Truck Accidents

St. Clair County Truck Accident Lawyers

Dedicated to Injury Victims Across Southeast Michigan

Southeast Michigan is home to a lot of traffic from commercial trucks. It’s a great thing for our economy, but it does create more potential for accidents. Crashes involving trucks are often serious and potentially involve catastrophic injuries. The lawyers at Rowling, Partipilo & Winston have been serving the people of St. Clair County and beyond since 1974, helping them navigate what can be a challenging legal path for getting a financial settlement following an accident.

Set up a free consultation with a trucking accident lawyer near you at our office in Port Huron by either calling (810) 676-9447 or by reaching out with our online form.

Understanding Liability in Truck Accident Cases

Determining liability in truck accident cases can be a complex process. Unlike most car accidents, truck accidents often involve multiple parties, including the driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, or even a maintenance provider. To establish who is at fault, it’s essential to examine who acted negligently and how federal trucking regulations might factor into the case.

Federal trucking regulations, governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), set strict standards for commercial truck operations. These rules are designed to ensure safety on the road and include requirements for hours of service (HOS), vehicle maintenance, and driver qualifications. Violations of these regulations often play a key role in establishing liability.

For instance, the FMCSA’s HOS rules cap the number of consecutive hours a driver can be on the road to prevent fatigue-related accidents. If a truck driver violates these limits and crashes due to exhaustion, they and potentially their employer could be held liable. Similarly, improper vehicle maintenance--whether it’s overlooked brake repairs or ignored tire issues--can point to negligence on the part of the driver, trucking company, or maintenance team.

Pinpointing the correct defendant is imperative if plaintiffs are to get a settlement. This often takes thorough investigations. Evidence like driver logbooks, black box data, inspection reports, and GPS records may hold the key to identifying breaches of federal regulations.

Black box data can reveal the truck’s speed, braking patterns, and whether the driver exceeded federally mandated hours of service. Independent forensic analysts may review black box data to ensure its integrity and verify that it aligns with the reported sequence of events.

Driver logbooks provide insight into whether the driver complied with rest break requirements or falsified hours to meet delivery deadlines. Maintenance records can also be scrutinized to ensure the vehicle was properly cared for--any lapses in brake inspection or ignored mechanical defects might indicate negligence.

Expert witnesses, such as an accident reconstructionist, could play an integral role in strengthening the case. They can analyze collision data and physical damage to reconstruct the events leading to the crash. Their findings can clarify who acted negligently and support claims in court.

A thorough investigation can not only identify the correct defendant but also build a compelling case on behalf of an injured plaintiff.

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Recovering Compensation for Truck Accident Victims

Medical expenses for hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation are typically a major component of claims. Additional compensation may be available for future medical costs, especially when injuries require long-term care.

Plaintiffs can also recover lost wages if their injuries prevent them from working, as well as compensation for any reduction in future earning capacity. To properly assess future earnings capacity, we evaluate factors that include lost promotional opportunities, lost 401(k) contributions, and other benefits the plaintiff might have been reasonably expected to attain.

Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, are also important components of truck accident claims. While money can never be a replacement for the loss of intangible joys, financial compensation is what the state of Michigan can offer to people as they seek to find a different way of living after an accident.

Recovering compensation after a truck accident in Michigan is a complex process, but securing appropriate legal representation can make all the difference.

Fighting for the Settlement You Deserve

Being in any kind of accident can be scary, but truck accidents can be uniquely traumatic, both physically and psychologically. When you or someone you love has been in an accident, you deserve the kind of settlement that will allow you to focus on recovery with some peace of mind.

The experienced St. Clair County truck accident lawyers at Rowling, Partipilo & Winston understand how to maximize compensation on behalf of our clients. We’ll investigate the accident to identify all liable parties, negotiate aggressively with insurance companies, and ensure compliance with deadlines and legal requirements. Between our 50-plus years of experience and our extensive network of independent expert witnesses, we know how to accurately value both economic and non-economic damages.

Truck accident cases demand a high level of knowledge and a diligent, methodical legal approach. That’s what the good people of St. Clair County can expect from our attorneys and our dedicated team.

Call (810) 676-9447 today to speak with a trucking attorney near you. We’ve obtained millions of dollars in settlements over the years and would be honored to help you next.

Trucking Accident FAQs

1. How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Michigan?

In Michigan, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, there are exceptions depending on the specifics of your case. It’s best to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.

2. Can I sue the trucking company if the driver was at fault?

Yes. Trucking companies can be held liable if they negligently hired unqualified drivers, failed to enforce safety regulations, or forced drivers to violate FMCSA regulations.

3. What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation if you were less than 50% at fault, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.

4. How much does it cost to hire a truck accident lawyer?

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront—we only get paid if we win your case.

5. What if the trucking company’s insurance refuses to pay?

Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and litigators. If an insurance company lowballs your claim or denies liability, we will aggressively pursue legal action to secure the compensation you deserve.

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Why Choose Rowling, Partipilo & Winston?

Justice for the Injured. Results You Can Trust.

Community-Focused Representation

We live and work in Southeastern Michigan, serving our neighbors with dedication and local expertise. We’re committed to keeping our community safer by holding negligent parties accountable.
Decades of Proven Results

Since 1974, Rowling, Partipilo, & Winston has been Michigan’s trusted personal injury firm, securing millions for victims and helping them rebuild with confidence.
Passion and Commitment in Every Case

At Rowling, Partipilo, & Winston, we handle our own cases—what you see is what you get. From consultation to courtroom, you work directly with the attorneys fighting for your rights.
More Than $10 Million Won

We don’t settle for less. With over $10 million won, we aggressively pursue the full compensation our clients deserve.
Aggressive, Client-Focused Advocacy

We never represent insurance companies—our only focus is fighting for the injured. While insurers minimize payouts, we work harder to secure the compensation you deserve.
Free Consultations

A free, no-obligation consultation is the first step toward getting the justice and compensation you deserve.

What Our Clients Are Saying What Our Clients Are Saying

Fighting for Justice Since 1974

"Thanks again!"
I am so happy I picked the right attorney! You and everyone there stuck by me and my grand-babies. Thank you for not giving up on us. I am so grateful to be able to put some money away for them from their mom… Thanks again!

- Former Client
"Cannot say enough good things!"
Attorney Nicole Winston helped my family so much after a drunk driver flipped our lives upside down. She went to bat against the Auto Insurance, the Disability Insurance and Social Security and won all three cases. We owe her so much!

- Former Client
"Thanks again for being an upstanding lawyer."
Thanks for having been so nice to my mom and me. You’re the only one that believed in her. Last night, I went out for a quiet birthday dinner and I wore the big bling ring that she bought in Florida, so she was with me. Today, I am going to the nursing home to plant a Potentilla for my mother. It’s a new color called Rosebud. I know that you worked really hard for us. Thanks again for being an upstanding lawyer.

- Former Client

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