Truck Accident Lawyer in Holland, MI
Truck accidents cause serious injuries and long-term disabilities, and they often involve complex legal issues. If you or a loved one was hurt in a truck crash near Holland, Michigan, an experienced tractor-trailer accident attorney at Barrix Law Firm can help you pursue full compensation.
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Being injured in a semi-truck accident could be one of the most devastating events in your life. Commercial trucks can cause catastrophic injuries in seconds due to their massive size and weight. If you or a family member was hurt in a collision involving a semi-trailer, big rig, delivery truck, or other commercial vehicle in the Holland area, you need an experienced truck accident lawyer on your side. At Barrix Law Firm, we are prepared to guide you through every step of the legal process with ease.
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Why Truck Accident Cases Are Different
Tractor-trailer accidents occur frequently on local highways and secondary roads near Holland, including I-196, U.S. 31, and Butternut Drive. Across Michigan, over 5,000 crashes involve large commercial motor vehicles every year, including 1,224 injury crashes and 111 fatalities. When box trucks and smaller commercial vehicles are included, this number rises to 15,888 crashes reported annually according to Michigan Traffic Crash Facts.
Trucking Regulations & Evidence
Compared to typical passenger car collisions, truck accident cases are more likely to hinge on violations of state and federal regulations. Commercial vehicles are subject to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
These regulations govern driver qualifications, hours of service, maintenance requirements, cargo loading, and more. Violations of these regulations can be key evidence of legal fault and negligence that helps build a successful case.
Commercial Vehicle Insurance
When it comes to seeking compensation for your injuries, commercial trucking companies generally carry more liability insurance than passenger vehicles, but insurance companies still try to minimize payouts and deny claims. They may:
- Contact you immediately after the crash
- Offer quick lowball settlements
- Misinterpret the crash facts
- Delay or deny valid claims
An experienced lawyer protects your rights and prevents insurance tactics from jeopardizing your case. All it takes is a free case review to get started.
How a Holland Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Truck accident cases require knowledge and resources. With over 32 years of legal experience, attorney Jason S. Barrix of the Barrix Law Firm is equipped to investigate the cause of the accident and hold all liable parties responsible. We know Michigan roads, insurance companies, and trucking regulations. We can help by:
- Conducting a thorough investigation to determine fault
- Obtaining black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records
- Handling all communication with insurers to protect your rights
- Valuing your case accurately, including past and future medical care
- Consulting accident reconstruction and medical experts
- Preparing your case for trial if needed
With an experienced lawyer by your side, you don’t have to fight powerful corporations and insurers alone. These entities often have teams of attorneys focused on minimizing payouts. Without legal representation, you may be pressured into accepting a low settlement or misled about your rights.
Plaintiffs’ attorneys like Jason Barrix are legally obligated to act in your best interests. They’ll investigate the crash, gather evidence, negotiate aggressively, and if needed, pursue litigation to secure fair compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages. You deserve someone in your corner who knows the law and knows how to win.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Many truck crashes happen due to driver error and other preventable mistakes, such as improper maintenance or overloading. Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Driver fatigue caused by long hours and tight delivery schedules
- Distracted driving related to cellphone use, food, or in-cab activities
- Improper maintenance, including brake failure, faulty turn signals, and worn tires
- Mechanical issues that could have been detected during walk-around inspections
- Speeding, reckless driving, and inadequate stopping distances
- Improper loading or overloaded cargo that affects vehicle handling
- Impaired driving involving drugs, alcohol, or prescription medications
- Violation of FMCSR, such as hours-of-service limits
- Inadequate training or negligent hiring, such as hiring an unqualified driver
Common Injuries in Truck Accidents
Truck crashes often involve much larger vehicles than passenger cars, including semi-trucks weighing up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. As a result, accidents tend to be severe. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Broken bones and compound fractures
- Organ damage and internal bleeding
- Amputations and crush injuries
- Severe lacerations and burns
These injuries often require lengthy hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. Serious injuries mean high medical bills, lost income, and long-term care needs. Barrix Law Firm can help you seek justice and maximum compensation for your injuries and other expenses.
Negligence in Truck Accident Cases
Negligence is the foundation of nearly all personal injury claims, including Holland car crashes and truck accidents. To prove negligence, your attorney must show that:
- The truck driver or another party owed you a duty of care.
- They breached that duty due to a wrongful action or inaction.
- Their negligence was the direct cause of the accident.
- You suffered damages as a result.
For example, your attorney could argue that the truck driver had a duty to drive safely around you and other motorists. If they breached this duty by speeding or talking on the phone, this could be considered negligence if it caused the accident. Finally, you must show that you experienced harm as a result, such as medical bills and property damage.
Violations of FMCSR are often strong evidence that the trucking company or truck driver breached the duty of care. To see if negligence applies in your case, schedule a free case review today.
Who’s Liable After a Truck Crash?
Liability in truck accidents can be complex. Because multiple parties may be involved, a full investigation may be needed. That’s when a lawyer can step in to determine how the accident happened and who is responsible. Potentially responsible parties include:
- Truck drivers for reckless or negligent driving
- Trucking companies for improper training or hiring unqualified drivers
- Leasing companies that provided an unsafe truck or trailer
- Maintenance providers that failed to detect issues or completed shoddy work
- Cargo loaders or shippers if improperly loaded freight contributed to the crash
- Manufacturers or parts suppliers if defective equipment played a role
What Is Vicarious Liability?
Under both federal and Michigan law, a trucking company or motor carrier may be responsible for drivers’ negligent actions due to vicarious liability. This means that an employer can be responsible for accidents caused by a driver who was operating within the scope of their employment even if the company wasn’t directly at fault. This applies when:
- The driver was performing job-related duties
- The employer had authority over the driver or vehicle
- The vehicle was operating under the carrier’s U.S. DOT number or authority
Vicarious liability allows accident victims to seek compensation from the company’s insurance or assets—not just the individual driver. If you’ve been injured in a truck crash in Holland, Zeeland, Macatawa, or surrounding areas, it’s critical to identify all liable parties to pursue maximum compensation.
Insurance Coverage in Holland Truck Accidents
Trucking companies based in the United States must carry minimum liability insurance consistent with federal rules. Unfortunately, these limits have not changed since the Motor Carrier Act of 1980. This means that liability insurance may not fully compensate accident victims for all expenses, so a lawsuit may be necessary. The following limits typically apply:
- $300,000 for trucks under 10,001 pounds carrying non-hazardous materials
- $750,000 for large trucks (over 10,001 pounds) carrying non-hazardous freight
- Up to $5 million for trucks carrying hazardous or flammable materials
In Michigan, you must file a claim through your own no‑fault personal injury protection (PIP) insurance first. PIP benefits cover medical expenses, lost wages, and limited household or personal care services regardless of fault. However, serious injuries often exceed these coverage limits, so you may need to pursue additional compensation from the trucker’s insurer or by filing a personal injury lawsuit in Holland.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If you were injured in a truck accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for economic and non-economic damages to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At Barrix Law Firm, our goal is to recover full compensation for all your injuries. You may be compensated for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost income during your recovery
- Decreased earning capacity
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages (if applicable)
Past Client Wins
Barrix Law Firm Case Results
What to Expect During Your Truck Accident Case
Every truck accident case is different, including the extent of your injuries and how the collision happened. Regardless of the circumstances, most cases proceed through the same basic steps. Here’s what you can expect.
- Free Initial Case Review: The first step is to speak with our truck accident lawyer in Holland to evaluate the facts of the case and assess your damages.
- Investigation: Our team works diligently to gather police reports, driver logs, maintenance records, and electronic evidence to establish liability.
- Insurance Negotiations: Once you’re done healing, we’ll send a demand letter to the insurance company to start the negotiation process.
- Filing a Lawsuit (if needed): If settlement negotiations fail, we’ll prepare your case for trial to fight for full compensation.
- Settlement or Verdict: Most cases settle before or during litigation. We will distribute recovered funds and work to resolve any outstanding medical bills as your case reaches a resolution.
Throughout the process, we’ll keep you informed about the status of your case to reduce stress and give you time to focus on healing. We’re always happy to provide updates and answers to your legal questions.
Holland Truck Accident FAQs
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Michigan?
In Michigan, you have 1 year to file a claim for PIP benefits through your own insurance. If you’re filing an at-fault claim against the trucking company, you have 3 years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit (MCL 600.5805).
How Long Does a Truck Accident Case Take?
Every case is different, so there’s no exact timeline. Some cases settle within months, while complex cases with multiple vehicles or disputed liability may take longer, especially if litigation is required. The length of the healing process can also influence how long it takes your case to settle.
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Truck Crash?
Yes, it’s worth hiring an attorney in Holland who has experience handling commercial vehicle collisions. These accidents often involve multiple insurers, federal trucking regulations, and complex liability issues. Legal representation can help your case and increase your chances of a successful outcome.
Should I Give a Statement to the Insurance Adjuster?
Never make a statement or sign insurance documents without consulting an attorney first. Anything you say can be used against you. Our truck accident lawyer can handle communications for you and help you avoid potential mistakes that could hurt your case.
Can I File a Claim if I Was Partially at Fault?
Yes. Michigan is a modified comparative negligence state, so you can recover reduced compensation if you are partially at fault. If you are more than 50% responsible, you cannot recover non-economic damages for pain and suffering. If commercial insurers are trying to blame you for the accident or deny responsibility, contact a truck accident attorney as soon as possible to gather evidence that supports your claim.
Get a Free Case Review
If you were injured in a truck accident near Holland, MI, you need an attorney with deep experience and local focus. Jason Barrix and the Barrix Law Firm have recovered significant settlements for injured clients across the Lakeshore region. We fight for your rights every step of the way. You pay nothing unless we win.
Contact us or complete our online intake form to schedule a FREE, in-depth case review. Your recovery is our top priority.
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