18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Midland County: When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything
The ice storm hit Midland County without warning. One moment you’re driving home on I-75 through Bay City, the next an 80,000-pound semi slides across the centerline. There’s no time to react. The impact crushes your sedan against the guardrail, and suddenly you’re trapped in a mangled wreck while Lake-effect snow piles up around you.
This isn’t just a car accident. This is a complete life overhaul.
At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years helping families across Midland County pick up the pieces after catastrophic trucking accidents. We’ve fought the motor carriers, exposed their safety violations, and recovered multi-million dollar settlements for victims just like you. When Ralph Manginello founded this firm in 1998, he made a promise: no trucking company should get away with putting profits over people. That promise has guided us through thousands of cases, from the BP Texas City explosion litigation to the $10 million University of Houston hazing lawsuit we’re currently litigating.
If an 18-wheeler injured you or someone you love in Midland County, you need more than a lawyer—you need a fighter who understands federal trucking regulations, Michigan’s unique no-fault insurance system, and the specific dangers facing drivers on I-75 and the Ambassador Bridge corridor. You need someone who treats you like family, not a file number. As our client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
Call us anytime—day or night—at 1-888-ATTY-911 (888-288-9911). We answer 24/7, and there’s no fee unless we win.
Why Midland County 18-Wheeler Accidents Demand Immediate Action
Midland County sits at the crossroads of Michigan’s heavy industrial traffic. Between the automotive parts haulers racing to meet just-in-time manufacturing deadlines in Detroit, the agriculture trucks moving through Michigan’s farmland, and the international freight crossing at Port Huron’s Blue Water Bridge, our highways shoulder massive commercial weight. When these 80,000-pound machines fail—or their drivers make mistakes—the carnage is unlike anything seen in ordinary car crashes.
Every 16 minutes, someone in America dies or suffers serious injury in a commercial truck accident. In Michigan, where winter brings lake-effect snow and black ice from Saginaw Bay, the risks multiply. A truck traveling at 65 mph requires nearly two football fields to stop on dry pavement. Add Midland County’s notorious winter conditions, and that stopping distance stretches even further.
The trucking companies know this. Before the ambulance arrives at your Midland County accident scene, they’re already deploying rapid-response teams. Their lawyers are advising drivers on what to say. Their mechanics are inspecting brakes. Their dispatchers are scrubbing electronic logs. And their insurance adjusters are preparing to offer you pennies on the dollar.
While they’re building their defense, what are you doing?
Evidence in trucking cases disappears fast. The Electronic Control Module (ECM)—the truck’s “black box”—can overwrite critical speed and braking data within 30 days. Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) showing hours-of-service violations might only be kept for six months. Dashcam footage gets recorded over within weeks. Witness memories fade. Skid marks wash away with the next snowstorm.
That’s why we send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained. We immediately demand preservation of:
- ECM data showing speed, braking, and throttle position
- ELD logs proving hours-of-service violations
- Driver Qualification Files
- Maintenance records
- Pre-trip and post-trip inspection reports
- Drug and alcohol test results
- Dispatch communications
- Dashcam and cab-facing camera footage
Don’t wait until it’s gone. If you’ve been hurt in Midland County, call 888-288-9911 now.
Michigan Law & Your Midland County Trucking Case
Midland County follows Michigan’s unique legal framework for commercial vehicle accidents. Understanding these rules is crucial to protecting your rights.
Michigan’s Modified Comparative Fault Rule
Michigan applies a 51% bar rule for comparative negligence. This means you can recover damages as long as you’re 50% or less at fault for the accident. However, your recovery gets reduced by your percentage of fault. If a Midland County jury determines you were 20% responsible for the crash, your $500,000 award becomes $400,000.
Crucially, if you’re found 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. Trucking companies and their insurers will try to push fault onto you, especially in Michigan’s challenging winter conditions. They’ll argue you were driving too fast for the ice or following too closely. Without an experienced attorney who knows how to counter these tactics with hard evidence from the truck’s black box, you could lose everything.
Michigan’s Statute of Limitations
You have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Midland County. For wrongful death claims, the clock starts running from the date of death, and you also have three years.
While three years might sound like plenty of time, waiting is dangerous. Michigan’s harsh winters destroy physical evidence. The truck involved in your crash could be sold, repaired, or shipped overseas. Electronic data gets overwritten. The sooner you call us, the stronger your case becomes.
Michigan’s No-Fault System (Critical for Midland County Drivers)
Here’s where Michigan differs dramatically from other states: we have a no-fault auto insurance system. Your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays your initial medical bills and lost wages regardless of who caused the crash. This applies even in 18-wheeler accidents.
However, PIP has limits. For serious injuries—permanent disfigurement, serious impairment of body function, or traumatic brain injury—you can step outside the no-fault system and sue the at-fault trucking company directly. This allows recovery for pain and suffering damages that PIP doesn’t cover.
Determining whether your injuries meet Michigan’s “serious impairment” threshold requires medical expertise and legal experience. At Attorney911, we work with Midland County’s leading medical providers to document catastrophic injuries properly, ensuring you can access the full compensation available under Michigan law.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations: The Rules Truckers Break
Every 18-wheeler operating in Midland County must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations found in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR Parts 390-399). These aren’t optional guidelines—they’re federal law. When trucking companies violate them, they’re negligent per se, meaning the violation itself proves fault.
Part 390: General Applicability
Part 390 establishes who must follow these rules. If a vehicle has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) over 10,001 pounds, or is designed to carry 16 or more passengers including the driver, or transports hazardous materials requiring placards, it must comply. This covers virtually every commercial truck on Midland County highways.
Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards
Before a driver can legally operate an 18-wheeler in Michigan, they must:
- Be at least 21 years old (for interstate commerce) or 18 (intrastate)
- Speak and read English sufficiently
- Hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Pass a DOT physical exam every two years (or sooner if medical conditions exist)
- Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) if new to the industry
- Pass a road test or provide equivalent certification
The Driver Qualification File (DQF): Motor carriers must maintain a file for every driver containing:
- Employment application and three years of driving history
- Annual motor vehicle record (MVR) reviews
- Valid medical examiner’s certificate
- Drug and alcohol testing records
- Training documentation
Why this matters for your Midland County case: We subpoena these files immediately. If the trucking company hired a driver with a history of DUIs, allowed someone to drive with an expired medical certificate, or failed to conduct annual reviews, we’ve proven negligent hiring—direct corporate liability that triggers higher insurance coverage.
Part 392: Driving Rules
Part 392 governs actual operation. Key violations we see in Midland County crashes:
§ 392.3 – Ill or Fatigued Operator: No driver shall operate while impaired by fatigue, illness, or any cause making driving unsafe. Michigan’s long freight corridors tempt drivers to push through exhaustion. When they do, innocent families pay.
§ 392.4 & § 392.5 – Drugs and Alcohol: Commercial drivers cannot use alcohol within four hours of driving, possess alcohol while on duty (with limited exceptions), or operate with a BAC of 0.04 or higher—half the limit for regular drivers.
§ 392.6 – Scheduling: Carriers cannot schedule runs requiring speeds exceeding legal limits. Ever see a trucker flying down I-75 in Midland County to make a Detroit delivery deadline? That’s a federal violation.
§ 392.11 – Following Too Closely: Trucks must maintain “reasonable and prudent” following distances. Given that a loaded semi needs 525 feet to stop from 65 mph on dry pavement, tailgating is deadly—especially on Michigan’s icy roads.
§ 392.82 – Mobile Phone Use: Handheld phone use while driving is prohibited. Texting while driving is banned. We subpoena cell records to prove distracted driving.
Part 393: Vehicle Safety & Cargo Securement
Part 393 covers equipment requirements. In Midland County’s brutal winters, equipment failures kill.
§ 393.40-55 – Brakes: All commercial vehicles must have properly functioning service brakes, parking brakes, and emergency brakes. Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. We examine brake adjustment records, air system integrity, and inspection histories.
§ 393.75 – Tires: Minimum tread depth is 4/32-inch for steer tires and 2/32-inch for others. Given Michigan’s potholes and winter conditions, tire maintenance is critical. Blowouts on I-75 or US-10 cause devastating rollovers.
§ 393.100-136 – Cargo Securement: Cargo must be secured to withstand:
- 0.8 g deceleration forward
- 0.5 g acceleration rearward
- 0.5 g lateral force
- Downward force of at least 20% of cargo weight
When automotive parts or agricultural loads shift on Midland County highways, trucks jackknife or roll over. Improper securement creates liability for the driver, carrier, and loading facility.
§ 393.86 – Rear Impact Guards: Trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998, must have underride guards strong enough to prevent passenger vehicles from sliding underneath at 30 mph. Many older trailers lack this protection. We inspect guard integrity after underride crashes.
Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)
This is where we find the most violations. Part 395 limits driving time to prevent fatigue:
Property-Carrying Drivers (most 18-wheelers):
- 11-hour driving limit: Maximum 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off-duty
- 14-hour on-duty window: Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour
- 30-minute break: Mandatory after 8 cumulative hours of driving
- 60/70-hour rule: No driving after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
- 34-hour restart: Can reset the weekly clock with 34 consecutive hours off
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): Since December 18, 2017, most trucks must use ELDs that automatically record driving time, speed, location, and engine hours. Unlike paper logs, ELD data is tamper-evident. When we download ELD data, we often find drivers exceeded the 11-hour limit while hauling through Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.
Part 396: Inspection & Maintenance
§ 396.3 – Systematic Maintenance: Carriers must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain vehicles. “We didn’t know the brakes were bad” is not a defense—it’s an admission of negligence.
§ 396.11 – Driver Inspection Reports: Drivers must inspect their vehicles at the end of each day’s work and report defects. If a driver noted brake problems but the carrier put the truck back on the road anyway, both are liable.
§ 396.17 – Annual Inspections: Every commercial vehicle must pass a comprehensive annual inspection covering at least 16 systems. Inspection decals must be displayed.
The 13 Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We See in Midland County
Not all trucking accidents are the same. Each type involves different mechanics, different liable parties, and different evidence needs. Here are the accidents we handle in Midland County, ranked by prevalence given our Michigan location.
1. Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, folded like a pocket knife. On Midland County’s icy stretches of I-75 or US-23, jackknives are terrifyingly common. The trailer often sweeps across multiple lanes, collecting passenger cars in its path.
Causes: Sudden braking on ice, equipment failure, empty/light trailers (more prone to swing), improper brake adjustment, or driver inexperience with Michigan winter conditions.
Evidence we gather: ECM data showing brake application timing, brake inspection records, load weight distribution, and weather conditions at the time.
FMCSA Violations: 49 CFR § 393.48 (brake systems), § 392.6 (speeding for conditions).
2. Rollover Accidents
Given Michigan’s flat agricultural landscape combined with sudden freeway curves and entrance ramps, rollovers occur when drivers take turns too fast or carry top-heavy loads. The Ambassador Bridge approach and I-75 interchanges in Detroit see frequent rollovers.
Causes: Speeding on curves, liquid cargo “slosh” (tankers), uneven load distribution, overcorrection after a tire blowout, or driver fatigue causing delayed reaction.
Injuries: Rollovers cause crushing injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and often fatalities.
3. Underride Collisions (Rear and Side)
When a passenger vehicle rear-ends or slides into the side of a trailer and passes underneath, the roof gets sheared off at windshield level. These are almost always fatal. Michigan’s winter whiteouts and fog off the Great Lakes contribute to underride crashes.
Causes: Sudden stops by the truck, inadequate rear impact guards (especially on older trailers), poor visibility, or missing side underride guards (currently not federally required).
FMCSA Violations: 49 CFR § 393.86 (rear impact guard requirements).
4. Rear-End Collisions
A fully loaded truck weighs 20-25 times more than your car. When a truck rear-ends you on I-75 in Midland County, the force is catastrophic. When you rear-end a truck, you face underride dangers.
Causes: Distracted driving (cell phones, dispatch radios), fatigue, following too closely (§ 392.11), or brake failure from poor maintenance.
Key Evidence: ECM data showing following distance and speed before impact, cell phone records, ELD fatigue data.
5. Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)
Large trucks need extra space to turn right. They swing wide left first, creating a gap that cars enter. Then the truck turns right, crushing the car against the curb. This happens frequently in Midland County’s industrial areas where trucks access manufacturing facilities.
Causes: Failure to signal, inadequate mirror checks, driver inexperience with trailer tracking, or poor intersection design.
6. Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)
Trucks have massive blind spots:
- Front: 20 feet ahead
- Rear: 30 feet behind
- Left side: One lane
- Right side: Two lanes (largest and most dangerous)
When trucks change lanes on Michigan’s crowded interstates without checking these No-Zones, they sideswipe or crush passenger vehicles.
FMCSA Violations: 49 CFR § 393.80 (mirror requirements), § 392.11 (unsafe lane changes).
7. Tire Blowouts
Michigan’s pothole-ridden roads and extreme temperature variations stress truck tires. When a steer tire blows, drivers often lose control immediately. “Road gators” (tire debris) strike following vehicles.
Causes: Underinflation, overloading, worn tread, manufacturing defects, or heat buildup.
FMCSA Violations: 49 CFR § 393.75 (tire requirements), § 396.13 (pre-trip inspections).
8. Brake Failure Accidents
Brake problems factor into 29% of large truck crashes. Michigan’s winter salt and road chemicals corrode brake systems. Downgrades on I-75 approaching the Detroit River or approaching the Mackinac Bridge cause brake fade.
Causes: Poor maintenance, air brake system leaks, overheating on long descents, or deferred repairs to save money.
Evidence: Maintenance records, mechanic work orders, post-trip inspection reports, and ECM brake application data.
9. Cargo Spill and Shift Accidents
When automotive parts, agricultural products, or manufacturing materials spill onto Midland County highways, they cause secondary multi-vehicle pileups. Shifted cargo also causes rollovers when the center of gravity changes suddenly.
Causes: Inadequate number of tiedowns, improper blocking/bracing, overloading, or failure to re-inspect during the trip.
Liable Parties: Driver, motor carrier, loading facility, and shipper.
10. Head-On Collisions
Driver fatigue causes lane departures. Distracted driving leads to crossing centerlines. Impaired drivers veer into oncoming traffic. On Michigan’s two-lane highways connecting Midland County to the Upper Peninsula, head-on truck crashes are often fatal.
11. Winter Weather Accidents
Unique to Michigan and Midwest locations: Black ice on I-75, whiteout conditions on US-2, fog off Saginaw Bay, and sudden lake-effect snow squalls cause trucks to lose control. While weather is an “Act of God,” failing to adjust driving for conditions is negligence.
FMCSA Violations: 49 CFR § 392.14 (extreme caution in hazardous conditions).
12. Runaway Truck Accidents
On the few hills in Michigan’s terrain, or long descents from the Mackinac Bridge approach, brake fade or improper gear selection causes trucks to accelerate uncontrollably.
13. Override Accidents
Similar to underride but the truck drives over the vehicle in front, often crushing the passenger compartment.
Who’s Liable? All 10 Potentially Responsible Parties
Most law firms only sue the driver and trucking company. We investigate every potential defendant because more liable parties mean more insurance coverage means higher compensation for your family.
1. The Truck Driver
Direct negligence for speeding, distraction, fatigue, impairment, or traffic violations. We examine their driving history, training records, and physical examination status.
2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)
Under respondeat superior (let the master answer), employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts. Plus, direct liability for:
- Negligent Hiring: Hiring a driver with a history of DUIs or accidents without proper background checks
- Negligent Training: Failing to train drivers on Michigan winter conditions or proper cargo securement
- Negligent Supervision: Ignoring ELD warnings about hours-of-service violations
- Negligent Maintenance: Putting trucks on the road with known defects
3. The Cargo Owner (Shipper)
Companies shipping goods from Detroit’s automotive plants or Michigan’s farms may be liable if they required overweight loading, provided improper loading instructions, or pressured carriers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules.
4. The Loading Company
Third-party warehouses or distribution centers that physically load cargo may face liability for improper weight distribution, inadequate tiedowns, or failure to use blocking and bracing.
5. The Truck Manufacturer
Design defects in braking systems, stability control, or fuel tank placement can cause accidents. We examine recall histories and technical service bulletins.
6. The Parts Manufacturer
Defective brakes, tires, or steering components that fail on Michigan highways create product liability claims against component manufacturers.
7. The Maintenance Company
Independent repair shops that negligently serviced brakes, performed faulty repairs, or returned unsafe vehicles to service share liability.
8. The Freight Broker
Brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable for negligently selecting carriers with poor safety records or inadequate insurance.
9. The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)
In owner-operator arrangements, the owner may be independently liable for negligent entrustment or failure to maintain equipment.
10. Government Entities
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) or Midland County Road Commission may be liable for dangerous road design, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain safe conditions on highways under their jurisdiction.
Note: Government claims require special notice within 120-180 days (much shorter than the general 3-year statute) and have damage caps. Don’t delay if a road defect contributed to your crash.
The Catastrophic Injuries We Handle
When 80,000 pounds collide with 4,000 pounds, the injuries aren’t simple whiplash. They’re life-altering catastrophic trauma requiring millions in lifetime care.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
The force of a trucking accident causes the brain to bounce inside the skull, resulting in coup-contrecoup injuries. Symptoms include memory loss, personality changes, headaches, and cognitive impairment. Settlement range: $1.5M – $9.8M+
Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis
Damage to the spinal cord from crushing forces often results in paraplegia or quadriplegia. Victims need lifetime care, home modifications, and wheelchairs. Settlement range: $4.7M – $25.8M+
Amputation
Crushing injuries frequently require surgical amputation of limbs. Prosthetics cost $5,000-$50,000 each and need replacement every few years. Settlement range: $1.9M – $8.6M+
Severe Burns
Fuel tank ruptures and hazmat spills cause thermal burns requiring skin grafts, multiple surgeries, and permanent scarring.
Internal Organ Damage
Blunt force trauma ruptures livers, spleens, and kidneys. These injuries may not show symptoms immediately but can be fatal without emergency surgery.
Wrongful Death
When trucking accidents kill, surviving families face funeral expenses, lost income, and immeasurable grief. Settlement range: $1.9M – $9.5M+
At Attorney911, we’ve recovered over $50 million for families suffering these injuries. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña, who used to defend insurance companies before joining our firm, knows exactly how insurers try to minimize these claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for maximum recovery.
Evidence Preservation: The 48-Hour Rule
Trucking companies operate on a simple playbook: get to the scene fast, control the narrative, and make evidence disappear. We operate on a different timeline: immediate action.
Here’s what happens in the first 48 hours after a Midland County trucking accident:
Hour 1: The trucking company’s insurer dispatches investigators to the scene. They photograph everything—but only from angles that help their case. They interview the driver before police arrive.
Hour 6: The truck gets moved to a repair facility “for safety.” Critical physical evidence disappears.
Day 2: The driver’s ELD data gets “synced” and old driving records are overwritten. The company finds “maintenance records” showing the truck was supposedly perfect.
Day 30: The ECM data automatically erases unless preserved.
We stop this clock. When you hire Attorney911, we immediately send spoliation letters to every potential defendant, putting them on legal notice that destroying evidence will result in court sanctions, adverse inference instructions to the jury, or even default judgment.
Our team includes Spanish-speaking attorneys—Lupe Peña is fluent and provides direct representation without interpreters. If your family speaks Spanish, we ensure nothing gets lost in translation. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
Insurance Coverage in Michigan Trucking Accidents
Federal law mandates minimum liability coverage far exceeding regular auto policies:
| Cargo Type | Federal Minimum |
|---|---|
| General Freight | $750,000 |
| Oil/Petroleum | $1,000,000 |
| Large Equipment | $1,000,000 |
| Hazardous Materials | $5,000,000 |
However, many carriers carry $1-5 million in coverage. Additionally, multiple policies may apply:
- Primary motor carrier liability
- Excess/umbrella coverage
- Trailer interchange insurance
- Cargo insurance
Accessing these policies requires understanding complex MCS-90 endorsements and federal filings. Our 25+ years of experience navigating these waters means we find coverage that less experienced attorneys miss.
Why Midland County Chooses Attorney911
Ralph Manginello has fought for injury victims since 1998. With admission to federal court in the Southern District of Texas and dual licensure in Texas and New York, he handles complex interstate trucking cases that cross jurisdictional boundaries. His involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation—settling for over $2.1 billion industry-wide—demonstrates his ability to take on the world’s largest corporations.
Lupe Peña brings insider knowledge from his years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows the algorithms (like Colossus) that insurers use to lowball claims. He knows when adjusters are bluffing and when they’ll pay. That knowledge now works for you, not against you.
Our Results:
- $5+ Million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log
- $3.8+ Million for a car accident victim who suffered amputation due to medical complications
- $2.5+ Million for trucking crash victims
- $2+ Million for maritime back injury under the Jones Act
- Currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston for hazing injuries
Our Clients Say:
- Chad Harris: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
- Glenda Walker: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
- Donald Wilcox: “One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”
- Angel Walle: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont serving clients nationwide, and a toll-free number 1-888-288-9911 answered 24/7, we’re never far from Midland County.
50+ Frequently Asked Questions About Midland County Trucking Accidents
Immediate Aftermath Questions
What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Midland County?
Call 911, seek medical attention immediately, photograph the scene including the truck’s DOT number, get witness information, and call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 before talking to any insurance company.
Should I go to the hospital even if I feel okay?
Yes. Adrenaline masks pain. Internal bleeding and traumatic brain injuries often show delayed symptoms. Midland County hospitals like MidMichigan Medical Center-Midland can diagnose these critical injuries early.
Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?
Never give a recorded statement without an attorney present. Their job is to minimize your claim, not help you. Our associate Lupe Peña used to work for these companies—he knows their tactics.
Legal Process Questions
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Midland County?
Three years from the accident date for personal injury or wrongful death. However, evidence disappears much faster. Call immediately.
Who can be sued in a trucking accident?
The driver, trucking company, cargo owner, loading company, truck manufacturer, parts maker, maintenance company, freight broker, and potentially government entities for road defects.
What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
Both the driver and the contracting motor carrier may be liable. We investigate all insurance coverage regardless of employment status.
Evidence and Investigation Questions
What is a truck’s black box?
The Electronic Control Module (ECM) records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes. It can prove the driver was speeding or failed to brake properly. But it overwrites in 30 days—act fast.
How do you prove the driver was fatigued?
We subpoena ELD data showing hours-of-service violations. If the driver exceeded the 11-hour driving limit or 14-hour duty window, they’re automatically negligent under FMCSA regulations.
Can you get the truck’s dashcam footage?
Yes, if we act quickly. Many trucking companies delete footage within days unless we send preservation letters immediately.
Michigan-Specific Questions
How does Michigan’s no-fault insurance affect my trucking case?
Your PIP pays initial medical bills and lost wages. For serious injuries (permanent disfigurement, serious impairment, TBI), you can sue the trucking company for pain and suffering damages outside the no-fault system.
What if the accident happened during a Michigan snowstorm?
Truckers must exercise “extreme caution” in hazardous conditions per 49 CFR § 392.14. Driving too fast for snow or ice is negligence, not an unavoidable accident.
Can I recover if I was partially at fault?
Yes, under Michigan’s modified comparative fault rule, as long as you’re 50% or less at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your fault percentage, but you can still receive substantial compensation.
Settlement Questions
What’s my case worth?
It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and available insurance. Trucking cases typically range from hundreds of thousands to millions. We’ve recovered over $50 million for our clients.
Will my case go to trial?
Most settle, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know you’re ready for court.
Do I have to pay upfront?
No. We work on contingency—33.33% pre-trial, 40% if trial is necessary. You pay nothing unless we win. Zero upfront costs.
Your Midland County Trucking Accident Lawyers Are Standing By
The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to pay you less. Their safety director is already hiding maintenance records.
What are you doing to protect yourself?
At Attorney911, we don’t let corporations push around Midland County families. Ralph Manginello has spent 25+ years making trucking companies pay for their negligence. Lupe Peña brings insider insurance defense knowledge to your side. Our 4.9-star rating from 251+ reviews reflects our commitment to treating clients like family.
We know Midland County’s highways—the ice on I-75, the fog off the Saginaw Bay, the traffic from the Ambassador Bridge. We know Michigan’s no-fault laws. And we know how to win.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) right now. We answer 24/7. The consultation is free. You pay nothing unless we recover money for you. Se habla Español—ask for Lupe Peña.
Don’t let the trucking company win. Your fight starts with one phone call.
Attorney911
The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
1-888-288-9911
Licensed in Texas and New York. Serving Midland County, Michigan and nationwide trucking accident victims. Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont.