Written by Maurice Davis
Commercial truck accidents are among the most dangerous types of vehicle collisions on Detroit roads.
When a large truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results can be catastrophic, often leaving victims with life-altering injuries.
Understanding the types of truck accidents and who can be held responsible is critical to pursuing a fair injury claim in Michigan. A Detroit truck accident lawyer can help. Learn more about the kinds of accidents that can happen to you.
Types of Commercial Truck Accidents Involving Passenger Vehicles
Truck accidents can happen in many ways, and although the injuries and damages can vary, you can still seek compensation for these accidents.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are common in truck accidents due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles.
Trucks take significantly longer to stop than passenger vehicles, especially when traveling at highway speeds or in adverse weather conditions.
If a truck driver is distracted, fatigued, or following too closely, they may not have enough time to brake, resulting in a rear-end collision.
These accidents can be devastating for the occupants of smaller vehicles, leading to severe injuries such as whiplash, broken bones, and spinal damage.
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife accident occurs when the truck’s trailer swings out to the side, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab.
This typically happens when a truck driver brakes suddenly or loses control of the vehicle, often due to slippery road conditions, improper loading, or excessive speed.
Passenger vehicles caught in the path of a jackknifing truck are at extreme risk of being hit, potentially leading to multi-car pileups or devastating side-impact collisions.
Underride Accidents
One of the deadliest types of truck accidents is an underride accident, where a smaller vehicle becomes lodged underneath the trailer of a truck.
These accidents often occur when a truck stops suddenly, and a following vehicle does not have time to stop or swerve.
Many trucks are equipped with underride guards designed to prevent these kinds of accidents, but they can be ineffective if improperly maintained or installed.
Underride accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
T-Bone or Side-Impact Collisions
Side-impact collisions, also known as T-bone accidents, can happen when a truck runs a red light or stop sign at an intersection and strikes the side of a passenger vehicle.
These accidents can be particularly dangerous for the occupants of the impacted vehicle, as the side of a car offers less protection than the front or rear.
Common causes of T-bone collisions include distracted driving, reckless turns, and mechanical failures in the truck.
Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents occur when a truck tips over onto its side, often due to excessive speed, sudden turns, or improperly secured cargo.
When a truck rolls over, it can crush nearby passenger vehicles or create a hazardous obstruction on the road, leading to secondary collisions.
Rollovers are especially dangerous in urban areas like Detroit, where multiple lanes of traffic and crowded streets increase the risk of a multi-vehicle crash.
Blind Spot (No-Zone) Accidents
Commercial trucks have large blind spots, often referred to as “No-Zones,” on all four sides of the vehicle.
These blind spots make it difficult for truck drivers to see smaller passenger vehicles when changing lanes or turning.
If a truck driver fails to check their blind spots, they may sideswipe or collide with a vehicle traveling in the No-Zone.
It is crucial for truck drivers to be vigilant and avoid making sudden lane changes or turns without thoroughly checking their surroundings.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for Commercial Truck Accidents?
Determining who is at fault for a commercial truck accident can be complex.
Multiple parties may share responsibility, depending on the circumstances of the crash.
Truck Driver Responsibility
In many cases, the truck driver may be at fault for the accident.
Common examples of truck driver negligence include distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence, or violating hours-of-service regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Michigan law holds truck drivers accountable for operating their vehicles safely and adhering to state and federal trucking regulations.
Trucking Company Liability
Trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers, maintaining their fleet, and ensuring that drivers follow safety protocols.
If a trucking company fails to properly train its drivers, maintain its vehicles, or enforce safety regulations, it may be held liable for an accident.
For example, if a truck crashes due to brake failure and it’s discovered that the company skipped necessary maintenance, they could be responsible for the damages.
Third-Party Liability
In some cases, a third party may be responsible for the accident.
For example, a manufacturer could be liable if a truck’s brakes or tires were defective.
Similarly, a cargo loading company may be responsible if the truck was improperly loaded, leading to an imbalance and rollover.
Identifying these third parties requires thorough investigation and expert analysis.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help with Your Truck Accident Claim
Pursuing compensation after a truck accident is not a straightforward process.
Insurance companies representing truck drivers and trucking companies are often aggressive in defending claims and minimizing payouts.
This is where having an experienced personal injury lawyer can make all the difference.
Your Lawyer Can Investigate Your Accident
Attorney Maurice Davis and his team at Davis Injury Lawyers, PLLC will conduct a thorough investigation of the truck accident to determine exactly what happened and who is at fault.
This includes gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, dashcam footage, and accident reconstruction data.
The goal is to build a strong case that proves the other party’s negligence and liability.
We Will Negotiate with Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming, especially when you’re recovering from serious injuries.
Trucking companies often have large insurance policies, and their insurers will work hard to reduce the amount they have to pay.
Davis Injury Lawyers, PLLC has experience negotiating with these insurers to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. In dire circumstances, we can even help you fight for compensation after a loved one’s wrongful death.
We Will Fight to Prove Your Damages
To secure fair compensation, it’s important to prove the full extent of your damages.
This includes not only your medical expenses but also future medical needs, rehabilitation costs, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
Davis Injury Lawyers, PLLC will work with medical experts and economists to ensure all your losses are accurately documented and accounted for in your claim.
Why You Should Work with Davis Injury Lawyers, PLLC
Truck accidents are complicated, and navigating the legal system alone can be overwhelming.
Attorney Maurice Davis and his team at Davis Injury Lawyers, PLLC have the experience, resources, and dedication needed to handle complex truck accident claims in Michigan.
They will guide you through the entire process, from investigating the crash to negotiating with insurers and, if necessary, taking your case to court.
Call Davis Injury Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial truck accident in Detroit or anywhere in Michigan, contact Davis Injury Lawyers, PLLC today.
With their help, you can focus on your recovery while they fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Call 313-462-7979 or fill out our online contact form to get started.