A truck crash hits harder than most people can imagine. One moment you’re on the road; the next, your life is flipped upside down by a vehicle weighing 40 tons or more. The physical pain, the mounting medical bills, the lost wages, the trauma, the long-term disabilities—none of it is fair, and none of it is easy. If you’re here, chances are you or someone you love is trying to make sense of the aftermath. You’re overwhelmed, hurting, and looking for someone who actually gets it.

At Marko Law, we do. Truck crashes aren’t “typical accidents.” They are high-stakes events governed by complex federal regulations, aggressive insurance companies, and corporations that deploy legal teams within hours to protect themselves—not you. That’s why you need a law firm that moves just as quickly, fights just as hard, and refuses to back down.

Based in downtown Detroit, Marko Law has earned a reputation for taking on some of the toughest defendants in Michigan and across the country—and winning. Our founder, Jon Marko, is a nationally recognized civil rights and personal injury trial attorney with a proven record of seven- and eight-figure verdicts in high-profile, high-pressure cases. When trucking companies try to deny responsibility or minimize what happened to you, our team is ready to take them to court and tell your story with power, clarity, and truth.

Liability in Michigan Truck Crash Cases: Who Can Be Held Responsible

Truck Driver Liability

Truck drivers can be held liable when their negligence causes a crash. Common issues include:

• Speeding, tailgating, or reckless driving
• Driver fatigue—a major factor in commercial crashes
• Intoxication by alcohol or drugs
• Distracted driving, including texting behind the wheel
• Violations of FMCSA Hours-of-Service rules or Michigan traffic laws

Trucking Company Liability

Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, a trucking company is responsible for the actions of its employee-drivers. But the company may have its own independent negligence as well, including:

• Negligent hiring, training, supervision, or retention
• Pressuring drivers to violate HOS limits or drive fatigued
• Failing to maintain trucks, inspect fleets, or fix known mechanical problems
• Violations of the Vehicle Maintenance BASIC under the FMCSA Safety Measurement System (SMS) methodology, which tracks carrier performance and safety risks

Broker, Shipper, or Loading Company Liability

Poorly loaded or improperly secured freight can turn a truck into a deadly weapon. Liability may fall on:

• Brokers or shippers who were negligent in hiring unsafe carriers
• Loading companies that failed to secure cargo
• Parties who overloaded or imbalanced freight, causing instability or rollovers

Vehicle or Parts Manufacturer Liability

Sometimes the crash wasn’t caused by driver error at all. Defective parts can trigger catastrophic failures such as:

• Tire blowouts
• Brake system failures
• Steering or mechanical breakdowns

Maintenance Contractors

Trucking companies often outsource maintenance. These third parties may be liable when their failures cause a crash:

• Faulty or incomplete repairs
• Missed inspections
• Failure to comply with FMCSA-required maintenance standards

Government Entities (in Limited Situations)

If a crash is caused by:

• Dangerous road conditions
• Improper or missing signage
• Poorly designed or maintained roadways

How Marko Law Builds a Truck Crash Case

Immediate Evidence Preservation

Time is everything in a truck crash case. Evidence can disappear quickly, and trucking companies often move fast to control the narrative. We act immediately to secure:

• Detailed accident scene documentation
• Black box (ECM) event data
• Dash cam, traffic, and surveillance footage
• Cell phone records showing distraction
• Driver logbooks and Hours-of-Service history
• Maintenance logs, inspection records, and repair histories

Using Federal Safety Data (SAFER & SMS)

SAFER (Safety and Fitness Electronic Records)

We pull a carrier’s profile to uncover:

• Safety ratings
• Crash history
• Inspection violations
• Company operations snapshot

SMS (Safety Measurement System)

We analyze a carrier’s performance in FMCSA’s BASIC categories, including:

• Unsafe Driving
• Hours-of-Service Compliance
• Vehicle Maintenance
• Controlled Substances/Alcohol
• Driver Fitness

Working With Top Experts

To prove your case, we work with leading specialists, including:

• Crash reconstructionists who analyze speed, braking, and impact forces
• Trucking safety experts who evaluate regulatory compliance
• Medical experts who explain the severity and long-term effects of your injuries
• Vocational and economic loss experts who calculate lost income and future damages

Michigan Laws That Impact Truck Crash Cases

Michigan No-Fault Insurance Considerations

Michigan’s No-Fault system covers medical bills, lost wages, and certain replacement services regardless of who caused the crash. But in serious truck crashes, No-Fault benefits often aren’t enough—especially when injuries are catastrophic or lifelong.

When a Crash Qualifies for a Third-Party Liability Suit

If your injuries meet Michigan’s legal threshold for “serious impairment of body function,” or if a loved one was killed, you may pursue a third-party lawsuit against the at-fault driver, trucking company, or other negligent parties. These cases allow you to recover pain and suffering and other damages that No-Fault does not cover.

FMCSA Regulations Governing Commercial Carriers

Commercial trucks must comply with strict federal rules issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations cover:

• Hours-of-Service limits
• Vehicle maintenance and inspection requirements
• Drug and alcohol testing
• Driver qualification standards

Violations of these federal safety rules often help prove negligence.

Statutes of Limitations

Michigan has strict deadlines for filing injury or wrongful death claims. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar recovery. A legal evaluation as soon as possible protects your rights.

Damages You May Be Entitled To

Medical Expenses (Current and Future)

Truck crashes often cause life-altering injuries that require emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, lifelong medications, and follow-up care. We pursue compensation for every medical cost, including projected long-term medical needs.

Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity

If you’ve missed work or can no longer perform the job you once did, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Lost income
• Lost benefits
• Reduced earning power
• Forced early retirement

Pain and Suffering

Truck crash injuries cause immense physical pain and long-term limitations. Michigan law allows you to seek compensation for the human toll this takes—your suffering, loss of mobility, and daily challenges.

Emotional Trauma

Many survivors experience anxiety, depression, sleep issues, or PTSD. These psychological wounds are real, and they matter. We fight to ensure they are recognized and compensated.

Loss of Consortium

A severe injury affects your relationships. When your ability to provide companionship, intimacy, or support is harmed, your spouse or family may have a claim for loss of consortium.

Long-Term Care Needs

Some clients require:

• In-home nursing
• Medical devices
• Continuous monitoring
• Home modifications

Wrongful Death Damages for Surviving Families

When a truck crash takes a life, Michigan’s Wrongful Death Act allows families to recover damages for:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of guidance and care
• The pain the deceased experienced before passing

What to Do Immediately After a Truck Crash

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel “okay,” truck crash injuries often reveal themselves later. Medical documentation is critical for your health and your case.

Photograph the Scene and Vehicles

If possible, capture:

• Vehicle damage
• Road conditions
• Skid marks
• Traffic controls
• Injuries

Get Witness Names

Independent witnesses strengthen your claim. Gather names, phone numbers, and any available statements.

Do NOT Speak to Trucking Company Adjusters

They are trained to protect the company—not you.
They may record you, manipulate your words, or push for a quick, unfair settlement.
Politely decline and call a lawyer.

Preserve Damaged Property

Clothing, helmets, car seats, and even your vehicle itself may contain vital evidence. Do not repair or throw away anything yet.

Contact a Lawyer Immediately

Trucking companies mobilize rapid-response teams within hours. You need someone fighting just as hard, just as fast.
At Marko Law, we take over the pressure, deal with the insurers, and build your case from the ground up—so you can focus on healing.

You Don’t Have to Fight This Alone — Marko Law Is Here to Stand Up for You

A truck crash can change everything in an instant—your health, your financial security, your future. But the right legal team can change what happens next. While trucking companies rush to protect themselves, you deserve someone who moves just as fast, fights just as hard, and stands firmly in your corner.

At Marko Law, we don’t just handle cases—we tell your story with power and precision, making sure judges, juries, and insurers understand the full weight of what you’ve endured. We push back against corporate pressure, expose dangerous practices, and relentlessly pursue accountability. We fight hard, and we don’t back down.

If you’re hurting, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next step, reach out. We’re here to listen, guide, and fight for the justice you deserve.

Contact Marko Law for a Free Case Evaluation

📞 Phone: +1-313-777-7777
📍 Main Office: 220 W. Congress, 4th Floor, Detroit, MI 48226
🌐 Website: https://www.markolaw.com/