Driving on the highway has its risks, and one of them is large semis. These vehicles are already big and heavy, and once negligent actions are added to the mix, you or a loved one could suffer severe injuries in an accident. A tractor-trailer accident lawyer in Okemos, MI, can help if you’ve been in an accident.
Our team at White Law PLLC understands the frustration and range of emotions you feel after an accident. Our Okemos, MI, truck accident lawyers can help you find the liable parties and hold them accountable.
Common Causes of Tractor Trailer Accidents in Okemos, MI
Tractor trailers are big and heavy as they are, which makes them more likely to cause an accident. But other external factors cause these accidents. Some of the most common reasons for tractor trailer accidents include the following:
- Driver fatigue: Long periods of time on the road can lead to driver fatigue, impairing alertness and the driver’s reaction time.
- Distracted driving: Using mobile phones, eating, or other distractions is another common cause of tractor trailer accidents.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react to unexpected situations.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications can impair a driver’s judgment and coordination.
- Poor weather conditions: Rain, snow, ice, and fog can decrease visibility and road traction.
- Mechanical Failures: Brake failures, tire blowouts, or other issues with trucks can lead to an Okemos, MI, tractor trailer accident.
- Inadequate maintenance: Improperly maintained vehicles are more prone to accidents.
- Improper loading: If cargo isn’t loaded right, cargo can shift, causing instability or rollovers.
- Unsafe lane changes: Abrupt lane changes without proper signaling can lead to collisions.
If you were hit by a commercial truck, our personal injury lawyers in Okemos, MI, can help determine the cause of your accident. Then, we’ll help you through the next legal steps.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
How Much Time do You Have to File a Personal Injury Claim After an Okemos Trailer Tractor Accident?
According to Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.5805, you must file a personal injury claim three years from your tractor trailer accident crash. After this time passes, you will no longer be eligible for compensation.
That’s why you should make a point to file your claim as soon as possible. We understand that comprehending all this information after a tractor trailer crash can be overwhelming. But don’t worry, our tractor trailer accident lawyer in Okemos, MI, can help you.
If you’re unsure of how much time you have to file, based on your specific case details, we can tell you in a free case evaluation. It’s better to know how long you have than to miss out on the compensation you rightfully qualify for.
What Information do You Need to Have to File a Claim?
While filing a personal injury claim is a fairly easy legal task, it requires a substantial amount of information to file. Our team can walk you through the necessary information and even help you file your claim. Here is some of the information you’ll need to file your claim after an Okemos, MI, tractor trailer accident:
- Date, time, and location of the incident.
- Description of how the accident occurred.
- All parties’ contact information, including their names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance details.
- Names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Details of your injuries sustained in the accident.
- Medical records, including diagnosis, treatment plans, and prescriptions.
- Document all medical expenses, bills, and receipts related to your injuries.
- Obtain copies of any police reports or accident reports filed about the incident.
- Photographs of the accident scene, injuries, and property damage.
- Documentation of any property damage, such as vehicle repair estimates.
We know how to get our clients the results they need in the toughest legal arenas.
How does a Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyer Prove Negligence?
Establishing negligence in a tractor trailer crash involves demonstrating specific elements that showcase the responsible party’s failure to exercise reasonable care. The successful presentation of these elements is essential in building a strong case for your personal injury claim:
- Duty of care: The first element establishes that the responsible party owed a duty of care to others on the road, including you as the injured party. In a tractor trailer crash, this duty is often straightforward as all drivers are obligated to operate their vehicles safely and responsibly, considering the safety of others.
- Breach of duty: Once the duty of care is established, the next step is to show that the responsible party breached this duty. This involves proving that their actions or lack of action differed from what a careful person would do under similar circumstances. For example, a breach of duty could include a truck driver operating their vehicle while tired, distracted, or speeding.
- Causation: Establishing a direct link between the breach of duty and the accident itself is the third element. This means demonstrating that the responsible party’s actions or negligence directly caused the tractor trailer crash. Subject expert analysis, accident reconstruction, and medical reports can be key in establishing this causation.
- Damages: Lastly, to complete the negligence claim, you must show that you suffered actual damages from the tractor trailer crash. These damages include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Evidence of your injuries and the losses you’ve experienced due to the accident is vital in validating your claim.
Proving these elements requires a thorough investigation, evidence collection, and legal experience. A skilled personal injury attorney from our law firm can help gather the necessary information, build a compelling case, and advocate to establish negligence and secure the compensation you deserve.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
What Damages Can You Recover After an Okemos, MI, Tractor Trailer Accident?
Our tractor trailer accident attorney in Okemos, MI, from White Law PLLC, can help you recover economic and non-economic damages. Some of the damages you can recover include losses such as:
- Medical expenses: Including hospital bills, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment.
- Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to time off work for recovery or medical appointments.
- Future earnings: If the injury affects your ability to work in the future you could recover compensation.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Emotional distress: Compensation for psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Property damage: Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle or other property damaged in the accident.
- Loss of consortium: Compensation for the impact of the injuries on your relationships with your spouse or family.
- Loss of enjoyment: Compensation for the inability to enjoy activities or hobbies due to the injury.
- Punitive damages: In cases of gross negligence or intentional harm, additional damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party.
- Wrongful death damages: If the accident results in a fatality, certain family members may be eligible to seek compensation for losing their loved one, including funeral expenses and loss of financial support.
If you’ve lost a loved one in a tractor trailer crash in Okemos, our team is truly sorry for your loss. Our tractor trailer accident attorney in Okemos, MI, can help you prove your wrongful death case.
You may be eligible for additional damages depending on the details of your Okemos, MI, tractor trailer accident. Our tractor trailer lawyer in Okemos, MI, can assess your eligible damages.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm After Your Semi-Truck Accident
If you’ve suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a semi-truck accident, our team at White Law PLLC can help you recover compensation. Our Okemos, MI, tractor trailer attorneys know what it takes to get justice for you and your family. We’ve recovered over $1 billion in compensation for our clients overall.
Let us go to work for you; contact us for a free case evaluation.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.
