident law – A lawyer who concentrates solely on truck litigation will be more familiar with the complex regulations involved.
- Proven results – Look for a track record that includes million-dollar settlements and verdicts.
- Willingness to go to trial – Choose an attorney who is not afraid to take your case to court if that’s what it takes to get full compensation.
- Reputation with past clients – Check reviews and testimonials to see how the attorney treats clients and communicates throughout the case.