1. Michigan Auto Law
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, semi-truck collisions, 18-wheeler accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, bus accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, brain injuries
Case Types Handled: Jackknife accidents, rollover accidents, underride accidents, override accidents, rear-end collisions with trucks, head-on truck collisions, cargo spill accidents, brake failure accidents, tire blowout accidents, driver fatigue accidents, overloaded truck accidents
Legal Services: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, hours of service violation investigation, electronic logging device (ELD) data analysis, black box data retrieval, insurance claim negotiation, Michigan No-Fault benefits claims, third-party negligence litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, catastrophic injury claims
Background: Steven M. Gursten is the lead truck accident attorney. Michigan Auto Law is the only law firm in Michigan with attorneys holding Board Certification in Truck Accident Law from the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Steven M. Gursten is one of only three lawyers in the country named to the American Association for Justice Trucking Litigation Group Hall of Fame for truck accident litigation. Firm has over 50 years of experience in truck accident cases. Specializes 100% in auto and truck accidents. Has secured more million-dollar commercial vehicle crash settlements and verdicts than any other firm in Michigan, including the largest truck accident settlement in state history. Over 2,500 five-star client reviews.
Location: Offices in Farmington Hills, Sterling Heights, Detroit, Flint, Ann Arbor, Traverse City, and Grand Rapids, Michigan
Contact: (800) 968-1001 | https://www.michiganautolaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee arrangement
2. Christensen Law
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, semi-truck collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, personal injury
Case Types Handled: Tractor-trailer accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, commercial truck collisions, delivery truck accidents, rollover accidents, jackknife accidents, rear-end truck collisions, intersection truck accidents
Legal Services: Trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence investigation, federal regulation violation investigation, Michigan No-Fault PIP claims, third-party negligence claims, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims
Background: Christensen Law has a team of multiple attorneys and robust support staff dedicated to truck accident cases. Firm philosophy is “LISTEN PROTECT WIN.” Handles cases throughout Michigan with an office in Detroit. Covers all case-related expenses with contingency fee arrangement. Known for compassionate client service and detailed case preparation. Team approach ensures comprehensive investigation and strong legal strategy for each case.
Location: Detroit, Michigan
Contact: https://davidchristensenlaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee (no fee unless case is won), full financial and legal support provided
3. Goodman Acker P.C.
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, brain injuries, No-Fault insurance claims, personal injury
Case Types Handled: Semi-truck collisions, tractor-trailer accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, commercial truck accidents, delivery truck accidents, rollover accidents, rear-end truck collisions, distracted driving truck accidents
Legal Services: Trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence investigation, Michigan No-Fault benefits claims, third-party negligence litigation, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, lost wage recovery, medical expense claims, pain and suffering damages
Background: Goodman Acker has over 150 years of combined experience handling personal injury cases. The firm maintains a 99% success rate. Available 24/7 for client emergencies. Has handled complex truck accident cases including a $2 million recovery for a client who was run over by a truck driven by a distracted driver. Trusted and respected throughout Detroit and Michigan for handling high-stakes trucking injury cases. Firm understands Michigan’s unique No-Fault insurance system and how to maximize compensation through both No-Fault claims and third-party litigation.
Location: Detroit, Michigan (serves Wayne County, Oakland County, Macomb County, and throughout Eastern Michigan)
Contact: https://www.goodmanacker.com
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee arrangement
4. Ravid & Associates, P.C.
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, personal injury
Case Types Handled: Semi-truck collisions, 18-wheeler accidents, commercial truck accidents, delivery truck accidents, tanker truck accidents, rollover accidents, jackknife accidents, rear-end truck collisions
Legal Services: Trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence investigation, federal regulation violation analysis, Michigan No-Fault benefits claims, third-party negligence litigation, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, arbitration, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, long-term care compensation
Background: Ravid & Associates has over 180 years of combined experience among their personal injury trial attorneys. The firm has represented thousands of Michigan families in trucking accident cases. Known as a national leader in truck accident law. Personal injury trial lawyers with qualifications to cross-examine witnesses and effectively prosecute cases at trial. Deep knowledge of Michigan law including No-Fault system. Team approach with personalized client attention.
Location: Detroit, Michigan (serves throughout Michigan)
Contact: (248) 948-9696 | https://ravidandassociates.com
Consultation: Free consultation (no charge), contingency fee arrangement (no fee unless case is won)
5. McKeen & Associates, P.C.
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, burn injuries, amputation injuries, medical malpractice
Case Types Handled: Tractor-trailer accidents, semi-truck collisions, 18-wheeler accidents, commercial truck accidents, delivery truck accidents, FedEx/UPS truck accidents, rollover accidents, jackknife accidents, underride accidents
Legal Services: Trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence investigation, FMCSR violation investigation, driver background and training review, medical history investigation, Michigan No-Fault benefits claims, third-party negligence litigation, accident reconstruction, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, wrongful death claims
Background: McKeen & Associates concentrates on catastrophic injury cases including those involving brain damage, paralysis, amputations, burns, and disfigurement. The firm is recognized as among the top personal injury firms in Michigan by clients and peers. Conducts thorough investigations including examining truck driver driving records, trucking company safety records, FMCSA violations, and driver background and training. Handles cases in Wayne County, Oakland County, and Macomb County. Member of Primerus, a society of distinguished law firms.
Location: Detroit, Michigan
Contact: https://www.primerus.com (McKeen & Associates, P.C.)
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee arrangement
Truck Accident Laws and Regulations in Michigan
Statute of Limitations: Under Michigan Compiled Laws Section 600.5805, personal injury claims arising from truck accidents must be filed within three years from the date of the accident. Wrongful death claims must be filed within three years of the date of death under MCL 600.5805(2).
Fault System: Michigan operates as a No-Fault insurance state under the Michigan No-Fault Act (MCL 500.3101 et seq.). Injured parties first seek compensation through their own insurance for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits regardless of fault. However, third-party negligence claims can be filed against at-fault parties for non-economic damages if injuries meet the serious impairment threshold.
Comparative Negligence: Michigan follows a modified comparative fault system. Under MCL 600.2959, an injured party can recover damages as long as they are not more at fault than the combined fault of all other parties. If the claimant is more than 50% at fault, they are barred from recovery. Damages are reduced by the claimant’s percentage of fault.
No-Fault PIP Benefits: Under Michigan’s No-Fault Act, injured parties are entitled to Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits regardless of fault, which may include: allowable medical expenses (lifetime coverage depending on policy), wage loss benefits for up to three years (85% of gross income, capped), replacement services for up to three years, and survivor’s benefits. Following 2019 reforms, PIP coverage levels vary based on policy selections.
Serious Impairment Threshold: To pursue a third-party claim for pain and suffering against a negligent truck driver or trucking company, the injured party must prove serious impairment of body function or permanent serious disfigurement under MCL 500.3135.
Minimum Insurance Requirements: Michigan requires all registered vehicles to have No-Fault insurance. Minimum requirements include Bodily Injury Liability ($250,000/$500,000), Property Protection Insurance ($1 million), and Residual Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability ($20,000/$40,000). PIP coverage levels can be selected based on 2019 reform options.
Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements: FMCSA regulations require interstate commercial trucks to carry minimum insurance based on cargo type: $750,000 for general freight, $1,000,000 for oil transport, and up to $5,000,000 for hazardous materials.
Federal Regulations Applicability: FMCSA regulations (49 CFR Parts 390-399) apply to commercial motor vehicles operating in Michigan, including hours of service rules, driver qualification standards, vehicle maintenance requirements, and electronic logging device (ELD) mandates.
Vicarious Liability: Under respondeat superior, trucking companies can be held liable for the negligent acts of their employee drivers when acting within the scope of employment. Michigan courts also recognize negligent hiring, training, supervision, and entrustment claims against motor carriers.
Evidence Preservation: Trucking companies are required to maintain various records under federal regulations, but retention periods vary. Driver logs must be preserved for at least six months, and other records may have shorter retention periods. Prompt legal action is necessary to preserve critical evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the deadline to file a truck accident lawsuit in Detroit, Michigan?
A: Under Michigan Compiled Laws Section 600.5805, you have three years from the date of the truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the three-year period runs from the date of death. While three years provides more time than many other states, delays in filing can result in lost evidence, faded witness memories, and destruction of critical trucking records. Consulting with an attorney promptly after a truck accident is advisable to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Q: How does Michigan’s No-Fault insurance system affect my truck accident claim?
A: Michigan’s No-Fault Act requires injured parties to first seek compensation through their own automobile insurance for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, regardless of who caused the accident. These benefits can include medical expenses, wage loss benefits (85% of gross income for up to three years), and replacement services. However, if you suffer a serious impairment of body function or permanent serious disfigurement as defined under MCL 500.3135, you can also pursue a third-party negligence claim against the at-fault truck driver and trucking company for pain and suffering and excess damages not covered by PIP.
Q: What makes truck accident cases in Detroit different from regular car accident cases?
A: Truck accident cases involve significantly greater complexity due to federal regulations (FMCSA rules), Michigan’s unique No-Fault insurance system, multiple potentially liable parties (driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance providers, manufacturers), and typically more severe injuries due to the size and weight differential between trucks and passenger vehicles. Evidence such as electronic logging device (ELD) data, black box information, driver qualification files, and maintenance records must be preserved quickly. Board-certified truck accident attorneys understand both federal trucking regulations and Michigan’s No-Fault system.
Q: Can I sue the trucking company if their driver caused my accident in Michigan?
A: Yes, if your injuries meet the serious impairment threshold under MCL 500.3135. Under respondeat superior, trucking companies can be held vicariously liable for the negligent acts of their employee drivers when acting within the scope of employment. Companies can also be held directly liable for negligent hiring, negligent training, negligent supervision, negligent entrustment, and violations of federal safety regulations. Third-party claims allow recovery for pain and suffering, disability, and other non-economic damages beyond what No-Fault PIP provides.
Q: What types of compensation can I recover in a Detroit truck accident case?
A: In Michigan, you can recover: (1) No-Fault PIP benefits from your own insurer regardless of fault, including medical expenses, wage loss benefits, and replacement services; (2) Third-party damages from the at-fault parties if your injuries meet the serious impairment threshold, including pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, and excess economic losses not covered by PIP; (3) Property damage claims; and (4) In wrongful death cases, surviving family members can seek damages for loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and funeral expenses.