Semi-Truck Accident Attorney in Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor Serving West Michigan and Washtenaw County

Semi-Truck Accidents in Michigan: Understanding Your Rights After a Truck Crash

Semi-trucks and commercial vehicles play a critical role in Michigan’s economy, transporting goods across Grand Rapids, West Michigan, and beyond. However, when a semi-truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results can be devastating. Due to the massive size and weight of these trucks, accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi-truck accident, you may be entitled to significant compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Attorney Aaron Israels fights for the rights of truck accident victims in Grand Rapids and West Michigan and can help navigate the complex legal process of holding negligent trucking companies accountable.

Why Are Semi-Truck Accidents So Dangerous?

The size and weight of commercial trucks make them far more dangerous than typical passenger vehicle accidents. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, compared to the average 3,000-pound car. As a result, truck accidents often cause severe injuries, including:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) – Head trauma from violent collisions.
• Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis – Life-altering conditions requiring long-term care.
• Broken Bones & Internal Injuries – Severe fractures, organ damage, and internal bleeding.
• Severe Burns – If fuel ignites, victims can suffer life-threatening burns.
• Wrongful Death – Many truck accidents result in fatalities due to the immense impact force.

Because of these severe injuries, truck accident victims often face years of medical treatment and lost income. That’s why holding trucking companies and negligent drivers accountable is crucial.

Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents in Michigan

Most truck accidents happen due to driver negligence, mechanical failures, or company policy violations. Common causes include:

• Driver Fatigue – Overworked truck drivers fall asleep or react too slowly.
• Distracted Driving – Texting, eating, or adjusting GPS causes crashes.
• Speeding or Reckless Driving – Large trucks take longer to stop, making speeding deadly.
• Drunk or Drugged Driving – Some drivers use stimulants to stay awake, impairing judgment.
• Poor Truck Maintenance – Failing brakes, tire blowouts, or engine malfunctions.
• Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo – Uneven weight causes rollovers and jackknifes.
• Dangerous Weather Conditions – Ice, snow, or fog increase accident risks.

If a truck driver or trucking company fails to follow safety regulations, they can be held legally and financially responsible for your injuries.

Who Is Liable in a Michigan Semi-Truck Accident?

One of the biggest challenges in truck accident cases is determining liability. Unlike standard car accidents, multiple parties may be responsible, including:

• The Truck Driver – If the driver was speeding, distracted, fatigued, or under the influence, they may be held liable.
• The Trucking Company – If the company violated safety regulations, forced drivers to work overtime, or failed to maintain vehicles, they can be held accountable.
• The Cargo Loading Company – If the truck’s cargo was improperly loaded, leading to a crash, the loading company may be responsible.
• The Truck Manufacturer – If a mechanical defect caused the accident, the truck manufacturer or parts supplier may be at fault.

Trucking companies and their insurance carriers will do everything possible to deny responsibility—which is why hiring a West Michigan truck accident attorney like Attorney Aaron Israels is essential.

Michigan Truck Accident Insurance & No-Fault Laws

Because Michigan is a No-Fault state, injured victims can file a claim for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, covering:

• Medical expenses – Hospital bills, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
•  Lost wages – Up to 85% of lost income while recovering.
•  Household replacement services – Compensation for chores you can’t perform.

However, Michigan’s No-Fault system does NOT cover pain and suffering—to recover these damages, you must file a lawsuit against the at-fault party.

Filing a Lawsuit for a Semi-Truck Accident in Michigan

If a truck accident causes severe injuries, permanent disability, or death, victims can file a third-party claim against the at-fault driver, trucking company, or other responsible parties.

A successful claim can recover additional damages, including:

• Pain and Suffering – Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
• Permanent Disability – If the accident causes paralysis, brain damage, or other life-altering conditions.
• Wrongful Death – Families of deceased victims may file a wrongful death lawsuit for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship.

Our law firm aggressively fights for maximum compensation for truck accident victims—because trucking companies and their insurers will fight to minimize payouts.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Michigan

If you’ve been involved in a semi-truck accident, taking immediate action can strengthen your claim:

• Call 911 & Seek Medical Attention – Get emergency treatment and file a police report.
• Take Photos & Videos – Document vehicle damage, skid marks, and road conditions.
• Get Witness Information – Statements from bystanders can support your case.
• Do NOT Speak to Insurance Adjusters – Trucking company insurers may try to trick your or get you to same something that will hurt your claim—consult a lawyer first.
• Contact a Michigan Truck Accident Lawyer – Attorney Aaron Israels can investigate the crash, collect evidence, and fight for full compensation.

Call us today for a Free Consultation at (616) 280-4303 or visit our website at www.AaronUnderstands.com

This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.