Major Causes of Big Rig, 18-Wheeler, and Tractor-Trailer Crashes in Michigan

Oversized trucks carry essential goods daily throughout Michigan, and they’re tasked with transporting materials and goods throughout our entire country. Even though locals rely on oversized commercial trucks, when they cause accidents, they can leave victims with catastrophic injuries and significant property loss. Explore major causes of big rig, 18-wheeler, and tractor-trailer crashes in Michigan and learn more about accident hotspots and data. Prompt action is crucial, and knowing how to handle a truck accident in Michigan can protect your rights.

Major Causes of Large Truck Accidents in Michigan

Large truck accidents, like those involving big rigs, 18-wheelers, and tractor-trailers, remain a major concern throughout Michigan because of their potential for catastrophic injuries and fatalities.

Large trucks have maintenance requirements that are more demanding than those of standard vehicles. Commercial truck drivers must get specialized training. There are more risks when driving a truck, which can result in catastrophic accidents. Throughout the Great Lakes State, some of the primary causes of these crashes include:

• Irresponsible, or negligent, driving
• Fatigue or drowsy driving
• Distracted driving
• Impaired drivers using alcohol and/or drugs
• Aggressive driving
• Mechanical failures
• Brake issues
• Tire failures
• Inadequate truck maintenance
• Steering issues
• Suspension problems
• Improperly managed cargo
• Environmental conditions
• Roadway conditions
• Poor road design
• Traffic congestion
• Inexperienced truck drivers
• Poor knowledge of state and federal trucking regulations, like FMCSA rules
• Failure to check vehicle blind spots

Any of the above can result in unsafe truck driver practices. To win a personal injury case after a truck accident, you must identify who caused your accident and the resulting damages. You also must prove your injuries were caused by the negligent conduct of the truck driver. Understanding how to file a personal injury claim in Michigan can guide your recovery process. Since these vehicles are significantly larger than most standard vehicles, when they cause a wreck, they usually leave victims with serious medical issues and major property damage.

Michigan Truck Accident Hotspots

While crash hotspots can vary each year, there are some current spots where truck accidents tend to happen. Michigan’s accident hotspots are concentrated along major highways, construction zones, and high-traffic congestion areas in some cities. These hotspots include:

• The Metro Detroit Area
• I-94
• I-96
• Wayne County industrial areas
• I-75
• US-23
• M-14 near Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County
• I-69, especially in Shiawassee and Genesee Counties
• I-94 near Galesburg
• US-2 and M-28 in the Upper Peninsula
• I-96 near Webberville

Lately, a semi-truck caused an accident in Oakland County, and the I-75 in Detroit saw a jackknifed semi-truck accident that closed the freeway. Local Michigan truck weight and axle load limits can impact crash risks in these areas.

Statistical Context

Michigan currently boasts. Back in 2022, Michigan State Police recorded 293,341 total crashes and 1,123 total accident-related fatalities. That year, commercial motor vehicles (trucks or buses) were involved in 16,714 accidents and approximately 96 fatalities.

With about 10.1 million Michigan residents using I-94 and I-75 throughout our state, it’s not a giant surprise that residents are involved in many serious commercial trucking accidents.

Trucking Accident Damages

You may be able to recover for your damages if you file either an insurance claim or a legal claim in Michigan. You may receive damages that are intended to provide reimbursement for your medical expenses, property loss, and other collision-related expenses. You may recover for:

• Medical bills for your immediate and potential long-term expenses
• Emergency medical care costs
• Wage loss
• Emotional damages compensation

This is not a complete list of damages, and you may be entitled to other avenues of financial recovery. Consider contacting an experienced Michigan attorney to discuss your available recovery options and first steps.

An attorney can help prove that the truck driver was driving irresponsibly or negligently, which caused your wreck. If you can prove negligence, you may be entitled to financial recovery for your property damage, injuries, and other accident-related losses. Understanding the truck accident settlement process can provide insight into timelines. If you need help deciding whether to file a claim, contact a knowledgeable Michigan injury lawyer.

FAQs

When Do Most Trucking Accidents Happen in Michigan?

The National Safety Council reports that in 2023, October is the month with the highest number of crashes involving trucks, and Tuesdays are the most dangerous day of the week. Most accidents occur between noon and 3 P.M. Large trucks caused 1.9% of all collision fatalities in the U.S., and Michigan truck drivers contributed significantly to that total.

What Steps Should I Take If I’m Involved in a Truck Collision in Michigan?

If you’re involved in a collision caused by a truck, call 911 to get medical assistance right away. Then, contact information should be exchanged with all parties, and, if possible, photos and videos of the accident scene and vehicle damage should be taken. If you’re contacted by an insurance company for the truck, it’s important to be cautious about what you say and consider retaining your own attorney.

Do I Have to Hire a Lawyer for a Truck Accident Case?

While you’re not technically required to hire a lawyer for a semi-truck accident case in Michigan, it’s always highly recommended. An attorney can provide critical legal help due to the complex nature of these cases since they usually involve many parties and federal and state laws. Also, they usually require a thorough investigation and a skilled negotiator.

An attorney can help gather relevant evidence and maximize your financial recovery for wage loss, medical care, and other damages.

What Types of Truck-Related Accidents Happen in Michigan?

There are some common types of truck accidents that happen frequently in Michigan, including the following:

• Jackknife Accidents
• Rollover Collisions
• Rear-End Crashes
• Underride Collisions
• Head-On Accidents
• Broadside, or T-Bone, Crashes

Regardless of the type of accident you are involved in, an experienced Michigan trucking accident attorney can help you investigate your accident and evaluate your claim for financial recovery. You must act quickly, as Michigan’s statute of limitations for personal injury sets strict deadlines.

Contact Wigod & Falzon – Free Trucking Accident Claim Consultations

If you or a loved one was involved in a recent crash involving a big rig, 18-wheeler, or tractor-trailer, you may be entitled to compensation under Michigan law. An experienced attorney can help evaluate your claim and get you on the road to recovery from your injuries and financial losses. The experienced attorneys at Wigod & Falzon understand these complex cases and can help provide invaluable legal support.

We have two convenient office locations right in Southfield and Jackson, and we trust one location is near you. Contact Wigod & Falzon to schedule a free consultation to discuss your specific accident.