If you’ve been injured — or a family member has been killed — in an accident with a truck, contact a lawyer for advice.
Crashes between a car and a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or other large commercial vehicle are less common than between two cars, but when they happen, 86 per cent of the fatalities and 77 per cent of those injured are the drivers and passengers of the smaller vehicle.
In the latest analysis from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the number of truck crashes leading to fatalities increased 40 per cent between 2009 – 2017, and the number of truck crashes leading to injuries increased 62 per cent between 2009 – 2015.
In Michigan, in the latest report from the Michigan State Police, there were 15,539 crashes involving a truck or bus in 2018, with 113 fatalities, 2,662 injuries, and property damage reported for 12,764.
Sometimes an insurance company representing the truck driver will approach you, soon after the crash with a settlement offer. We strongly urge you not to sign anything before you talk with a personal injury attorney that works with clients in your situation.
Often the full extent of your injuries and long term medical care needs may not be known immediately, and the professionals at Cochran, Kroll & Associates P.C. can help you understand what your injuries mean, in legal and financial terms, when considering damages and compensation.
You may also be dealing with your workers’ compensation claim, thinking about social security disability, and overwhelmed with the economic impact of lost wages on you and your family.
Wrongful Death Claims
Has someone close to you died in the crash with a truck? Do you believe there is negligence involved? As a survivor, you may choose to explore making a wrongful death claim.
In Michigan, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate must file the wrongful death claim. This person must also notify all family members about the claim within 30 days of filing.
Filing a wrongful death claim is not a criminal defense matter, but a civil suit. In a criminal case, the state is the prosecutor and the penalties could include jail time, probation, or fines if the defendant is found guilty.
As a civil case, a wrongful death lawsuit is filed by the estate or family of the deceased individual, and liability is expressed as money, paid by the defendant if they are found liable.
The professional staff at Cochran, Kroll & Associates P.C. are ready to meet with you in whatever setting makes the most sense, including your home or hospital room. We’ll help you get the answers you need.
Contact us toll-free today (24 hours) at 866-466-9912 or use our convenient online contact form