Truck Accident

First things first—your safety comes first. If you're involved in a crash in Detroit:

• Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately.
• Call the police. Even if it seems minor, you need a police report. It's your official record.
• Document the scene. Take photos of the vehicles, the road, license plates, and injuries.
• Exchange information. Get names, numbers, insurance info, and driver’s licenses.
• Don’t admit fault. Even a simple “I’m sorry” can be used against you.
• Seek medical attention. Some injuries (like concussions or whiplash) don’t show up right away.
• Call an attorney. At Marko Law, we help injured Detroiters every day—and we don’t back down.

🚗 If your crash involved a truck, Uber/Lyft, pedestrian, or drunk driver—those cases carry serious legal implications. Don’t go it alone.

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The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is responsible for enforcing truck driver regulations in the state. MDOT has a team of inspectors who regularly conduct road checks and perform safety audits to ensure that trucking companies and truck drivers are in compliance with all regulations.

Truck driver regulations are important in Michigan to ensure the safety of all motorists on the road and to prevent truck accidents from occurring. By following these regulations, Michigan is working to reduce the number of truck accidents and keep everyone on the road safe.

Rollover accidents are particularly dangerous in truck accidents because commercial trucks have a higher center of gravity than passenger vehicles, making them more prone to rollovers. Rollovers can result in the truck driver being trapped inside the cab, and can also cause other vehicles to be crushed or damaged.

Truck crashes aren’t like car crashes. They’re more complex, more violent—and the stakes are higher.

In a Michigan truck accident, multiple parties could be liable:

-The truck driver (if they were speeding, distracted, or fatigued)

-The trucking company (if they hired an unqualified driver or pushed unsafe schedules)

-The maintenance crew (if the truck was poorly maintained)

-Manufacturers (for defective brakes, tires, etc.)

-Cargo loaders (if the load was unstable)

-🚛 Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, companies can be held responsible for their drivers’ actions. At Marko Law, we dive deep into logbooks, black box data, and federal violations to expose the truth. Trucking companies don’t play fair—we don’t let that slide.

In the event of a truck accident, it's crucial to prioritize your safety and follow these key actions: 1. Seek Medical Assistance: Your health is paramount. Get medical help immediately, even if your injuries appear minor. Prompt medical evaluation is crucial for your well-being and any potential legal claims. 2. Contact Law Enforcement: Call the police to report the accident. Their presence ensures proper documentation and assists in determining fault. 3. Exchange Information: Share contact and insurance details with the other driver(s) involved. This information is vital for insurance claims and legal proceedings. 4. Gather Evidence: Collect relevant evidence, such as witness statements and photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. 5. Consult a Legal Expert: Reach out to a qualified attorney, such as Marko Law, who specializes in truck accident cases. Their expertise can guide you through the legal complexities and safeguard your rights. Remember, time is of the essence. Choose an attorney experienced in handling truck accident cases to ensure you receive appropriate guidance and support.

To reduce the severity of truck accidents, the trucking industry and the government have implemented several safety measures, including regulations on driver fatigue, equipment maintenance, and load securement, as well as increased penalties for trucking companies that violate safety regulations.

Truck accidents are often more severe than other types of accidents due to the size and weight difference between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles. Trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while the average passenger vehicle weighs around 4,000 pounds. The weight difference means that the force of impact in a truck accident is often much greater, leading to more serious injuries and fatalities. The height of the truck's center of gravity and the speed at which trucks are traveling can also increase the severity of truck accidents.

The timeline for resolving a truck accident lawsuit is influenced by several factors, including case complexity, the number of parties involved, and willingness to negotiate. A negotiated settlement can conclude some cases within months. Conversely, if litigation proceeds to trial, the resolution timeframe can extend significantly, possibly spanning years. Post-verdict appeals can further prolong the process. Consulting a skilled attorney is vital. They can analyze your case's particulars and offer an estimate of the time required for a resolution tailored to your situation.

The statute of limitations for initiating a lawsuit after a truck accident varies based on the state where the accident occurred. In certain states, you might have as little as one year to file a claim, while in others, you could have up to three years. It's crucial to engage with an attorney promptly after an accident to avoid missing critical deadlines. In the state of Michigan, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit subsequent to a truck accident is typically three years from the accident date. This provides you with a three-year window from the accident date to file a lawsuit aiming to secure compensation for injuries, property damage, and other losses. However, it's important to acknowledge that exceptions could apply to this general guideline. For instance, if the accident involved a government agency or employee, you might need to submit a notice of claim within a much shorter timeframe, often ranging from 60 to 90 days. Furthermore, if the trucking company is a government entity, additional prerequisites might need fulfillment prior to filing a lawsuit. Additionally, in Michigan, specific benefits might be covered by your personal insurance rather than the trucking company's insurance. These benefits may encompass medical bills, lost wages, and assistance with household tasks. Given the intricate nature of initiating a lawsuit after a truck accident, seeking counsel from an experienced personal injury attorney like Jon Marko or Marko Law is strongly advised immediately following the accident. Marko Law Firm can guide you through your rights and obligations, navigate the legal process, and strive to ensure you receive the rightful compensation you deserve.

It is important for trucking companies to follow safety regulations and for all drivers to be cautious and aware when sharing the road with commercial trucks to reduce the severity of truck accidents.

The truck driver's employer may be held liable for the accident if they were negligent in their hiring, training, or supervision of the driver, or if they failed to properly maintain the truck.

The HOS rule in Michigan limits the number of hours that a truck driver can operate their vehicle without taking a break. Truck drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving and limit their driving hours to 14 hours in a 24-hour period. This rule helps to prevent truck driver fatigue, which is a leading cause of truck accidents.

To obtain a CDL in Michigan, truck drivers must pass a written and practical test that assesses their knowledge of vehicle safety, operating procedures, and traffic laws. This ensures that truck drivers have the necessary skills and knowledge to operate a commercial vehicle safely.

A black box is a device in a truck that records data such as speed, braking, and other factors. This data can be used as evidence in a truck accident lawsuit to help determine what caused the accident.

If the truck driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident, they may face criminal charges in addition to civil liability. An experienced attorney can help you understand your legal options in this situation.

Some common causes of truck accidents include driver fatigue, distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence, improper maintenance or repair of the truck, overloading or improperly securing cargo, and inadequate training or supervision of the driver.

The weight difference between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles means that the force of impact in a truck accident is often much greater, leading to more serious injuries and fatalities.

It's possible to sue the trucking company if they were at fault for the accident. However, determining fault can be complicated, so it's best to consult with an experienced truck accident attorney such as Marko Law to determine your legal options.

It depends on the laws of your state. Some states allow for comparative negligence, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. Other states follow a strict contributory negligence rule, which may prevent you from recovering any damages if you were even slightly at fault. An experienced attorney can help you understand how comparative fault rules may affect your case.