How to Find the Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Michigan for Your Case
Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran
Truck accidents can be devastating and can lead to severe injury, major property destruction, and difficult legal problems. If you are injured in a truck wreck in Michigan, it is not only a good idea to hire a lawyer, but it is necessary to protect your rights and to get you a reasonable settlement.
There are thousands of trucking incidents on Michigan highways each year, with a tremendous proportion of those incidents resulting in severe injury or death. Truck crashes are reported to be more severe in impact by the Michigan State Police Traffic Crash Reporting System, as trucks are heavier and larger compared to cars.
Hiring the best truck accident lawyers in Michigan requires you to know what differentiates these claims and what you are looking for in your attorney. Below is a checklist that you can utilize to locate and select the lawyer that best fits your individual case.
Why You Need a Specialized Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck collision claims are complicated and are not served by general practice lawyers. Here is why specialization is important:
Multi-Regulations: Trucking companies are governed by federal regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and state regulations.
Multiple Liable Parties: Unlike automobile accidents, trucking accidents can have numerous potentially liable parties, such as:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- Truck manufacturer
- Maintenance companies
- Cargo loading firms
Comprehensive Insurance Coverage: Policies with significantly higher coverage levels cover semi-trucks by and large. However, they employ devious methods to cut payouts.
Comprehensive Evidence Gathering: Truck accident litigation involves specialized know-how in gathering proof specific to large trucks, including:
- Electronic logging devices (ELD)
- Driver qualification files
- Records of
- Maintenance history
- Black box data
Attorneys who deal with motor vehicle collisions may lack the experience to handle such trucking-related matters. The best truck wreck attorneys in Michigan will have specialized experience with trucking-related matters and know what makes the case for or against you.
Key Qualities of the Best Truck Accident Lawyers
When searching for the best auto accident lawyers in Michigan who specialize in truck accidents, look for these essential qualities:
Specialized Experience
Established track record of achievement in truck accident claims, especially and not general injury
- FMCSA rules and the state of Michigan trucking laws
- Exposure to catastrophic injury claims is common in truck crashes
Resources and Network
- Expert access to accident reconstructionists who are familiar with trucking
- Relationship with medical professionals who can provide proof of injury
- Deep pockets to fund multi-million dollar lawsuits against large insurance companies
Proven Performance
- History of major settlements and judgments in trucking accident claims
- Experience in litigating through to a judgment when settlements aren’t reasonable
- Acclamation for legal brilliance by legal experts in litigating truck accidents
Client-Centered Approach
- Effective client communication
- Transparent fee arrangements are generally contingent-based
- Compassion for what accident victims are experiencing
The best car accident attorneys will demonstrate these qualities through their case histories, client testimonials, and professional recognition.
Steps to Choose the Best Truck Accident Lawyer in Michigan
Finding the best truck accident lawyers in Michigan involves a systematic approach. This is how to choose the best truck accident lawyer in easy steps:
Research Potential Lawyers
- Search online directories such as Avvo, Super Lawyers, and the State Bar of Michigan portal
- Read client reviews on Google and Yelp, and legal websites
- Have your friends refer you to people who share a similar experience
- Look for truck accident information on lawyer websites.
Verify Credentials and Background
- Confirm active licensure with the State Bar of Michigan
- Verify board certification in personal injury law or civil law
- Look for their case results for truck collision claims
- Look for ethics violations or disciplinary action
Book Consultations
The majority of accident attorneys provide free initial consultations. Be prepared for these sessions by:
- Gathering documents about your accident
- Preparing questions regarding their experience with truck accident claims
- Note-taking for reference in future consultations
Ask the Right Questions
Upon consulting, inquire about:
- How many trucking accident claims did you handle?
- How much of your practice is focused on trucking crashes?
- Do you specialize in truck accident lawsuits?
- How do you investigate a tractor-trailer collision?
- How do you keep your clients updated on progress?
- Who will be my day-to-day case handler?
- What is your fee arrangement?
Assess Communication and Comfort Level
- Evaluate how effectively they explain complex legal concepts
- Consider whether they responded to your initial query promptly
- Consider whether you are comfortable sharing your personal information
- Trust your intuition about whether you and he can coexist
Review the Fee Agreement
- Be familiar with the contingent fee rate
- Describe what case charges you’re responsible for
- Ensure there are no upfront costs
- Get it in writing before going ahead
Selection Checklist to Choose the Most Suitable Truck Accident Lawyer in Michigan
Utilize this checklist in reviewing potential lawyers:
- Serves exclusively truck accident claims
- Has a proven track record in similar instances
- Is thoroughly familiar with FMCSA regulations and Michigan insurance claims processes
- Offers a free consultation
- Operates on a contingency fee.
- Demonstrates effective communication skills
- Has enough resources to compete with trucking companies
- Is prepared to go to court if necessary
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Lawyer
If you’re searching for the best Michigan truck accident lawyers, avoid these pitfalls:
- Choice of a general practice attorney instead of a truck accident attorney
- Selecting a lawyer based on advertisement rather than credentials
- Ignoring client testimonies and testaments
- Not inquiring about the lawyer’s experience with trials
- The lowest possible fee with no consideration of experience and outcome
- Hiring a lawyer who promises results (no ethical lawyer ever promises results)
- Lacking clear communication expectations initially
- Hurried decision-making without doing adequate research
Why Choose Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C.?
In identifying the best Michigan truck accident lawyers, Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. stands out as among the best for a variety of reasons:
- Years of concentrated practice in representing truck accident claims across Michigan
- Established background in large settlements and awards for truck accident victims
- Instruments to fully explore every potential cause of your truck accident
- Client-focused philosophy with prompt communication and personalized attention
- Contingency-based representation, whereby you do not pay unless we win your case
Our attorneys are responsive to the legal and medical aspects of truck accident claims to enable us to build comprehensive claims that cover all your damages, both existing and future.
FAQS About Truck Accident Lawyers in Michigan
How Many Years Do I Have to Make A Truck Accident Claim In Michigan?
In Michigan, there is usually a three-year time limit for personal injury claims, including truck accidents. There are some limitations to this general rule, and shorter time periods for claims against governmental agencies.
How Can You Afford to Hire a Michigan Truck Accident Attorney?
Michigan’s top truck accident lawyers practice on a contingent fee schedule, which means they receive nothing unless you receive payment. The general contingent fee is between 33% and 40% of recovery.
What Damages Can You Recover in A Trucking Accident In Michigan?
They can cover medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, property losses, rehabilitation costs, and punitive damages as and when relevant. Michigan’s no-fault insurance legislation influences the recovery of these damages.
How Long Will My Truck Accident Case Take to Settle?
The duration is based on case difficulty, seriousness of injury, clarity of liability, and whether a case settles or goes to trial. Simple cases can be settled in a few months, and more complicated ones can last a year or two or more.
Should I Speak with The Insurance Adjuster from The Trucking Company?
It is not advisable to talk with trucking company insurance adjusters unless your attorney is present. They can make you say things that can cut your claim short. It is to get through to your attorney.
How Will Michigan No-Fault Insurance Affect My Truck Accident Claim?
Michigan is a no-fault state, and what this means is that you’ll file a claim with your own company no matter what fault is involved in a collision. Trucking crashes are different and do tend to cause serious injuries that are eligible for no-fault claims.
Quality Michigan truck accident attorneys will know what to do with no-fault claims and how to sue the trucking company for supplemental recovery when justified. They should be able to advise you on how Michigan’s amended comparative negligence laws might impact your case and how to maximize recovery, subject to the state’s special set of guidelines.
Take Action Today
If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident in Michigan, get the quality legal representation you need. Speak with our compassionate, knowledgeable Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. attorneys.
We can review your case, demonstrate why we’re among Michigan’s best truck accident lawyers, and help you navigate the complexities of commercial vehicle claims. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Our contingency fee basis means we only get paid if we win your case, so there is no financial risk to you to get started. Call our law firm today at 1-866-MICH-LAW and schedule your no-obligation, free case evaluation.
Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.
