Maximizing Your Recovery After a Detroit 18‑Wheeler Accident
When you’re involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler in Detroit, the impact can change your life in seconds. These crashes often result in serious injuries, long-term disabilities, and complex legal battles. As truck accident attorneys serving Detroit and the entire state of Michigan, we’ve helped many clients recover the full compensation they deserve. But the path to recovery isn’t automatic. Insurance companies will try to protect their bottom line, and trucking companies have legal teams ready to limit their liability. That’s why it’s critical to take the right steps after a crash.
We’ve seen firsthand how victims can lose out on compensation if they wait too long, say the wrong thing to adjusters, or don’t get the medical care they need. Michigan law provides you with rights and options after a trucking accident—but you have to act quickly and strategically to protect them. Our job is to make sure you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Understanding Michigan’s No-Fault Law And Truck Accident Claims
Michigan operates under a no-fault insurance system, which means your own auto insurance company pays for your initial medical bills and wage loss, regardless of who caused the crash. This coverage, called Personal Injury Protection (PIP), is outlined under MCL 500.3101. However, when an 18-wheeler is involved and you suffer serious injuries, you may also have the right to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver or trucking company.
Under MCL 500.3135, if your injuries meet the legal threshold of “serious impairment of body function,” you can seek damages beyond what no-fault covers—this includes pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and long-term future losses. We assess each client’s case to determine if their injuries meet this standard so we can pursue a third-party claim for full compensation.
Common Causes Of Detroit 18-Wheeler Accidents
Many truck crashes happen because drivers or trucking companies break safety rules. Some of the most common causes include:
- Driver fatigue from violating federal hours-of-service rules
- Distracted or impaired driving
- Poor truck maintenance
- Overloaded or improperly secured cargo
- Inadequate driver training
We work to uncover the cause by investigating the truck’s black box data, dash cams, driver logs, and maintenance records. Proving negligence is critical in a truck accident claim, and these cases often involve more evidence and more parties than a standard car crash.
Holding Trucking Companies Accountable
Unlike a typical car accident, a commercial truck crash can involve multiple liable parties. These may include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The cargo shipper
- The vehicle maintenance provider
Under MCL 257.401, Michigan’s owner liability statute, a company that owns the vehicle can be held responsible for negligence even if they weren’t driving. We use this law, along with state and federal trucking regulations, to hold companies accountable for the harm they caused.
Steps You Can Take To Maximize Your Recovery
- Get Immediate Medical Attention – Even if you don’t feel injured right away, you should get checked by a doctor. Some injuries take days to show symptoms, and medical records will be key to your case.
- Don’t Talk To The Insurance Company Alone – Insurance adjusters may call quickly after the crash. Don’t give a recorded statement or accept a settlement offer without speaking to a lawyer first.
- Gather Evidence If You Can – If it’s safe, take photos of the accident scene, your vehicle, the truck, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from witnesses.
- Follow All Medical Advice – Keep every doctor’s appointment, follow treatment plans, and document how your injuries affect your daily life. This builds a record that supports your claim.
- Call A Truck Accident Attorney Early – The trucking company will have legal help right away. You should, too. The sooner we get involved, the better chance we have to secure critical evidence before it disappears.
Frequently Asked Questions About Detroit 18-Wheeler Accident Claims
What Is The Difference Between A Truck Accident And A Car Accident Claim In Michigan?
Truck accident cases are often more complex than car crashes. They involve larger insurance policies, more serious injuries, and often multiple parties. In a truck accident, we may need to investigate not just the driver, but also the company that owns the truck, the cargo company, or even the truck manufacturer. These claims also require a deep understanding of federal trucking laws and how they apply to your case.
Can I Sue The Trucking Company If I Was Injured In A Detroit Crash?
Yes. If your injuries meet the legal standard of serious impairment under MCL 500.3135, you can file a lawsuit against the at-fault party, including the trucking company. We often find the company failed to follow safety procedures, didn’t train its drivers properly, or allowed unsafe driving practices. Holding the company accountable increases your chances of recovering the full amount of your damages.
How Long Do I Have To File A Truck Accident Lawsuit In Michigan?
Michigan has a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, under MCL 600.5805. This means you must file your lawsuit within three years of the date of the accident. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to seek compensation. That’s why it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
What If I Was Partially At Fault For The Crash?
Michigan follows the rule of modified comparative fault under MCL 600.2959. If you were partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, as long as you were not more than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. If you’re found to be 51% or more at fault, you may be barred from recovering non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
What Compensation Can I Get After An 18-Wheeler Accident?
If your injuries are serious, you can recover damages for:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Medical bills not covered by PIP
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Every case is different, and we fight for the maximum amount based on your injuries and how the crash has affected your life.
Call Ravid & Associates, P.C. To Protect Your Rights After A Truck Crash
At Ravid & Associates, P.C., we fight to get truck accident victims the compensation they deserve. We know the tactics trucking companies use to avoid responsibility, and we push back with strong legal strategies built on evidence, law, and dedication to your recovery.
Call our Detroit truck accident attorney at Ravid & Associates, P.C. today at (248) 948-9696 to receive your free consultation. We represent clients in Detroit and throughout the entire state of Michigan from our office in Southfield, Michigan.
