{"id":374193,"date":"2019-05-20T13:12:35","date_gmt":"2019-05-20T18:12:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/michigan-law\/what-to-do-after-a-truck-accident-in-michigan.html"},"modified":"2019-05-21T09:29:09","modified_gmt":"2019-05-21T14:29:09","slug":"what-to-do-after-a-truck-accident-in-michigan","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/michigan-law\/what-to-do-after-a-truck-accident-in-michigan.html","title":{"rendered":"What to Do After a Truck Accident in Michigan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Michigan<\/h1>\n
\n
\n

Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Fender benders are one thing, but accidents with eighteen-wheelers or other heavy commercial vehicles can be quite devastating. They can be caused by<\/a> driver error, an improperly maintained vehicle, bad road conditions, and inclement weather, among other factors. Insurance companies will handle your claims most of the time, although it’s often a good idea to consult with an attorney to make sure your interests are being properly represented. Attorneys often can work with insurance companies to ensure that you’re getting the right compensation for your injuries and\/or vehicle damage.<\/p>\r\n

The following is a summary of what to do after a truck accident in Michigan, including a summary of Michigan liability law and common causes of action for claims.<\/p>\r\n

What to do Immediately After a Truck Accident<\/h2>\r\n

Truck accidents tend to quite severe, often resulting in serious injuries or death. Therefore, it’s important to check on everyone involved (assuming you’re in a condition to do so) immediately following the accident<\/a> and to call for emergency help. If possible, it’s also a good idea to move your vehicle to the side of the road and out of traffic. Also, make sure you take notes and snap photos, talk to any witnesses, and exchange information with the other parties (i.e. driver’s license information, truck driver’s employer, insurance information, etc.).<\/p>\r\n

Liability and Michigan Truck Accidents<\/h2>\r\n

Michigan is a "no-fault<\/a>" state, which means that all parties to a truck accident are entitled to benefits regardless of who was at fault. Either party to an accident may be entitled to damages through their insurer for medical expenses, lost wages, and nursing or home care services. Of course, the at-fault party may have their insurance policy cancelled or their premiums hiked.<\/p>\r\n

Also, it’s important to remember that the other party’s insurance company may try to get you to sign onto a settlement<\/a> relatively soon after the incident. But doing so before speaking with an attorney could prevent you from obtaining a full recovery as some injuries can take time to manifest. An attorney will have a better idea of what your actual damages should be, such as the impact of the injuries on your future earning capacity or expenses related to long-term physical therapy.<\/p>\r\n

Michigan Truck Accident Laws: The Basics<\/h2>\r\n

Truck accidents often have devastating consequences, so you’ll want to make sure you get help handling your injuries and claims for damages. A good start is understanding the law, but reading statutes written in legalese can take time. That’s why we’ve provided the following plain-language summary of Michigan’s laws and procedures regarding truck accidents.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Statutes<\/b><\/td>\r\n

Michigan Compiled Laws:<\/p>\r\n

Causes of Action and Damages<\/b><\/td>\r\n

If you’ve been injured as the result of a truck accident, you should file a claim with your insurance company. Since Michigan is a no-fault state, recovering for you injuries isn’t contingent on whether the truck driver (or another involved party) was negligent<\/a>; however, it could impact how the insurance companies negotiate the claims.<\/p>\r\n

The truck driver’s employer, the owner of the truck, the manufacturer of the truck, the truck maintenance company, and other parties also may be held liable (via their insurers).<\/p>\r\n

Examples of negligence include:<\/p>\r\n

Federal Trucking Regulations<\/b><\/td>\r\n

Truck drivers and their employers must adhere to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA<\/a>) and Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT<\/a>) regulations. You’ll want to establish whether the truck driver violated any of these regulations before filing a claim, which include:<\/p>\r\n

Statute of Limitations<\/b><\/td>\r\n

Within 3 years<\/i><\/b> if anyone was injured or killed in the accident (also, within 3 years<\/i><\/b> for property damage).<\/p>\r\n

Keep in mind that for wrongful death claims<\/a> the "clock" starts running at the time of the victim’s death, which may come later than the date of the accident.<\/p>\r\n

See also Michigan Civil Statute of Limitations<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Note:<\/b> State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

Research the Law<\/h2>\r\n