OUR DETROIT FATAL TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYERS ARE TRUSTWORTHY AND EXPERIENCED
We Help Grieving Relatives Seek Compensation for Their Loved One’s Death
Truck accident collisions leave behind devastating impacts. From catastrophic wounds like spinal cord injuries to death, a truck accident can upend or end a person’s life. If you lose a loved one to a fatal truck accident in Detroit, you can seek compensation from those responsible and receive financial compensation.
However, dealing with a fatal truck accident case while mourning a loved one’s death can be overwhelming. Instead of handling the claim yourself and all the complexity that comes with it, it is best to hire a Detroit fatal truck accident lawyer. Having legal representation gives you an edge when dealing with trucking companies and their drivers.
At Goodman Acker, P.C., we have over 30 years of combined experience representing accident victims and helping them seek fair compensation. When you come to us, we will carefully examine the facts of your case and let you know of the legal options available. Our initial consultations are free, so contact us at 248-286-8100 to learn more about our services.
Why choose our Detroit fatal truck accident lawyer?
Choosing the right legal team is crucial to a successful claim and securing fair compensation, and no one knows this better than we do. This is why at Goodman Acker, P.C., our legal team has dedicated their careers to helping injured victims and relatives of deceased victims fight for their right to fair compensation. In the decades we’ve existed, we’ve represented hundreds of clients and secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts.
Call out: Our attorneys offer personalized service and do not treat any client as more important than another.
We have a 99% success rate, and the testimonials from our past clients are a testament to our dedication and commitment to every case we handle. We have established a reputation in Detroit and other parts of Michigan for our work ethic, and our attorneys are reliable and trustworthy. Our clients’ needs always come first, and we take our role as their advocate seriously.
We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t have to let the fear of legal fees keep you from seeking compensation. We are always available to attend to you, so call now at 248-286-8100 to schedule a free initial consultation.
What causes fatal truck accidents in Detroit, Michigan?
Trucks are essential vehicles as they help carry goods to and from Detroit. But their enormous size makes them a danger to road users. The following are some of the common causes of fatal truck accidents:
Fatigue
Fatigue is a state of physical and mental exhaustion, and it is common with truck drivers, especially when they drive beyond the standard hours allowed by the FMCSA. Extreme fatigue leads to slow reaction times, drowsy driving, and difficulty concentrating, which could lead to a fatal accident.
Speeding
Trucks require more space to stop than standard passenger vehicles. So when truck drivers speed, it is harder to stop in time to avoid a collision due to the large size and weight of the truck, increasing the risk of a crash.
Uneven loads
Uneven loading can lead to a collision due to several factors. For example, uneven loads create an accelerating and decelerating force on the truck, leading to the loss of control by the truck driver. Also, uneven loads make it harder to maneuver, and the weight shift can lead to rollover or jackknifing.
Failure to follow trucking regulations
Not following trucking regulations can lead to a fatal crash. These regulations include hours-of-service rules and vehicle maintenance standards, cargo loading guidelines, and other relevant laws. Complying with trucking regulations makes it easier to stay safe on the road.
Poor truck maintenance
Faulty brakes, engine problems, axle or wheel bearing errors, lighting malfunctions, and tire underinflation are maintenance problems that can cause an accident. At other times, a design defect can cause an accident, in which case, the truck manufacturer would be held responsible.
Call out: At Goodman Acker, P.C., we dedicate time and resources to every case, ensuring we give clients the attention their case needs.
How is liability proven in a fatal truck accident?
The first thing to establish when proving liability is that the responsible party was negligent, and their negligence led to the accident that killed your loved one. In proving negligence, you must show that the responsible party owed the deceased victim a duty of care that was breached. Then, you must establish that the breach caused the accident that led to the victim’s death, and that you, as a surviving relative, deserve to receive damages.
Proving liability also requires evidence, and the following proof will help establish the at-fault party’s liability:
- The official driver’s log shows how long the truck driver worked and the possibility of their being exhausted during the collision.
- Maintenance records will determine if the trucking company conducted routine maintenance and safety checks.
- The truck’s black box data is used to check the speed at which the truck traveled before the accident, whether the driver applied brakes, and any other relevant data.
- Witness statements of those who saw the accident and expert testimony will be used to analyze the data from the data.
Gathering the required evidence to prove your claim can be challenging. Thankfully, our fatal truck accident lawyer in Detroit can help you and use them to prove the at-fault party’s liability.
Who is responsible for a fatal truck accident in Detroit?
The first likely responsible party is the truck driver involved in the accident. The next is the trucking company that employed the driver. The company is accountable if it failed to train the truck driver properly or knew the person has a history of negligent behavior, like drunk driving, and still hired them.
The truck manufacturer can also be liable if a defective design or part leads to a trucking accident. In cases where improperly loaded cargo caused the collision, the cargo-loading company will be responsible. Another party you can sue for compensation is the company that maintained or repaired the truck if they did not do it properly and their negligence led to the fatal truck accident.
Recoverable compensation after a fatal truck accident
Seeking compensation after a deadly truck accident will come in the form of a wrongful death claim, and you can recover economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages pay for monetary losses, while non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses. The two categories cover the following:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Loss of income
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Funeral and burial expenses.
Our attorneys can determine the worth of your case and will ensure all your damages are covered.
We have the skills and knowledge to fight for our clients, and we help you maximize your compensation so you don’t end up in debt from the demise of your loved one.
Detroit fatal truck accident lawyer FAQs
We get several common questions from clients who consult us after a fatal truck accident. We answered some of the questions below and will deal with all your inquiries when you come for a free initial visit.
The answer depends on whether you are named a personal representative under the deceased’s will or are a recognized beneficiary under Michigan law. Recognized beneficiaries are surviving spouses, children, and parents. Any of them can serve as a personal representative and take legal action on behalf of the others.
Yes. It is always wise to work with an experienced attorney as they can help you protect your rights and interests, investigate the accident that led to your loved one’s death, and pursue a case in court if necessary to enable you to receive compensation.
Resolving a fatal truck accident case can take months or years, depending on several factors. These include whether a settlement is possible or litigation becomes necessary. It also depends on the complexity of your case.
Under Michigan laws, you have three years from the day the victim died to take legal action. If you fail to exercise your rights to compensation within this time, you cannot take any action against the at-fault party or parties.
How our fatal truck accident lawyer in Detroit can help you
When you retain the services of our legal team at Goodman Acker, P.C., we will assist you with the following:
- Assess the circumstances surrounding the fatal truck accident
- Conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident and gather evidence to support your claim
- Gather and preserve the relevant evidence needed to prove your claim
- File a claim with the responsible party’s insurer and negotiate compensation on your behalf
- If negotiation fails, file a lawsuit and advocate for you in court.
We always maintain an open and transparent line of communication with all our clients, keeping you updated on the progress of your claim and addressing your concerns.
Our Goodman Acker, P.C., team is here for you!
If you lost a loved one to a fatal truck accident, our attorneys at Goodman Acker, P.C., can represent and fight for you. We have a winning track record and will work diligently to achieve the best outcome. Contact us at 248-286-8100 to book a free case review.
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 ]
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