MICHIGAN TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYERS

Some of the most common causes of big rig accidents include:

• Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is a significant factor in many truck accidents. This can include activities like texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using in-cab entertainment systems while driving. These distractions divert the driver's attention from the road, reducing their ability to react to potential hazards.
• Operating While Intoxicated (OWI/DUI): Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a dangerous behavior that impairs a driver's judgment, coordination, and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Speeding: Excessive speed, whether due to pressure to meet tight delivery schedules or other reasons, can lead to loss of control, reduced stopping distances, and more severe collisions in the event of an accident.
• Reckless or Aggressive Driving: Aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating, frequent lane changes, and road rage can lead to unsafe driving conditions and increase the risk of accidents.
• Failing to Yield the Right-of-Way: Failure to yield the right-of-way at intersections, during lane changes, or when merging onto highways can result in collisions, especially when the truck driver is inattentive.
• Illegal and/or Dangerous Driving Maneuvers: Trucks attempting illegal or risky maneuvers, such as illegal U-turns or cutting off other vehicles, can create hazardous conditions on the road.
• Overloaded and/or Improperly Loaded Cargo: Overloading or improperly securing cargo can affect a truck's stability and handling, increasing the risk of accidents, especially during sudden stops or turns.
• Violation of Hours-of-Service Regulations: Fatigue-related accidents can occur when truck drivers exceed legal limits on driving hours, fail to take required rest breaks, or falsify their logbooks to meet unrealistic delivery schedules.
• Defective Truck Parts or Design: Mechanical failures, such as brake or tire issues, steering problems, or defective components, can lead to accidents. These may be the result of manufacturing defects or inadequate maintenance.
• Improper Truck Maintenance: Inadequate maintenance, including neglected brake, tire, and engine maintenance, can result in equipment failures that lead to accidents.

Trucking Rules & Regulations for Truck Drivers in Michigan

The fact that large trucks can cause such catastrophic damage to other motorists in the event of an accident is not lost on policymakers. Over the years, regulations have been passed that dictate the conditions in which truckers are allowed to drive and how trucking companies must treat their employees.

The end result is that truck drivers are required to follow more laws than other motor vehicles both on and off the road. One of these rules is called the hours of service regulation, which aims to prevent fatigued driving, ensuring that truck drivers are not overworked and get an adequate amount of rest each day. According to this law:

• Truck drivers can work a maximum of 14-hour workdays. Of these 14 hours, truckers can only drive for 11 hours, with the remaining time spent on rest or meal breaks.
• Truck drivers must rest for at least 10 consecutive hours before beginning a new workday.
• Truck drivers are required to take days off work at regular intervals.

Unfortunately, whether due to truck driver negligence or, often seen, pressure from the trucking companies, these rules are not always followed, which can raise the chances of an accident occurring significantly. If you or a loved one has been injured, don’t hesitate to contact our firm for help today. 

Our legal team is backed by 100+ years of combined experience, and we have recovered millions for our clients. Call today to arrange a free consultation.

Safety Challenges for Truck Drivers on Michigan Highways

Michigan's expansive highway system, including major routes such as I-75, I-96, and US-23, is heavily trafficked by commercial vehicles transporting goods across the state. These highways present unique challenges for truck drivers, owing to their high traffic volumes and diverse weather conditions. During winter months, for example, icy roads and reduced visibility can greatly increase the risk of truck accidents. The requirement to drive in adverse conditions obligates truckers to exercise increased caution and adhere to stricter safety protocols to prevent mishaps.

Additionally, busy urban zones like Detroit or Grand Rapids present further challenges. Congestion can lead to heightened stress and potentially risky driving behaviors as truck drivers navigate through tight spaces and sudden stops. Adhering to local traffic laws and staying informed about road conditions through reliable sources like the Michigan Department of Transportation can help mitigate risks. Truck drivers are encouraged to maintain regular communication with their dispatchers and utilize GPS systems that offer real-time traffic updates. By adopting these practices, truckers can enhance their safety, as well as the safety of those around them.

The Role of Insurance in Truck Accident Aftermath

Understanding insurance policies in the context of truck accidents is crucial given the potentially devastating aftermath of such incidents. In Michigan, no-fault insurance often covers the initial medical expenses and lost wages for those injured, regardless of who was at fault. However, given the severity of injuries typically sustained in truck accidents, minimum coverage amounts may quickly be exhausted, necessitating further legal action to recover additional damages.

Complex multi-party insurance claims often arise, involving the truck driver’s insurer, the trucking company’s insurer, and possibly multiple other vendors related to the truck's operation and cargo. Navigating such claims requires a nuanced understanding of both Michigan’s no-fault insurance laws and the specific liability laws applicable to commercial vehicles. At Grewal Law PLLC, we have a deep understanding of these intricacies, allowing us to provide informed guidance and strong representation. Our goal is to secure comprehensive compensation for our clients, encompassing medical costs, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and more.