Dearborn Truck Accident Lawyer

You share the road with them every day in Dearborn. The sheer size of a semi-truck is a constant presence on I-94, and the hiss of its air brakes is a familiar sound on Telegraph Road. You see them so often that their immense scale becomes part of the landscape, a routine part of your commute.

You never expect that wall of steel to suddenly fill your rearview mirror, or for the shadow of a trailer to blot out the sun as it crosses the center line on the Southfield Freeway.

Now, back at home, the chaos of the crash is replaced by a different kind of turmoil. A claims adjuster for the trucking company calls, their voice a calm counterpoint to the storm of your new reality. They ask for a recorded statement while the stack of bills from Beaumont Hospital grows on your kitchen table.

The income you and your family rely on has stopped, but the costs of the accident are just beginning. You feel the immense pressure of a situation that is fundamentally unfair.

This is not a fair fight. It pits you and your family against a powerful trucking corporation and its insurance carrier, entities that have teams dedicated to minimizing their financial responsibility.

A Dearborn truck accident lawyer exists to level the playing field. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning the first step you take to protect your family costs you nothing. You pay no fees unless we secure a recovery for you.

Why are Commercial Truck Accidents Fundamentally Different?

A crash involving a semi-truck is not just a bigger car accident. It is a legally distinct event governed by a separate set of rules and involving far higher stakes. The investigation and legal strategy required are unique.

The sheer scale of devastation

A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. This size and weight disparity means that occupants of passenger vehicles almost always suffer the most severe injuries.

From a legal perspective, these injuries often require extensive, long-term medical care, which must be fully documented and projected into the future to form the basis of a claim.

The web of potential liability

In a standard car accident, you are typically dealing with one other driver. In a truck crash, a chain of responsibility exists, and any link in that chain may be at fault. Identifying all negligent parties is a key part of the legal process.

We may investigate several potential parties, including:

• The truck driver who operated the vehicle negligently.
• The trucking company that employed, trained, and supervised the driver.
• The business that owned the trailer or the cargo it was carrying.
• The maintenance company responsible for vehicle repairs and inspections.
• The manufacturer of a defective truck part, such as faulty brakes or tires.

What about Federal Trucking Regulations?

The commercial trucking industry is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These federal laws dictate everything from the maximum number of hours a driver can be on the road to the requirements for securing cargo.

A violation of these rules can serve as powerful evidence of negligence, making it easier to establish fault.

What are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents on Dearborn Roadways?

Dearborn’s location as a hub for industry and a crossroads for major highways means it sees a constant flow of commercial traffic. This heavy volume creates conditions where serious accidents can happen.

Driver fatigue on long hauls via I-94

Interstate 94 is a major east-west corridor for long-haul truckers. Many drivers are pushing to meet deadlines, which can lead them to violate federal hours-of-service rules. A fatigued driver has slower reaction times, similar to an intoxicated driver, making a catastrophic rear-end collision or drift-off-road accident more likely.

Unsafe maneuvers on the Southfield Freeway (M-39)

The constant congestion on M-39 requires drivers to be alert. A truck driver’s large blind spots, known as “no-zones,” make lane changes especially dangerous. An impatient or distracted trucker who fails to check these zones before merging can easily force a smaller vehicle off the road or crush it against a median.

Improperly secured loads from industrial zones

With the Ford Rouge Complex and other industrial sites nearby, many trucks carry heavy or specialized cargo. If a company improperly loads this cargo, it can shift during transit on roads like Michigan Avenue or Telegraph Road. This can cause the driver to lose control or result in dangerous materials falling onto the roadway.

Michigan’s Complex Laws After a Truck Crash

Michigan’s unique insurance system adds layers to a truck accident claim. You must first go through your own No-Fault policy before you can pursue the at-fault trucking company for other damages.

Michigan’s no-fault system

The first source of benefits for your injuries comes from your own auto insurance policy, regardless of who caused the crash. These are your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. PIP is designed to cover your immediate economic losses

Your PIP benefits may include:

• Payment for all reasonable and necessary medical expenses.
• Up to 85% of your lost wages for up to three years.
• Up to $20 per day in replacement services for household chores you can no longer do.

The serious impairment threshold

To step outside the No-Fault system and file a lawsuit against the negligent trucking company for non-economic damages, your injury must meet a specific legal standard. This is known as the serious impairment of body function threshold.

This legal term refers to an injury that is objectively apparent and affects your general ability to lead your normal life. It is not a minor inconvenience; it is a substantial disruption.

For example, a driver who suffers a herniated disc requiring spinal fusion surgery would likely meet this threshold, as the injury and recovery would fundamentally alter their ability to work, care for their family, and enjoy their life.

The third-party liability claim

Once you meet the serious impairment threshold, you can file a third-party liability claim against the at-fault driver and their employer. This is the legal action that pursues compensation for the full scope of your losses, particularly those not covered by your own PIP benefits. This claim is where you seek recovery for your pain and suffering.

How We Build a Winning Truck Accident Claim

Our investigation begins immediately to preserve evidence that can disappear quickly. We go far beyond the initial police report to build a comprehensive picture of what happened and why.

Securing the truck’s black box data

Commercial trucks are equipped with an Electronic Control Module, or “black box,” that records critical data. This device shows the truck’s speed, braking activity, and other operational data in the seconds before impact. Our first action is to send a spoliation letter to the trucking company, a formal legal demand that they preserve this data and the truck itself for inspection.

Analyzing driver logs and company records

We obtain and analyze the driver’s hours-of-service logs to check for violations that indicate fatigue. We also review the driver’s employment file, training records, post-accident drug and alcohol tests, and any history of prior safety violations. These documents often reveal company-wide patterns of negligence.

Working with accident reconstruction professionals

We collaborate with accident reconstructionists who can use physical evidence from the scene, vehicle damage, and black box data to create a scientific model of how the crash occurred. Their expert analysis can be vital in proving fault, especially in complex multi-vehicle pileups on busy highways.

Pursuing Full Compensation for Your Losses

A serious injury can affect every part of your life. A truck accident claim should account for every one of these losses, both now and in the future.

Documenting all medical expenses

This includes more than just the initial hospital bill. We work to document the full scope of your medical needs, including surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy, future medical procedures, prescription costs, and in-home nursing care.

Calculating lost wages and future earning capacity

Proving your lost income requires gathering pay stubs and employment records. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or working at all, we may work with vocational and economic professionals to project your loss of future earning capacity over the course of your lifetime.

Addressing pain, suffering, and life changes

Your claim should also reflect your non-economic losses. This is compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the accident. It acknowledges the way the injury has fundamentally diminished your quality of life.

FAQ for a Dearborn Truck Accident

What if I am partially at fault for the accident?

Michigan follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means a jury may assign a percentage of fault to each party. You can still recover damages as long as your share of the fault is 50% or less. However, your final recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What if the truck company’s insurer offers a quick settlement?

Be very cautious of early settlement offers. They are often made before the full extent of your injuries and future medical needs are known. These offers are an attempt to close your claim for a fraction of its true value. Accepting it will prevent you from seeking any further compensation.

How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Michigan?

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Michigan is generally three years from the date of the accident. This deadline is strict. If you miss it, you will likely lose your right to pursue compensation forever. The Michigan Legislature sets this timeframe, and it is vital to act well before it expires.

Taking Back the Wheel of Your Recovery

The road to recovery after a truck accident is long, and the legal questions should not add to your stress. You have the right to focus on your health and your family while a dedicated legal team handles the fight for your financial future.

At Goodman Acker PC, we lift that burden from your shoulders.

Our team knows how to stand up to large trucking companies and their insurers. We have the resources and the resolve to build a strong case on your behalf.