The possibility of a car accident is a daily threat every driver has to deal with. Large commercial trucks, with their size and heavy weight, are often the most dangerous vehicles on the highway. When a truck accident happens, it tends to cause far more damage than a simple car wreck.
Fortunately, truck accident victims are entitled to seek fair compensation from those responsible. Your Kalamazoo personal injury lawyer at White Law PLLC is here to help you fight for the maximum possible settlement, providing legal support through every step of the claims process. Schedule a 100% free consultation with an experienced Kalamazoo truck accident lawyer at our firm today to find out what your next steps should be.
Michigan Truck Accidents Can Have Fatal Effects
According to the Michigan State Police, there were 16,714 accidents involving trucks or buses in 2022. Of those, 105 caused fatalities. There were 8,728 accidents in Kalamazoo County alone, with 1,844 injuries reported.
While a car accident is always a risk you take when you drive, the involvement of a truck makes the crash more potentially dangerous. Trucks are larger and heavier, with a much larger blind spot than most cars. They may also be carrying dangerous cargo that can be knocked loose in a crash.
The danger posed by these vehicles is exactly why a truck accident attorney in Kalamazoo is so important. These accidents can be devastating and costly, leaving victims in dire need of compensation. However, the nature of commercial driving makes it difficult to determine fault without the help of a skilled attorney.
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Truck Accidents Can Happen for Many Reasons
Many of the same factors that cause a smaller car accident are still at play in truck accidents. However, they also provide their own unique causes. Driving a large commercial truck for a living is a challenging profession, and that difficulty can lead to accidents.
Driver fatigue is one of the most common reasons for a truck accident, according to an article published by the National Library of Medicine. Truck drivers must stay alert for long periods, driving for most of the day, every day. While there are rules in place to prevent this as much as possible, it is still easy for a driver to become fatigued and possibly cause an accident.
Another unique cause for truck accidents comes when they are overloaded with cargo. Maintaining the right weight is a delicate matter, one that can have disastrous results if not handled carefully. According to another study by the National Library of Medicine, around 80% of truck accidents occur because trucks are overloaded with cargo.
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Injuries Are Common and Dangerous in Kalamazoo Truck Crashes
Truck accidents can lead to devastating accidents, hurting you severely and potentially causing life-threatening or deadly injuries. When these accidents happen, you may need help from your truck accident lawyer in Kalamazoo, MI, to identify the injuries and get compensated fairly for your damages. Below are some of the more common serious injuries we see in truck accident claims:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Internal bleeding
- Bone fractures
- Lacerations
- Internal organ damage
If you have suffered any of these injuries, you may have grounds for a lawsuit with your Kalamazoo truck accident attorney. When you are hurt and suffering, you need compensation that helps you deal with the severity of your injuries. Fortunately, we are prepared to identify the full impact of your injuries and help you get the fair compensation you deserve.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
Identifying the Liable Party in Your Kalamazoo Truck Accident Claim
When you are hurt in a truck accident, one of your most important steps is determining liability for your accident. While it may seem obvious, the answer can be tricky, especially as the person who caused your accident is not always the only financially liable party. If you are seeking compensation for a truck accident, talk to your truck accident attorney in Kalamazoo, MI, about the following potential at-fault parties.
The Trucking Company
If your injuries were caused by a truck driver acting in the scope of their employment, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. Trucking companies are responsible for their truckers, which should engage in appropriate hiring and training practices. If they fail to properly train their employees, or if they fail to ensure employees are engaging in safe driving practices, they may be held liable for your injuries.
Parts Defects
In some cases, the truck driver or other driver may have been driving with care, but a part failed, which caused them to lose control of the vehicle. When the brakes, steering, or other parts fail, it can lead to a dangerous truck accident. Fortunately, we may be able to identify the manufacturer responsible for these issues and help hold them accountable.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Kalamazoo
The first thing you should do after a truck accident is to seek medical aid. Getting care can prevent injuries from worsening, and it can create a record of your medical care in relation to the accident. Even if you feel fine, let a doctor examine you for signs of delayed injuries.
Be sure you also report your accident. The insurance company will need to know about the accident, and you may be required to file a police report under Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) §256.622. Your police report can include needed information about your accident and who may be at fault.
Finally, be sure to contact our team at White Law PLLC. We can determine whether you have grounds for a lawsuit and help you take action. We can also ensure you are acting within the personal injury statute of limitations time limits under MCL §600.5805.
Call Your Kalamazoo Truck Accident Attorney for the Highest-Quality Legal Support
When a truck accident happens, your injuries can be devastating. You may have been seriously hurt, leaving you with injuries and trauma that can haunt you for life. Worse, the trucking company or other at-fault party may be doing everything in their power to avoid compensating you for your injuries.
At White Law PLLC, we offer the full scope of legal assistance you may need to navigate your truck accident claim. Meet with your Kalamazoo truck accident attorney during a free consultation. Reach out to learn more about whether you have grounds for a claim by giving our office a call or filling out our online contact form.
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