Port Trucker Accidents Lawyer

Ports are important hubs of activity that contribute to a thriving economy. A thriving port is generally good for business with truckers transporting billions of dollars of freight to customers across the country. The American Trucking Associations estimates thattrucks move about 72.5 percent of the nation’s freight by weight.

Increased port activity means more truck traffic on the roads, which increases the likelihood of truck accidents. Sadly, truck accidents can cause catastrophic damage to those involved. According to the Michigan State Police report for 2020, there were11,867 truck and bus accidents. Over a third of these accidents involved semi-trailer trucks, which are often used to transport goods.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you can talk to one of our port trucker accident lawyers to better understand your rights. You will see how the lawyers at Mike Morse Law Firm strive to keep clients well-informed throughout the process from the very beginning. 

If you have questions about your truck accident, our lawyers are here to give you clear answers that will help you to make an informed choice. Call us at 855-MIKE-WINS to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our qualified lawyers. Let us go the distance for you and your family. 

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck drivers often transport extremely heavy loads over long distances. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the length of time carriers and drivers can operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). This is referred to as Hours of Service (HOS), which is the maximum amount of time a driver is permitted to be on duty – to help ensure that he or she stays awake and alert.

Unfortunately, sometimes due to overwork and unreasonable deadlines, many truckers drive longer than they should, often leading to driver fatigue. This can greatly affect a driver’s awareness and judgment when operating a vehicle, increasing the risk of a serious collision.

Common causes of truck accidents can include:

• Driving while fatigued
• Unsafe stopping
• Driving at an unsafe speed
• Distracted driving
• Failing to yield
• Incorrect backing
• Improper lane changing
• Disregarding traffic laws
• Reckless driving behavior
• Failing to signal
• Improper turns

Types of Port Trucker Accidents

Not only are truck drivers responsible for operating a tractor-trailer safely, but they must ensure their cargo is loaded and secured correctly. It only takes a moment to lose control of any type of vehicle, yet due to the sheer weight and size of a truck, the damage is often much more devastating than a regular car accident. Victims may be left with serious injuries which are sometimes fatal.

There are many different types of port trucker accidents, some more dangerous than others. The following is a description of some common types of truck accidents.

Rear-end collisions

Trucks are large and heavy, so a driver needs much more time to slow down and stop the vehicle safely. If a driver is distracted or speeding, he or she may not have enough time to stop and could end up rear-ending the leading vehicle.

Jackknife accidents

A jackknife accident occurs when the tractor and its attached trailer fold into itself. Jackknife accidents can be one of the most dangerous types of collisions because the trailer might fishtail and skid into oncoming traffic.

Truck rollovers

A truck driver might misjudge a turn or drive too fast on a curved road, causing the truck to overturn and roll over multiple times.

Cargo shift or spill accidents

When cargo is not properly loaded or secured, it can move and shift. Displaced cargo can throw the truck off balance or it may spill onto the road or other vehicles. This type of accident could be triggered by an abrupt stop, a sharp turn, or perhaps driving up a steep hill. Cargo spills can become extremely dangerous if the freight contains hazardous materials.

Tire blowout accidents

Tire blowouts can happen due to roadway hazards, an overloaded trailer, or improper tire maintenance. When there is a sudden loss of air pressure in the tire, it can blow out and cause the driver to lose control.

Blind-spot collisions

Trucks can be quite large, some measuring between 70 and 80 feet long. There are multiple blind-spots or no-zones in these trucks, making it difficult for a driver to see other vehicles. When drivers fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes or making a turn, they may hit another vehicle, cyclist, or pedestrian.

Underride accidents

An underride accident refers to a collision between a large truck and a smaller vehicle, specifically when a passenger vehicle crashes into the back or side of a large truck and slides underneath it. Underride accidents can result in tragic injuries and often prove fatal for those in the smaller vehicles.

T-bone accidents

If truck drivers run a red light or a stop sign at an intersection, they may hit another vehicle on its side, creating a T-bone-shape accident.

Head-on collision

A head-on collision occurs when two vehicles crash front to front. This can happen when a driver nods off and crosses the center line into the direct path of an oncoming vehicle. Head-on collisions often happen suddenly and unexpectedly, without much time to slow down, which is why they are so deadly.

Who is Liable for a Port Trucker Accident?

Truck accidents can be quite complex due to the fact that there may be multiple liable parties involved. Determining liability can be tricky without the knowledge and experience needed to deal with cases of negligence. To prove a person is liable for your damages, you must establish the at-fault party acted negligently. The evidence required will vary depending on the responsible party. 

Potentially liable parties for a truck accident may include:

• Truck driver
• Truck owner
• Trucking company
• Freight broker
• Shipping and cargo loading company
• Truck maintenance company
• Truck parts manufacturer

Establishing Negligence for a Port Trucker Accident

To recover financial compensation for any damages caused by a truck accident, a plaintiff must establish the following four elements:

1. Duty of care – The defendant owed a duty of care
2. Breach of duty – The defendant breached this duty
3. Causation – The defendant’s actions or failure to act caused injury to the plaintiff
4. Damages – The resulting injuries caused damages to the plaintiff

Establishing negligence when there are multiple parties involved can be difficult because each party may owe a different duty of care. For example, a truck driver owes a duty of care to drive safely, while a cargo-loading company has a duty of care to load and secure the cargo properly. Since each situation will require different types of evidence, it is highly recommended to have a qualified personal injury lawyer helping you each step of the way.

How a Port Trucker Accident Lawyer Can Help You Seek Justice

Mike Morse Law Firm has over 25 years of experience helping Michigan residents seek justice for their personal injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to the negligent actions of another party, we want to help you. We go the distance for our clients, helping them seek the maximum compensation for their suffering so they can move forward with their lives.

We believe each person’s situation and circumstances are unique, so if you choose to hire us, we will tailor your case to your specific needs. You can have the confidence that comes from knowing your case is in good hands and that you have the right people working for your best interests. 

Duties that our lawyers perform include but are not limited to:

• Listening with empathy and compassion
• Explaining your legal rights and describing the best legal options available
• Gathering necessary evidence to establish negligence
• Communicating with insurance companies and their adjusters
• Filing the required documentation to the courts
• Negotiating and advocating for your rights

We here at Mike Morse Law Firm offer quality legal representation to all Michigan residents without the worries of expensive up-front legal fees and hidden costs. We work on a contingency basis, so you won’t pay a thing until we win your port trucker accident case. 

Find out how we can help you with your port trucker accident case. Call us at 855-MIKE-WINS to talk to one of our port truck accident lawyers and find out how we can help you with your case today.