Even with the advanced technology of modern cars and trucks, and safe, freshly paved roadways, truck accidents can still occur and wreak havoc. Day in and day out, Americans are affected by the perils of truck accidents, many of which are preventable and caused by negligence or a truck driver’s mistakes.
If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident, you need a personal injury attorney in Okemos who can help you fight for justice. Here at White Law PLLC, we are ready to put decades of combined legal experience to work for you. We handle truck accident claims throughout Michigan. Give us a call or contact us online to request a consultation with our firm.
Steps a Truck Accident Lawyer Will Take on Your Behalf
When you hire a truck accident attorney in Okemos, they will take a number of steps to ensure you receive the fair compensation you deserve. Here are some of the key steps your attorney will take on your behalf:
- Investigate your accident
- Determine liability
- Calculate your damages
- File a lawsuit or insurance claim
- Negotiate a settlement
Investigate Your Accident
Your lawyer will investigate the scene of the accident, review police reports and any other relevant documents, and interview witnesses. All this information will be used to build a strong case for your claim.
Determine Liability
Your lawyer will also examine the details of the accident in order to determine who is liable for your injuries and losses. This could include both the truck driver as well as their employer or any third parties that may have contributed to the accident.
Calculate Your Damages
Your lawyer will work with experts to calculate the total damages you are entitled to, including both economic and non-economic damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
File a Lawsuit or Insurance Claim
The next step your lawyer will take will be to submit the required paperwork for an accident claim with the negligent party’s insurance provider or a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party.
Negotiate a Settlement
Finally, your attorney will negotiate with the responsible party or their insurer in order to secure an appropriate settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will argue your case in court and attempt to win a favorable ruling.
Okemos Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me (517) 316-1195
Available Damages Following a Truck Accident in Okemos
If you’ve been involved in a commercial truck accident in the Okemos area, you may be able to receive compensation for your losses. Depending on the details of your case, an experienced truck accident lawyer in Okemos can help you seek damages for economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are those that can be calculated in monetary terms. In Michigan, a truck accident victim may be able to recover the cost of any medical treatment they received as a result of the accident. These damages include hospital visits, rehabilitation therapies, medication, and more.
Victims may also be entitled to recover compensation for lost wages if they missed work due to their injuries and lost earning ability if they are unable to return to their old job because of a disability. Additionally, truck accident victims may be able to receive compensation for any property damage caused by the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are more difficult to calculate as they are subjective in nature. These damages include losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium. Because of the significant nature of these losses, non-economic damages tend to make up the largest portion of a settlement or court-ordered payout.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, a truck accident victim may be able to receive punitive damages. These are designed to punish the responsible party for their actions and deter similar future behavior. To be eligible for punitive damages, you must prove that the responsible party acted with intent or gross negligence.
For a free legal consultation with a truck accident lawyer serving Okemos, call (517) 316-1195
How Much Time Do You Have to File a Lawsuit?
In Michigan, there is a three-year statute of limitations on filing a personal injury claim in the aftermath of a truck accident. This means that you have three years from the date of your accident to take legal action against the responsible party. If you wait too long, your case will be dismissed by the court, and you could lose your chance to recover compensation.
You should also note that some exceptions to the statute of limitations apply in certain situations. The details of your case could allow you to file a lawsuit after the typical three-year deadline. Alternatively, you may be restricted to filing within months of your accident rather than years.
Therefore, speaking with an attorney as soon as possible after a truck accident is important. At White Law PLLC, we can help you understand your rights and options under the law and guide you through the legal process every step of the way.
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Causes of Truck Accidents
Given their substantial size, trucks are capable of causing significantly more damage than a standard passenger car. Trucks are also more difficult to operate than cars, and truckers must be carefully trained in the use of their vehicle.
Many truck accidents are caused by:
- Driver fatigue
- Traffic violations (failing to use a turn signal, running a stop sign, etc.)
- Reckless driving
- Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo
- Drunk driving
- Negligence (eating while driving, adjusting the radio while driving, etc.)
- Inadequately trained truckers
- Defective truck equipment
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Our Approach to Truck Accident Lawsuits
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, we may be able to hold one or multiple parties accountable. For example, if a defective truck part caused the accident, we may pursue compensation from the manufacturer, whereas an accident caused by driver negligence would require us to go after the trucker and their employer.
Regardless of the situation, we always take the time to carefully investigate the accident by assessing the scene, bringing in specialists such as accident reconstructionists, and interviewing witnesses. When someone else’s negligence or an error results in an accident, they should be held responsible for the damage and any injuries that were sustained.
An injured victim should not have to pay the price for someone else’s carelessness. Our Okemos truck accident lawyers at White Law PLLC want to hold the responsible party accountable and help you recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact us today for a free consultation with a member of our legal team.
Call or text (517) 316-1195 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form