Why Michigan Truck Accident Claims Are More Complex Than Car Accidents
As Detroit car accident lawyers, we understand the unique dangers that large trucks pose on Michigan highways. Every day, commercial vehicles travel across I-94, I-75, and I-96 carrying goods throughout the state and beyond. When collisions occur, they often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities due to the sheer size and weight of these trucks. While both truck and car accidents fall under Michigan’s no-fault insurance system, truck accident claims introduce additional layers of complexity. These cases involve multiple parties, federal and state trucking regulations, and different insurance coverages. That is why we want to explain why truck accident claims are more complicated and what Michigan laws mean for victims and their families.
Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance System And Truck Accidents
Under Michigan’s no-fault law, codified at MCL 500.3101 et seq., accident victims are generally required to first seek Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits from their own insurer, regardless of who caused the crash. These benefits cover medical expenses, lost wages, and replacement services. However, truck accidents often involve catastrophic injuries that exceed the limits of PIP coverage, especially after the 2019 reforms to Michigan’s no-fault system under MCL 500.3107c, which allow drivers to choose lower medical coverage limits.
Because of these limits, truck accident victims often need to pursue third-party claims to recover damages beyond PIP. This includes pain and suffering, excess medical bills, and loss of earning capacity under MCL 500.3135. Establishing a threshold injury—meaning a serious impairment of body function, permanent serious disfigurement, or death—is necessary to move forward with such claims.
Multiple Parties And Complex Liability Issues
Unlike typical car accidents, truck accident claims often involve multiple defendants. Beyond the truck driver, liability may extend to the trucking company, the owner of the trailer, maintenance contractors, loading companies, or even manufacturers of defective parts. Each party may carry separate insurance policies, and each insurer will attempt to limit responsibility.
Under MCL 257.401(1), vehicle owners can be held vicariously liable for negligent operation of their vehicles. This statute is especially relevant in truck accidents, where both the driver and the trucking company may share responsibility. Determining which party bears legal liability requires careful investigation, review of contracts, and examination of maintenance and employment records.
Federal And State Trucking Regulations
Truck drivers and trucking companies are subject not only to Michigan traffic laws but also to federal safety regulations enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations govern hours-of-service limits, vehicle maintenance, driver qualifications, and cargo loading requirements. Violations of these rules can play a critical role in proving negligence. For example, if a driver exceeds hours-of-service limits and causes a crash due to fatigue, both the driver and the company may be liable.
Michigan also enforces its own commercial vehicle codes, including weight restrictions under MCL 257.722. Overloaded trucks can make accidents far more severe, and violations of these laws can be strong evidence of negligence.
Catastrophic Injuries And Lifelong Impacts
Because trucks weigh up to 80,000 pounds, accidents often cause devastating injuries—traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, or death. These injuries typically exceed the economic losses recoverable under PIP, forcing victims into lengthy litigation against trucking companies and their insurers. Michigan’s wrongful death statute, MCL 600.2922, also comes into play when families lose a loved one in a truck accident. Damages may include medical expenses, lost financial support, loss of companionship, and funeral costs.
The Role Of Insurance In Truck Accident Claims
Trucking companies usually carry much higher liability insurance coverage than individual drivers. Federal law requires interstate motor carriers to maintain at least $750,000 in liability insurance under 49 CFR § 387.9, with higher limits required for carriers transporting hazardous materials. However, multiple victims may be injured in a single truck accident, and insurers often fight aggressively to minimize payouts. Understanding the insurance policies in play is critical for maximizing recovery.
Litigation Challenges In Truck Accident Cases
Truck accident litigation often requires accident reconstruction experts, medical testimony, and extensive discovery of company records, such as driver logs and maintenance files. Under MCR 2.302, Michigan’s discovery rules allow parties to request relevant documents, but trucking companies often attempt to limit access or delay production. The complexity of these cases demands persistence and careful preparation.
FAQs About Truck Accident Claims In Michigan
Why Are Truck Accidents More Likely To Cause Serious Injuries Than Car Accidents?
Truck accidents are more dangerous because of the size and weight of commercial vehicles. An 80,000-pound truck striking a passenger vehicle generates far more force than a collision between two cars. This often results in catastrophic injuries or fatalities, even at lower speeds.
Do Michigan’s No-Fault Benefits Cover All Medical Expenses After A Truck Accident?
Not necessarily. Under Michigan’s no-fault law, PIP benefits are limited by the coverage level selected on the policy. Many policies now provide capped coverage, and once that limit is reached, victims must pursue claims against the at-fault parties for additional compensation.
Can A Trucking Company Be Held Responsible For The Driver’s Negligence?
Yes. Under MCL 257.401, vehicle owners can be held liable for negligent operation. Additionally, trucking companies may be directly liable for negligent hiring, training, or supervision of drivers, as well as for violations of safety regulations.
What Evidence Is Important In A Michigan Truck Accident Claim?
Key evidence includes driver logbooks, electronic logging device (ELD) records, truck maintenance reports, cargo loading documentation, and data from the truck’s black box. Witness statements, police reports, and accident reconstruction analyses are also crucial.
How Long Do I Have To File A Truck Accident Lawsuit In Michigan?
Under MCL 600.5805(2), the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the accident. For wrongful death claims under MCL 600.2922, the time limit is also three years, although certain exceptions may apply.
Are Punitive Damages Available In Michigan Truck Accident Cases?
Michigan law generally does not allow punitive damages. However, exemplary damages may be available in certain cases where the defendant’s conduct was especially reckless or malicious.
What If The Truck Driver Was An Independent Contractor?
Even if the driver is classified as an independent contractor, trucking companies may still be liable depending on the circumstances. Courts often look beyond labels to evaluate the company’s level of control over the driver’s work.
What Happens If Multiple People Are Injured In The Same Truck Accident?
When multiple victims are injured, insurance proceeds may need to be divided among claimants. This makes it even more important to pursue claims aggressively to secure fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Protect Your Rights After A Truck Accident With Ravid & Associates, P.C.
Truck accident claims in Michigan are significantly more complex than car accident claims, and victims deserve attorneys who understand the interplay between no-fault law, state statutes, and federal trucking regulations. At Ravid & Associates, P.C., we use our knowledge of Michigan law and decades of litigation experience to hold negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Detroit or anywhere in Michigan, contact our Detroit truck accident attorneys at Ravid & Associates, P.C. by calling (248) 948-9696 to receive your free consultation. From our office in Southfield, we represent clients throughout the state. We charge no upfront fees, and you pay nothing unless we win your case. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
