We drive to and from work every day; it’s become a regular part of our lives, but we rarely stop to think about how dangerous it is. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that just over 39,000 people died in traffic crashes last year in the United States. Although that’s a decrease compared to the 40,000-plus from 2023, that doesn’t discount the lives that were lost.
People aren’t just statistics—they are human beings who deserve justice.
If you or a loved one was injured or killed in a trucking accident, contact our legal team at Giroux Pappas for a free consultation. Our compassionate trucking accident lawyers have decades of experience taking on cases throughout Michigan, including Farmington Hills, and are ready to fight for you.
How Prevalent Are Truck Crashes in Farmington Hills?
According to the Michigan State Police’s recent end-of-the-year report published in 2023, Oakland County reported an astounding 35,386 total accidents that year (2,484 of which happened in Farmington Hills). 1,906 of these reported incidents involved trucks, five of which resulted in fatalities. The same report ranks Oakland County as the third-highest county for truck-related crashes.
The Michigan State Police also reported the statewide fatal crash rate of heavy trucks/buses as 1.4 per 100 million VMT (vehicle miles traveled), which is higher than the state’s overall fatal crash rate of 1.1 per 100 million VMT.
The Consequences of Truck Accidents
Driving remains one of the most dangerous activities an individual can undertake, and in truck accidents, the consequences can be particularly severe.
Semi-trucks are heavy, especially when fully loaded, and can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Some states are even pushing to increase the weight and size limits of semi-trucks to allegedly reduce maintenance costs, and the American Trucking Association is aiming to increase its tonnage. Colliding with a vehicle that weighs that much can result in severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, permanent disabilities, and sometimes death. Some trucks may also transport hazardous materials, such as ferric chloride, which can cause skin burns, respiratory complications, and other serious health conditions.
In addition to the sheer size and weight of semi-trucks, another added factor is the high turnover rate in the industry caused by harsh working conditions and low wages. This high turnover can result in trucking companies hiring inexperienced drivers to avoid losing money, even at the cost of safety.
Why Truck Accidents Are More Complicated
Truck accidents not only have more devastating consequences than accidents involving other passenger vehicles—they are also more complex to navigate.
Truck drivers, unless they are owner-operators, work for an organization that owns the vehicles they drive. Some owner-operators may even lease their vehicles from another company. Another factor that complicates matters is insurance. In accidents involving passenger vehicles, there is generally one insurance policy per vehicle, but in truck accidents, the driver will have a personal policy, as will the trucking company.
The causation of the accident is also an important factor. Was it an issue stemming from poor maintenance, reckless behavior from the driver, or irresponsibility from the trucking company? In some situations, multiple parties may be liable.
Fighting corporations on your own isn’t an easy job. That’s why it’s critical to get help from an experienced truck accident attorney.
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Most Truck-Accident Prone Areas in Farmington Hills
The Michigan State Police have reported the most accidents at the roundabout on Orchard Lake Road at 14 Mile Road and Orchard Lake Road at 12 Mile Road.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
- Get Medical Help: Seek medical help immediately for yourself and any passengers.
- Speak With Any Witnesses: If you’re able to, ask any witnesses to make a statement when you report the incident to the police.
- Report the Accident: Report your incident to the state police, including as many details as possible, such as road conditions, weather conditions, location, time of accident, your vehicle information, point of collision, and how many individuals were involved.
- Document the Incident: Take photos of your vehicle (and any other passenger vehicle involved in the incident), the truck, and any injuries sustained by you or the passenger.
- Seek Legal Help: Contact a lawyer to get help filing a claim. Do not contact your insurance company until you’ve spoken with a trucking accident attorney.
FAQs
We know how complex truck accident claims can be—view our list of frequently asked questions below. If you have questions about your specific case, please contact our office to schedule your free consultation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
Farmington Hills follows the same statute of limitations as the state of Michigan: three years. Although you have three years to file a claim, we recommend filing one (with help from an attorney) as soon as possible.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Truck Accident Attorney?
Most personal injury law firms, including Giroux Pappas Trial Attorneys, work on a contingency fee basis. This means NO FEE unless we win. You can read more about our contingency arrangement here.
Who Could Be at Fault?
Multiple parties could at fault, including the truck driver, the truck driver’s employer, maintenance companies, truck manufacturers, and more. It’s impossible to determine who could be at fault for your case because determining fault requires an in-depth case analysis.
You can request a free case evaluation with our team today to learn more about who may be at fault in your case.