Truck accidents are among the most devastating motor vehicle collisions on Michigan roads. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks often lead to especially catastrophic injuries that victims may never fully recover from. If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, you may be entitled to take legal action against the responsible party.
Learn about what’s involved with filing a claim below, and contact a truck accident lawyer in Sterling Heights today if you’re ready to get started with your case.
Step 1: Report the Accident and Seek Medical Care
You should first call 911 and report the accident if you can after getting to safety. A police report is essential for your claim because it documents what happened and can help serve as evidence during settlement negotiations.
You should also seek medical care right away, whether or not you have any obvious symptoms. Some injuries, such as certain traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), may not be immediately apparent. Medical records will also serve as critical proof when you seek compensation later.
A truck accident attorney can help ensure all medical documentation is properly collected and organized for your claim.
Step 2: Gather Evidence
If it’s safe to do so, collect evidence at the scene. This might mean taking photos and videos of the scene as well as exchanging information with the other driver(s) involved in the crash.
If witnesses were present, ask for their contact information as well. Witness statements often help confirm what happened and support your version of events.
Your truck accident lawyer can also help gather additional evidence, such as:
- Truck driver logs
- Black box data
- Vehicle maintenance records
- Employer safety policies
- Toxicology reports
This evidence can establish who was responsible for the crash and strengthen your claim.
Step 3: Determine Who Is Liable
Truck accidents often involve multiple parties. Depending on the facts of your case, the following may be liable:
- The truck driver, if they acted negligently, such as by speeding
- The trucking company for poor hiring and maintenance practices
- The truck manufacturer, if a defective part caused the crash
- A cargo loading company for the improper loading of materials
Michigan law allows you to pursue compensation from any negligent party, so it’s worth looking into everyone who shares liability to make your claim as lucrative as possible. Your truck accident attorney in Sterling Heights can investigate all potentially liable parties to maximize your recovery.
Step 4: File an Insurance Claim or Lawsuit
Michigan follows a no-fault insurance system, which means you will typically start by filing a claim through your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. PIP can provide you with benefits regardless of who caused the accident.
However, if your injuries meet the state’s “serious impairment” threshold or if another exception applies, you may be able to step outside the no-fault system and file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. This allows you to seek compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other non-economic damages.
Keep in mind that Michigan’s statute of limitations generally gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, so it’s important to act promptly to protect your legal rights.
Contact Our Sterling Heights Truck Accident Attorneys to Help File Your Claim
Filing a truck accident claim in Michigan can feel like an impossible task while you’re focused on recovering from a serious injury. Our team of truck accident lawyers at Khamo Law is here to handle the entirety of your legal claim during that time, including taking your case to court if needed.
Contact us today for a free consultation at (248) 466-0606. Our Sterling Heights truck accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay attorneys’ fees if you win.