Big Rig Accidents in Grand Rapids | Grand Rapids Big Rig Injury Lawyer

A big rig is another name for a semi truck, tractor-trailer or 18 wheeler truck, which is a heavy commercial vehicle used in interstate commerce for hauling freight. A big rig is a type of truck with a semi tractor / semi trailer combination and is primarily used for long haul transport of cargo over the interstate highway system such as Grand Rapids’s freeway system.

Unlike a small truck, a big rig is a large, heavy and complex piece of equipment and requires special attention and maintenance. It is not uncommon for improper big rig maintenance to be the cause of an accident or major wreck on the roads and highways in Grand Rapids, Michigan such as the I-96, US 131 and SH 46.

Big rigs are very heavy – weighing up to 70,000 lbs. to 80,000 lbs. fully loaded. For this reason, a big rig can easily become a killing machine if it gets out of control and become involved in a truck crash on the highway. A big rig can do a lot of damage whether in a wreck by itself or with other vehicles – especially smaller, lighter passenger cars. A commercial big rig truck can become involved in a head-on, rear-end or jackknife crash when driving down Grand Rapids roads and freeways such as the I-96, US 131 and SH 46.

Grand Rapids Big Rig Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one becomes involved in a big rig truck accident on a Grand Rapids highway, road or interstate, it is advisable to retain an attorney who specializes in Grand Rapids truck accident law. There are special laws and regulations that govern commercial vehicles weighing over 10,000 lbs. that require the expertise of a lawyer or attorney who is experienced in this type of law practice and who knows how to protect your rights. Make sure to contact one of the qualified Grand Rapids big rig accident lawyers listed on this page. Hire a qualified Grand Rapids big rig accident attorney to help protect your rights.

Head-On Big Rig Accidents in Grand Rapids

Oftentimes multiple cars will become involved in a potentially deadly collision with a big rig truck or tractor trailer in Grand Rapids because of heavy traffic and congestion along major highways in Grand Rapids such as the I-96, US 131 and SH 46. Even though only a fraction of the number of Grand Rapids truck accidents are head-on collisions, they often involve a fatality when they do occur, especially where there is a concrete median in the road. When a heavily loaded truck crashes head-on with a passenger vehicle, the results can be devastating. If you or a loved one have been the victim of a Grand Rapids head-on collision, contact a qualified Grand Rapids truck accident lawyer immediately.

Grand Rapids Rear-End Big Rig Crashes

A big rig rear-end collision occurs when the truck strikes another vehicle in the rear. Rear-end truck accidents in Grand Rapids can easily happen because of the sheer volume of traffic along Grand Rapids freeways, streets and roads. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), about 18 percent of all large truck accidents are rear-end collisions. In all rear-end truck crashes, about 50 percent more happen when the truck strikes another vehicle than when the crash results from another vehicle striking the truck from behind. Contact a Grand Rapids truck accident lawyer to learn about victim’s rights and get your lawsuit started.

Grand Rapids Big Rig Jackknife Wrecks

A “jackknife” truck accident is when a large big rig truck towing a trailer folds over into an acute angle similar to that of a folding pocket knife. A big rig or semi truck is an articulated vehicle - the trailer is coupled to the tractor and is essentially “hinged”. If a semi tractor towing a trailer crashes or skids, the trailer can spin around and face backwards and, in some instances, the accident can be so severe that the truck and trailer may roll over.

What if a Grand Rapids company like Proos Manufacturing Co or Kent Design & Manufacturing Inc had a semi truck jackknife accident on the Grand Rapids I-96? Severe injuries and in the worst case scenario, even death could result from a big rig accident of this nature. A big rig truck accident on Grand Rapids roads and highways can be so severe that the injured victim or victims need to be rushed - sometimes even airlifted - to a nearby Grand Rapids hospital such as Metro Health Hospital, Spectrum Health-Butterworth Hospital and Saint Mary's Health Care for treatment and emergency medical care.

Grand Rapids Truck Repair Shops

Grand Rapids truck drivers are required, under both federal law and Michigan truck regulations, to properly maintain their commercial vehicles. If the big rig driver fails to properly maintain his truck and an accident occurs as a result, then the trucker and the trucking company will be found legally negligent. Grand Rapids truck drivers should have their vehicles inspected at a truck repair facility like the ones listed below, which specialize in semi truck repairs in Grand Rapids.

Big Rig Accident Attorneys Serve Grand Rapids and Surrounding Cities

Serving clients throughout Western Michigan, including Alaska, Allendale, Alma, Alpine, Battle Creek, Cannonsburg, Carson City, Cascade, Comstock Park, Cutlerville, Dorr, East Grand Rapids, Forest Hills, Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Grandville, Greenville, Hastings, Holland, Ionia, Jackson, Jenison, Kalamazoo, Kentwood, Lansing, Mount Pleasant, Muskegon, Northview, Norton Shores, Portage, Steelcase, Tallmadge, Walker, Wyoming, areas in the vicinity of Gerald R. Ford International Airport, and other communities in Kent County.

Grand Rapids big rig accident attorneys are experienced in handling serious injury truck collision cases and can help you fight the trucking company or its insurer in order to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact a Grand Rapids big rig accident lawyer today for a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.