Michigan Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer
Hurt in a crash with a tractor-trailer or commercial vehicle? Don’t face the trucking companies and their insurance carriers alone. Our experienced truck accident lawyer in West Michigan is ready to fight for you. Get started with a free, in-depth case review.
Has Someone Been Hurt?
"*" indicates required fields
Let’s Take on the Big Trucking Companies
Attorney Jason S. Barrix has been handling auto accident cases for over 30 years. With 2 local offices in Grand Rapids and Grand Haven, we’re equipped to serve clients across the Lakeshore region. If you were hit by a semi, tractor-trailer, or delivery truck anywhere in Michigan, our experienced attorney will guide you every step of the way. Our goal is to help you pursue full compensation.
What’s On This Page
Why Choose Barrix Law Firm for Your Truck Accident Case?
When you’re recovering from the painful and costly effects of a big truck crash, you need more than just a lawyer. You need an advocate by your side who will represent your best interests, especially when the trucking companies and their insurers apply pressure or try to get you to accept a quick settlement.
At Barrix Law Firm, we understand state and federal trucking regulations, no-fault and at-fault insurance claims, and the dangers of local roads like I-196, I-96, and U.S. routes 31 and 131. We bring over 30 years of legal experience to each case and have recovered millions in settlements for auto accident victims. Attorney Jason Barrix knows Michigan law and has earned recognition from the National Trial Lawyers and Martindale-Hubbell for his client-focused advocacy. We serve clients across West Michigan, from Holland to Muskegon, Zeeland, Spring Lake, Grand Rapids, and beyond. Schedule a free consultation to see how we can help.
Why Truck Accident Cases Are Different
Not all motor vehicle accidents are the same. Compared to car crashes, truck accidents often involve life-changing injuries and complex legal issues. That’s why it’s important to work with a truck accident attorney who understands the rules that govern the trucking industry and knows how to uncover violations that prove fault. Here are a few things that make Michigan truck accident cases different from other auto accident claims.
- Victims may qualify for additional compensation for severe or catastrophic injuries and long-term care.
- Multiple parties may be responsible for the accident, so it’s important to have solid evidence.
- Commercial trucks carry large insurance policies, and claims may involve multiple insurers and layers of coverage.
- Federal and state trucking regulations add legal complexity beyond standard traffic violations.
- Trucking companies may misclassify drivers as independent contractors to avoid liability, so additional investigations may be required.
Liability in Michigan Semi-Truck Accident Cases
Determining who is legally responsible after a Michigan semi‑truck accident is rarely straightforward. Unlike typical car crashes, commercial truck cases often involve multiple companies or subcontractors and several layers of insurance coverage.
Holding someone accountable after a commercial truck crash requires identifying the cause of the accident and determining exactly what went wrong. The driver may not be the only one who is responsible. Liability can extend to:
- The trucking company for negligent hiring or training
- Maintenance providers who failed to address safety issues
- Leasing companies that provided faulty trucks or trailers
- Cargo companies for improper loading
- Manufacturers of defective auto parts
- Freight brokers who work with unqualified companies or set unrealistic deadlines
- Other motorists who may have contributed to the truck accident
Working with an experienced Michigan truck accident lawyer like Jason S. Barrix can help you identify all liable parties, even when a thorough investigation is required. A lawyer can uncover important evidence that’s not available to the public, such as driver logs, maintenance records, black box data, and employment agreements. Each case is unique. We will conduct a detailed investigation to preserve critical evidence and uncover every liable party.
What Causes Most Big Truck Accidents?
The trucking industry must follow strict safety standards related to vehicle maintenance, loading, hours worked, and documentation. But even so, accidents still happen. Heavy trucks and buses were involved in 15,888 accidents in 2024, accounting for 5.5% of Michigan’s total traffic crashes.
Unfortunately, many truck accidents occur due to preventable mistakes, such as driver errors, as well as outright violations of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR). Proof of what caused the accident is typically needed to establish liability and recover compensation.
Possible causes of West Michigan truck accidents include:
- Driver fatigue due to tight deadlines and hours-of-service violations
- Distracted driving, including texting or in-cab device use
- Poor maintenance affecting brakes, tires, and turn signals
- Overloaded, unbalanced, or shifting cargo
- Speeding, aggressive driving, or driving too fast for conditions
- Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medications
- Improper training or licensing, including missing hazmat endorsements
If any of these factors contributed to your truck accident, you may have a strong case for compensation. Schedule a free in-depth case review with our truck accident attorney to determine the next steps.
Truck Accident Injuries Are Often Severe
Standard 18-wheelers, also called semi-trucks or tractor-trailers, have a maximum gross vehicle weight of 80,000 pounds and can take over 500 feet (about 2 football fields) to come to a complete stop when traveling at highway speeds. They also have large blind spots that can prevent them from seeing nearby motorists.
When tractor-trailers collide with smaller vehicles like cars, pickup trucks, and even motorcycles or bicycles, the results can be devastating and even fatal. In Michigan, 61.6% of heavy truck accidents involved possible injuries. Suspected serious or minor injuries were reported in 35.5% of accidents. And about 3% of Michigan truck accidents were fatal, resulting in over 110 deaths annually.
Victims of truck crashes often experience:
- Head injuries and facial trauma
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Complex fractures
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Chemical or thermal burns
- Amputations and crush injuries
Injuries like these come with long recovery periods and can lead to permanent disabilities even after physical therapy and rehabilitation. At Barrix Law Firm, we help clients pursue full compensation for medical bills and future care. We believe that clients deserve to be compensated for all their expenses, not just the immediate costs after an accident.
Past Client Wins
Barrix Law Firm Case Results
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If you were injured by a reckless trucker or another at-fault driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and out-of-pocket expenses. In Michigan, your first step is to file a claim to PIP benefits through your own no-fault auto insurance. You may also be able to sue the trucking company or another responsible party for pain and suffering and residual damages that exceed the limits of your policy.
The goal of filing a personal injury lawsuit in West Michigan is to return you to the position that you were in before the accident occurred. Potential damages may include:
- Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
- Lost income during your recovery
- Reduced earning capacity if you’ve become disabled
- Physical pain and suffering/emotional distress
- Decreased quality of life and loss of consortium or companionship
- Wrongful death benefits for surviving family members (if applicable)
We work with medical and occupational experts to ensure that you’re fairly compensated for all physical, financial, and emotional injuries. Schedule a free in-depth case review to see what types of compensation you may be able to claim.
What to Do After a Truck Crash in Michigan
What you do immediately after a commercial truck crash matters. Even a small mistake or misstep can affect your ability to get compensation later. To protect your rights, follow these steps:
- Call 911 and report the crash so that law enforcement can document the accident.
- Get medical care even if you feel fine, and attend all follow-up appointments.
- Exchange information with the truck driver and any other motorists involved.
- Collect contact information or statements from potential witnesses.
- Do not apologize, admit fault, or speculate about what caused the accident.
- Don’t give statements to the trucking company or its insurer before speaking to an attorney.
- Keep track of medical bills, time off work, and other expenses to document your claim.
- Contact a Michigan truck accident attorney before key evidence disappears.
Once we’re on your side, we’ll start building your case and preserving evidence before it disappears. Give us a call or complete our online contact form to schedule a same-day consultation with our Michigan truck accident lawyer.
West Michigan Truck Accident Lawyer FAQs
How Long Do I Have to Truck Accident Claim?
In Michigan, you have up to 1 year to file a claim for PIP benefits through your own no-fault auto insurance. The deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit against the trucking company for residual damages is 3 years from the date of the accident. This deadline, known as the statute of limitations, is found in section 600.5805(2) of the state code.
Can I Still Sue if I Was Partly at Fault?
Yes. Michigan is a comparative negligence state, so you can still recover reduced damages if you are partially at fault. However, if you bear the majority of the blame (typically 51% or more), you are not entitled to compensation for pain and suffering.
What if the Truck Driver Was an Independent Contractor?
Truck drivers are sometimes misclassified as independent contractors, even when they derive most of their income from a single entity. Trucking companies may still be responsible for the driver’s actions due to vicarious liability. We investigate the driver’s employment status and other facts to determine whether the company can be held liable.
Should I Talk to the Insurance Adjuster?
No. Always speak with a semi-truck accident lawyer first. Insurance companies can use your statements against you, even if you misspeak or apologize out of politeness. To protect your rights, have your attorney handle all communications.
What if the Truck Driver Violated Federal Safety Rules?
Violations for FMCSR and other industry rules could be the key to proving your claim. Our legal team can investigate the accident and gather evidence to prove that these violations caused your injuries. If you believe the truck driver broke the law, contact us today to discuss your case.
Do I Really Need a Truck Accident Lawyer?
Yes. Trucking companies and their insurers act fast. They may send investigators to the scene, pressure you to accept a lowball offer, or delay your claim hoping you’ll give up. An experienced truck accident attorney like Jason Barrix can protect your rights and level the playing field. We handle every conversation with the insurance company so you don’t have to—and we don’t get paid unless you win.
Where Is Your Law Office Located?
We have 2 convenient offices to serve clients across West Michigan. Our Grand Rapids office is located at 2828 Kraft Avenue Southeast, minutes from I-96 and 28th Street Southeast. Our second office is located at 510 Jackson Street in downtown Grand Haven near William Hatton Park and Home Depot. We represent clients throughout the Lakeshore region, including Holland, Muskegon, Spring Lake, and surrounding communities.
Get a Free Case Review Today
If you were injured in a Michigan semi-truck accident, call Barrix Law Firm today. We’ve been representing injury victims across the Lakeshore region for over 30 years. Your initial consultation is 100% free. Since you pay nothing unless we win, there’s no risk.
Let us fight for your future while you focus on healing. We can start investigating the cause of the accident and working to hold the trucking company or another responsible party liable for their actions right away. Contact us or complete our secure online form to schedule your free case review with our West Michigan truck accident lawyer.
GET A FREE CASE REVIEW
