Grand Rapids Fatal Truck Accident Lawyer

 

Personal Injury Results

$15.3 MILLION | AUTO ACCIDENT (WAYNE COUNTY, MI)

$3 MILLION | PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT (INGHAM COUNTY, MI)

$2.1 MILLION | PREMISES LIABILITY (OAKLAND COUNTY, MI)

$2 MILLION | TRUCK ACCIDENT (OAKLAND COUNTY, MI)

$1.9 MILLION | AUTO ACCIDENT (WAYNE COUNTY, MI)

EXPERIENCED AND TRUSTWORTHY FATAL TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYERS

We Will Help You Seek Compensation for the Death of Your Deceased Loved One

Trucks are essential to the commerce industry in Grand Rapids, as they help bring goods in and transport them out of the city. However, the large size of these trucks makes them dangerous, especially in an accident with small passenger vehicles. Most trucking collisions lead to severe or catastrophic injuries, but in some instances, they lead to death.

If you lose a loved one in a trucking accident, you can seek compensation from the negligent party or parties. However, truck accident cases are rarely straightforward, and you might have to hold multiple parties responsible to ensure you receive fair compensation. This is where our Grand Rapids fatal truck accident lawyer comes in.

Our attorneys at Goodman Acker, P.C. have years of experience representing truck accident victims and can help you seek compensation for the death of your deceased loved one. We will carefully examine the facts of the case, analyze its strengths and weaknesses, and inform you if you are eligible to file a claim. Our initial consultations are free, so contact us at 248-286-8100 to schedule one and get started with your case.

Why choose our Grand Rapids truck accident lawyer?

Losing a loved one in an accident is never easy, and it might leave you shattered and unable to know the proper legal steps to take. This is why at Goodman Acker, P.C., we take a compassionate and aggressive approach to every case we handle. We diligently fight for our clients’ rights and treat them with dignity and respect.

We always prioritize the interests of our clients, and we have a 99% success rate and a track record to back it up.

As one of Michigan’s most reliable and trusted law firms, we have an excellent relationship with our past clients, evidenced by their positive testimonials and reviews. We have secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients and will do all we can to ensure you have a favorable outcome. Our attorneys are available 24/7 to attend you and answer all your questions regarding your case.

So, if you want an attorney in the Grand Rapids area who will handle your case and put you first, we are the ones to call. Contact us at 248-286-8100 to schedule a free case review.

What causes fatal truck accidents in Grand Rapids?

Knowing the cause of a fatal truck accident is crucial to understand how to avoid and prevent it. The following are some of the commonly known contributors:

Driver error

Driver error could be the result of fatigue from working long hours, which leads to drowsiness and impaired judgment. Driver error also manifests as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding and recklessness, and aggressive driving behavior.

Vehicle-related factors

Mechanical issues and design defects can lead to fatal truck accidents, especially if the truck experiences brake failure, tire blowout, or other critical issues. Also, trucks need a longer braking distance to stop completely, and if the driver applies the brakes without sufficient braking area, an accident can occur.

Road conditions and weather

Rain, snow, ice, and fog reduce visibility and road traction, increasing the chances of an accident. Also, adverse road conditions and construction zones can create factors that lead to fatal accidents.

Negligent hiring and training

Truck companies must hire competent and qualified drivers who have undergone proper training. However, as often seen, many companies have negligent hiring practices, and putting inexperienced and unqualified drivers on the road is a recipe for disaster.

Distraction and inattention

Distracted driving remains a leading cause of accidents. When truck drivers text, use their phones, or engage in other activities that take their attention from the road, they risk getting into collisions.

Who is liable for a fatal truck accident in Grand Rapids, Michigan?

After a fatal truck accident, one of the crucial questions you’ll ask is who is responsible. Knowing the liable party is vital to filing a compensation claim, as bringing a claim against the wrong party will not yield any result. In fatal truck accident cases, one or multiple parties can be liable for the collision.

The possible liable parties include the following:

  • The truck driver
  • The trucking company
  • The owner of the truck
  • The truck manufacturer
  • The cargo-loading company
  • The company that maintained and repaired the truck.

In some cases, other drivers on the road might be responsible if their action was the primary cause of the accident. Our fatal truck accident lawyer in Grand Rapids can help you identify all the liable parties and hold them accountable.

Our experience and winning track record set us apart, and we will help you and your family through the most stressful moments of your life.

How to prove liability in a fatal truck accident case

Recovering compensation hinges a lot on proving the liability of the at-fault party or parties. To determine who caused a deadly truck accident, we will collect the following pieces of evidence:

  • Driver logs: This shows us if the truck driver was on the road longer than the hours stipulated by the FMCSA Hours of Service Regulations without taking a break.
  • Truck inspection: We will get professionals to inspect the vehicle to see if a faulty brake or other defective parts caused or contributed to the accident.
  • Maintenance records: We will check the trucking company’s maintenance records to see if they conducted routine maintenance and safety checks.
  • Black box data: The truck’s black box records the speed it traveled, whether the brakes were applied before the accident, and other relevant information. The data helps determine if the driver exhibited negligent driving behaviors like delayed reaction or speeding.
  • Witness statements: Finally, we will talk to witnesses to get their version of events and expert witnesses to analyze the crash data and help identify the party at fault.

Recoverable compensation after a fatal truck accident

You can receive economic and non-economic damages for the death of a loved one, and they include the following:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Property damage
  • Loss of future income
  • Loss of companionship
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Funeral and burial expenses.

Our legal team at Goodman Acker, P.C. can help you determine your case’s worth and seek fair compensation.

Our attorneys are result-driven, and our dedication and ethics make all the difference to the outcome of a case.

Grand Rapids fatal truck accident lawyer FAQs

Dealing with the sudden loss of a loved one can be overwhelming, and if you want to take legal action, you might have several questions. Below, we answered some of the questions we frequently encounter.

Contact a reputable law firm and discuss your legal options. Our attorneys will help you understand your rights, the process of a wrongful death claim, and how much compensation you’re likely to receive.

Under Michigan law, the deceased’s estate personal representative can file a wrongful death claim. This could be a surviving spouse, parents, child, or the designated representative in the deceased’s Will.

The Michigan statute of limitations lists three years as the time frame for filing a wrongful death claim. The time starts counting from the day the victim died, and once it elapses, you cannot seek compensation.

Fatal truck accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid when we secure compensation for you.

How Our Grand Rapids Fatal Truck Accident Attorney at Goodman Acker, P.C. can Help You

Our primary duty is to advocate for your rights and those of other beneficiaries and help you pursue compensation. You can expect the following from us:

  • Case evaluation
  • Legal representation
  • Client communication
  • Investigation and evidence collection
  • Expert consultation
  • Settlement negotiation and courtroom advocacy.

We offer compassionate support and guidance to our clients because we understand the emotional toll of losing a loved one after a tragic accident. Also, we will work diligently to help you maximize compensation and ensure all your losses are well covered.

Get The Help You Need From Our Goodman Acker, P.C. Team

Although no amount of money can replace your deceased loved one, a settlement helps you deal with the expenses resulting from their death and handle some of the duties they performed while alive. Therefore, if you lost a loved one to a truck accident, our Goodman Acker, P.C. team can help.

We will be with you from the beginning to the end of your case, keep you updated, and ensure you get fair compensation. Call us now at 248-286-8100 to schedule a free consultation.

Attorney Barry Goodman

LEGALLY REVIEWED BY BARRY J. GOODMAN

Barry J. Goodman has devoted his professional life to keeping courthouse doors open for victims seeking justice. Always a tireless advocate for his own clients, Goodman sees his responsibility as a Detroit personal injury attorney in a broader sense as well. [ Attorney Bio ]