When an 80,000-pound semi-truck causes a crash, the injuries are often catastrophic. Kajy Law fights for truck accident victims throughout Macomb County.
$100M+ Recovered | 5,000+ Cases Won | 98% Success Rate | No Fee Unless We Win
A crash with a commercial truck is not like other accidents. The force of impact, the severity of injuries, and the complexity of the legal claims are all magnified.
If you or someone you love was hurt in a collision with a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or delivery vehicle, you need a Sterling Heights truck accident lawyer who handles these cases every day.
Kajy Law focuses exclusively on motor vehicle accident claims. We know how trucking companies and their insurers respond after serious crashes, and we know how to build cases that hold them accountable.
Injured in an Accident? Call Kajy Law Now!
Why Do I Need a Truck Accident Lawyer?
Truck accident cases require resources that many law firms lack. Claims against involve multiple insurance policies, federal regulations, and corporate legal teams that work against you the minute a truck accident occurs. Having an experienced attorney dramatically improves your outcome.
Research from the Insurance Research Council (IRC) shows that people with legal representation receive settlements 3.5 times higher than those who handle claims alone. The same research found that 85% of all insurance payouts for bodily injury claims go to people who hired a lawyer.
In truck accident cases, the stakes are even higher. Trucking companies often send investigators to the crash scene within hours to gather evidence and protect their interests. Their goal is to minimize what they pay you.
A Kajy Law attorney protects your rights, preserves critical evidence, and fights for fair compensation.
Why Choose Kajy Law for Your Sterling Heights Truck Accident Case?
Truck accident cases require resources that most law firms lack. Kajy Law has the team, the experience, and the financial resources to take on trucking companies and their insurers.
We Know Federal Trucking Regulations
Commercial trucks are governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations cover driver qualifications, Hours-of-Service limits, vehicle maintenance, cargo securement, and drug and alcohol testing. Violations of these rules can establish negligence.
We Preserve Critical Evidence
Truck accidents generate evidence that disappears quickly. Electronic logging devices (ELDs), event data recorders (black boxes), driver logbooks, and maintenance records can prove what caused the crash. We send preservation letters immediately to prevent evidence destruction.
A Team Built for Complex Cases
With 10 attorneys and more than 35 legal professionals, we staff every truck accident case with the resources it needs. We work with accident reconstruction specialists, trucking industry consultants, and medical professionals to build the strongest possible case.
Local Knowledge in Macomb County
We know the roads where truck accidents happen: I-94, I-75, M-59 (Hall Road), Van Dyke (M-53), and Mound Road. We also know Macomb County Circuit Court and the judges who hear trucking injury cases.
When you need a truck accident attorney in Sterling Heights who will match the resources of the trucking company's defense team, Kajy Law is ready.
Hear From Our Clients
Why Are Semi Truck Accidents So Dangerous?
A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh 80,000 pounds. A typical passenger car weighs about 4,000 pounds. When these vehicles collide, the smaller vehicle absorbs most of the impact.
According to the National Safety Council, approximately 70% of fatalities in truck crashes are occupants of the smaller vehicle. Common crash scenarios include jackknife accidents, underride crashes, and wide turn collisions.
Truck Accidents in Sterling Heights and Macomb County
Michigan recorded 5,299 truck crashes in one recent year, resulting in 1,437 injuries and 98 deaths, according to FMCSA data. Macomb County sees a significant share of these crashes due to the heavy commercial traffic on local highways.
Sterling Heights sits at the intersection of major trucking routes. I-94 connects Detroit to Chicago and carries constant semi-truck traffic. M-59 (Hall Road) links I-94 to the northern suburbs and is lined with distribution centers.
Van Dyke (M-53) runs through the heart of the city and handles both local deliveries and long-haul freight. The most dangerous areas for truck accidents in Macomb County include the M-53 and M-59 interchange and where I-94 meets 12 Mile Road.
What Causes Truck Accidents in Sterling Heights?
Most truck crashes involve negligence by the driver, trucking company, or another party. Based on Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, leading causes include:
- Following too closely: Trucks need much longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles
- Driver fatigue: Hours-of-Service violations that put exhausted drivers behind the wheel
- Speeding: Driving too fast for conditions or exceeding posted limits
- Equipment failures: Brake failures, tire blowouts, or defective systems due to poor maintenance
Kajy Law investigates these factors and gathers the evidence needed to prove the cause of your crash.
How Does Michigan's No-Fault Insurance Apply to Truck Accidents?
Michigan operates under a no-fault auto insurance system. This means your own insurance company pays certain benefits regardless of who caused the crash. But tractor trailer accidents add complexity because commercial vehicles carry different coverage.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Benefits
PIP coverage pays for your medical expenses, a portion of lost wages (up to three years), replacement services for household tasks, and mileage for medical appointments. You must apply for PIP benefits within one year of the crash.
In a semi truck accident, PIP benefits typically come from your own auto insurance. If you do not have auto insurance, you may be able to access PIP through a resident relative's policy or the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan.
Third-Party Claims Against the Trucking Company
PIP does not cover pain and suffering. To pursue these damages, you must file a third-party claim against the at-fault driver and trucking company. Michigan law requires your injuries to meet a "serious impairment of body function" threshold under MCL 500.3135.
Many truck accident injuries meet this threshold because of their severity. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, multiple fractures, and internal organ damage all typically qualify.
Commercial Truck Insurance
Federal law requires commercial trucks to carry minimum liability coverage of $750,000 to $5 million, depending on the cargo. This higher coverage exists because truck crashes cause more severe injuries. But insurance companies fight hard to avoid paying these larger claims.
A Kajy Law attorney knows how to pursue claims against commercial policies and hold trucking companies accountable for the full extent of your damages.
Injured in a truck accident? Talk to our truck accident lawyers in Sterling Heights today. The consultation is free.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?
Unlike car accidents, truck crashes often involve multiple responsible parties. Identifying all liable parties is critical to maximizing your recovery.
The Truck Driver
Drivers who cause crashes through speeding, distraction, fatigue, or impairment can be held personally liable. Their driving record, Hours-of-Service logs, and drug and alcohol test results are all relevant evidence.
The Trucking Company
Employers are often liable for their drivers' actions under the legal doctrine of vicarious liability. They may also face direct liability for negligent hiring, inadequate training, pressure to violate Hours-of-Service rules, or failure to maintain vehicles.
Cargo Loaders and Shippers
Improperly loaded or secured cargo can shift during transport, causing the truck to become unstable. The company responsible for loading the cargo can be held liable if its negligence contributed to the crash.
Vehicle and Parts Manufacturers
If a defective tire, brake system, steering component, or other part caused or contributed to the crash, the manufacturer may be liable. These product liability claims require technical investigation and expert testimony.
Our truck accident attorneys investigate every potential source of liability to maximize your compensation.
18 Wheeler Truck Accidents Can Cause Serious and Catastrophic Injuries
The massive force of a truck collision causes injuries far more severe than typical car accidents:
- Traumatic brain injuries: Ranging from concussions to severe brain damage with permanent impairment
- Spinal cord injuries: Partial or complete paralysis requiring lifetime care
- Multiple fractures: Broken bones requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation
- Internal organ damage: Injuries that may not be immediately apparent but require emergency treatment
Our attorneys work with medical and financial experts to calculate the full lifetime cost of your injuries when building your claim.
What Compensation Is Available to Truck Accident Victims?
Truck accident victims may recover both economic and non-economic damages. The severity of truck crash injuries often means these cases involve substantial compensation.
Economic Damages
These cover your actual financial losses: medical bills beyond PIP coverage, future medical care, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and property damage. For catastrophic injuries, future medical costs alone can reach millions of dollars.
Non-Economic Damages
These compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and the impact on your relationships. Michigan does not cap non-economic damages in most personal injury cases.
Wrongful Death Claims
If you lost a loved one in a truck crash, your family may recover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. These cases require sensitivity and experience. Our team handles wrongful death claims with the care your family needs.
Our Sterling Heights truck accident lawyers review every potential source of compensation and fight for the full amount your case supports.
Let Your Lawyer Handle the Insurance Companies
After a truck accident, you may hear from the trucking company's insurance adjuster within days, sometimes hours. They may express concern for your well-being and offer to help you resolve your claim quickly. Be careful.
The adjuster's job is to protect the insurance company's profits, not to help you. Early settlement offers almost always undervalue your claim, often by tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, and in some cases even more.
Once you accept a settlement, you cannot go back for more, even if your injuries turn out to be worse than you initially thought.
Adjusters may also ask you to give a recorded statement or sign medical authorizations. These requests are designed to find information that can be used to deny or reduce your claim.
A Kajy Law attorney handles all communication with insurance companies, protects you from these tactics, and negotiates relentlessly for the compensation you actually need. If the insurance companies refuse to settle fairly, we are prepared to take your case to trial.
What Steps Should I Take After a Truck Accident in Sterling Heights?
Receiving medical attention is the first and most important step. In addition to identifying and treating injuries, your care creates medical records that form the basis for your claim. Once you have obtained care, there are additional steps you can take to protect and strengthen your claim.
- Contact a truck accident attorney right away. Trucking companies begin investigating crashes within hours. Evidence can be lost or destroyed. The sooner you have a lawyer working on your case, the better your chances of preserving critical proof.
- Keep all medical appointments. Gaps in treatment give insurance companies opportunities to argue your injuries are not serious. Follow your doctors' recommendations and attend every scheduled appointment.
- Document your experience. Keep a written or video journal of your pain levels, limitations, and how your injuries affect daily life. This evidence supports your claim for non-economic damages.
- Do not speak with insurance adjusters. Refer all calls from the trucking company's insurer to your attorney. Anything you say can be used to reduce your compensation.
Your lawyer will guide you through the rest of the process and handle communication with all parties on your behalf.
What Is the Deadline for Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Michigan?
Michigan’s statute of limitations gives you three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. For PIP benefits, you must apply within one year.
Evidence in truck cases disappears quickly. Electronic logging data may be overwritten, and driver logbooks are routinely discarded. Contact a Kajy Law attorney as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accident Claims
How much does a truck accident lawyer cost?
Kajy Law works on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing up front and nothing unless we recover compensation for you. The consultation is always free.
How long does a truck accident case take?
Timelines vary based on injury severity and liability issues. Some cases settle in months; others take a year or more. We keep you informed throughout and work to resolve your case as quickly as possible without settling for less than your full and fair compensation.
Can I sue the trucking company, not just the driver?
Yes. Trucking companies are often liable for their drivers' actions. They may also face direct liability for negligent hiring, inadequate training, or failure to maintain vehicles.
What evidence do I need for a truck accident claim?
Key evidence includes electronic logging device data, black box information, driver logbooks, maintenance records, and drug test results. We send preservation letters immediately to prevent evidence destruction.
What if I was partly at fault for the truck accident?
Michigan's comparative fault rule reduces your compensation by your percentage of fault, but does not eliminate it if you were less than 50% responsible.
Truck Accident Resources
Serving Truck Accident Victims Throughout Macomb County
Kajy Law represents truck accident victims in Sterling Heights, Warren, Troy, Utica, Clinton Township, Shelby Township, and throughout Macomb County. We handle cases filed in Macomb County Circuit Court.
With more than $100 million recovered and a 98% success rate, our track record shows what happens when an experienced team fights trucking companies. See our case results and testimonials.
Talk to a Sterling Heights Truck Accident Lawyer Today
The trucking company has a legal team working to protect its interests. You should have a legal team working to protect yours.
Kajy Law has the experience, resources, and dedication to take on commercial trucking companies and fight for the compensation you need. Our team of Sterling Heights truck accident attorneys is ready to review your case and start building your claim.
The consultation is free. You pay nothing unless we win. Contact Kajy Law now or call to talk with an experienced truck accident attorney today.