Experienced Representation for Big Truck Accidents
Collisions involving large commercial trucks, such as semis, big rigs, tractor-trailers, dump trucks, and delivery vans, are among the most devastating accidents on our roads. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks can cause catastrophic injuries at nearly any speed. If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident in Grand Haven, Ferrysburg, Spring Lake, Nunica, or anywhere in Ottawa County, don’t hesitate to speak to a qualified truck accident lawyer to see if you have a case.
For over 30 years, our founding attorney Jason Barrix has represented accident victims across West Michigan and recovered substantial settlements before and after trial. He understands the profound impact these accidents have on local families and is not afraid to take on big trucking companies and their insurers to secure the compensation that you need.
Table of Contents
- We Handle Cases Involving All Types of Commercial Vehicles
- Top Causes and Major Injuries in Truck Accidents
- Who Is Liable for Truck Accidents?
- Truck Accident Compensation: Economic vs. Non-Economic Damages
- Why Truck Accidents Are So Complex, and What Evidence Is Needed?
- Do I Need a Lawyer for My Truck Accident Case?
- Grand Haven Truck Accident FAQs
- Request a Free Case Review Today
We Handle Cases Involving All Types of Commercial Vehicles
While many people picture a massive, fully loaded semi-truck or tanker when they think of a truck accident, the reality is that many different types of commercial vehicles pose a significant threat to local drivers. Our firm has the experience needed to handle claims involving the following commercial vehicles.
Delivery Trucks
With the rise of e-commerce, communities like Grand Haven and Spring Lake see a nearly constant stream of traffic from Amazon, FedEx, and UPS. Their drivers are often under immense pressure to deliver packages quickly. This can lead to speeding, distracted driving, and errors, such as stopping suddenly in unsafe locations.
Dump Trucks
Common at construction sites and new subdivisions throughout Ottawa County, dump trucks present unique dangers. They have massive blind spots, and falling debris can cause property damage and serious personal injuries. Additionally, some dump truck drivers are paid per load, which creates additional safety concerns.
Other Large Trucks
We also represent drivers and passengers injured in collisions with garbage trucks, cement mixers, towtrucks, flatbed trucks, ambulances, and other heavy commercial vehicles. These cases involve large commercial insurance policies and companies that may fight vigorously to deny responsibility.
No matter the type of truck that caused your injury, the approach is the same. You need the right resources to investigate the cause of the accident, gather evidence, and negotiate with the trucking company’s insurers. Don’t hesitate to schedule a free case evaluation today.
Top Causes and Major Injuries in Truck Accidents
While every accident is unique, many collisions involving large commercial trucks stem from negligence, recklessness, and safety violations. Learn more about the most common causes.
Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers are often pushed to meet tight deadlines. Hours-of-service violations and fatigue can be as dangerous as driving impaired.
Distracted Driving: Using cellphones, adjusting GPS devices, eating, and engaging in other in-cab activities can pull a driver’s attention from the road at critical moments.
Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for conditions is especially dangerous due to the vehicles’ large blind spots and long stopping distances.
Improper Maintenance: Worn-out brakes, balding tires, and faulty turn signals can lead to catastrophic multi-car accidents.
Inadequate Training: Trucking companies may hire inexperienced drivers or fail to provide proper training on safety protocols and vehicle operation. Trucking companies may hire inexperienced drivers or fail to provide proper training on safety protocols and vehicle operation.
While every accident is unique, many collisions involving large commercial trucks stem from negligence, recklessness, and safety violations. Learn more about the most common causes.
Serious Injuries Following Truck Accidents
Tractor-trailers have a gross vehicle weight of up to 80,000 pounds and can take nearly 2 football fields to stop when traveling at highway speeds. Due to their sheer size and weight, truck accidents can cause serious, life-altering injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Partial or complete paralysis
- Lacerations and contusions
- Broken bones and amputations
- Severe burns
- Chemical exposure
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Wrongful death
Who Is Liable for Truck Accidents?
One issue with truck accidents is that multiple parties may be partially or fully at fault. Oftentimes, it’s not just the driver who is responsible. Liable parties may include:
- Negligent drivers who speed, text, or drive under the influence.
- Trucking companies that fail to properly train their drivers or pressure staff to break safety rules.
- Maintenance providers that fail to keep vehicles in good working order.
- Cargo loading companies that cause accidents due to unbalanced or shifting loads.
- Manufacturers that sold or distributed defective parts.
Truck Accident Compensation: Economic vs. Non-Economic Damages
If you were harmed due to a trucking company’s negligence or recklessness, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your physical and emotional losses. While your first step is to file a claim with your own personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, you may be able to file an at-fault claim if you meet Michigan’s severe injury threshold or if the accident caused a wrongful death. Damages in truck accident lawsuits typically fall into 2 categories.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover all of your measurable financial losses, such as current and future medical bills, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and rehabilitation costs.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate you for intangible personal losses that don’t have an exact price tag, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment, and disfigurement.
Our goal is to build a comprehensive case that accounts for every single loss. We want you to have the financial resources needed to pay for medical care and secure your family’s future.
Why Truck Accidents Are So Complex, and What Evidence Is Needed?
Truck accident claims are far more complex than most car accident cases. Trucking companies and their insurance providers may immediately contact teams of investigators and lawyers to protect their interests and minimize your payout. To counter these tactics, you need an experienced legal team that can work quickly to preserve evidence. The following items can help your attorney build a strong case.
- Black box data showing the vehicle’s speed, steering, and braking.
- Driver logs showing hours of service, breaks, and walk-around inspections.
- Maintenance records for the truck and trailer.
- Official accident reports from law enforcement.
- Photos of the accident scene and weather conditions.
- Statements from passengers or witnesses.
Do I Need a Lawyer for My Truck Accident Case?
No one plans on being in an accident, and no one wants to deal with the headache of filing an insurance claim or proceeding with a lawsuit. If you’re recovering from a tractor-trailer or semi truck accident, you don’t have to go through the process alone. At Barrix Law Firm, we’re here to support you every step of the way. We offer 100% local staff and over 30 years of legal experience. Here’s how we can help.
Accident Investigation: We can prepare a spoliation or preservation of evidence letter ordering the trucking company to preserve evidence or face damages.
Communications: If you work with us, we’ll manage all communications with the insurance companies and adjusters to protect your rights and give you time to heal.
Expert Witnesses: Accident reconstructionists, doctors, and other expert witnesses are particularly valuable for building a strong truck accident case.
Settlement Negotiation: With over 30 years of experience, Jason Barrix is not afraid to take on the biggest trucking companies to ensure that you receive a fair and just outcome.
Litigation: If negotiations aren’t successful, we may take your case to court. We will fight aggressively until we reach a favorable conclusion.
Grand Haven Truck Accident FAQs
Unfortunately, we cannot provide a set timeline. Cases may take anywhere from several months to a year or more to resolve. The duration depends on the length of your recovery, the complexity of the case, and the insurance company’s willingness to negotiate. While we always push for an efficient resolution, our priority is to secure fair compensation for all your injuries.
Hiring a truck accident lawyer at Barrix Law Firm costs you nothing upfront. We work on a contingency basis, which means that we only get paid if we successfully win a settlement or verdict. This way, there’s no financial risk to you. Contact us today to learn more about our fee structure or to schedule a free, no-risk case evaluation.
Over 90% of personal injury cases settle out of court. While settlements can save time, never accept an offer without speaking to your attorney. Insurance companies may pressure you into accepting a low offer just to close your claim quickly. Once you sign the offer, you’re waiving your right to sue in the future, even if your injuries return or worsen over time. If you’ve received a settlement offer and aren’t sure what to do, we’ll be happy to provide a free case review.
Michigan is a no-fault state, so your personal injury protection (PIP) should cover your medical expenses. If you don’t have no-fault insurance, you may be eligible for the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan. You may be able to seek additional compensation by filing an at-fault claim against the trucking company or driver. At Barrix Law Firm, we’ll help you navigate the insurance claims process, and we may be able to negotiate a medical lien with your providers to delay payment until your case is resolved. Our goal is to ensure that you’re compensated for all past and future medical care.
Request a Free Case Review Today
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Grand Haven, Ferrysburg, Spring Lake, Nunica, or another community in Ottawa County, contact Barrix Law Firm today for a free, no-obligation case review. We’ll put our experience to work for you while you focus on your recovery.
