Intersections are some of the most dangerous places on Michigan roadways. When two or more streets meet, there are multiple points of conflict, which increases the chances of a crash.

For big truck drivers, intersections pose a heightened risk for collisions. In 2021, only 26% of fatal commercial truck crashes happened on highways, while 72% of deaths in large truck crashes were occupants in passenger vehicles.

Read on to learn how big truck crashes happen at intersections and why you need a qualified Michigan truck and car collision injury lawyer from Fieger Law to protect your rights after a collision.

Most Dangerous Types of Intersections

In 2020, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration researched crashes at various intersection types across the U.S. Their report provided the following statistics about large truck collisions at intersections:

  • Four-Way Intersections: These intersections involve roads crossing each other at right angles and are common in urban and suburban areas. Four-way intersections accounted for 17.8% of fatal large truck crashes and 20.2% of injury crashes in 2020, indicating they are the most dangerous type.
  • T-Intersections: At these intersections, one road ends where it meets another, forming a “T.” They were the location of 7.9% of fatal crashes and 8.5% of injury crashes involving large trucks, making them the second most hazardous intersection type.
  • Five-Point or More Intersections: These complex intersections involve five or more roads converging. They were the site of less than 1% of fatal and injury-causing crashes involving large trucks, although this may be due in part to their rarity when compared to four-way intersections.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries due to a collision with a big truck, Fieger Law is ready to assist with your case. Speak with us today to learn your legal options and let us win you the compensation you deserve.

Common Truck Crashes at Intersections

Big trucks can cause devastating damage when they collide with other vehicles at intersections. The following are common truck crashes at intersections:

  • Side Collisions (T-bone Crashes): These happen at intersections when one vehicle fails to yield the right of way and drives into the side of another vehicle crossing or turning. This is common when drivers run red lights or stop signs.
  • Left-turn Collisions. These occur when a truck makes a left turn at an intersection and collides with an oncoming vehicle going straight or making a right turn.
  • Rear-end Collisions: While these can happen anywhere, they are frequent at intersections due to sudden stops for traffic signals or when traffic unexpectedly backs up.
  • Head-on Collisions: These can occur when one vehicle misjudges the gap or timing and drives into the path of an oncoming vehicle. This can happen due to distractions and misunderstanding traffic signals, leading to severe impacts.

If you’re struck by a large truck at an intersection, contact our team at Fieger Law. We are dedicated to holding the driver and the trucking company accountable and ensuring you secure a settlement covering your injuries and losses.

Why You Need an Attorney After a Commercial Truck Crash

Truck accidents are complex and often involve multiple potentially liable parties, large settlements on the line, and federal regulations detailing what behavior may be considered negligent. You need a legal team that knows how to fight against aggressive trucking company insurers and win you a recovery award that compensates you for all your losses along with your pain and suffering.

Here’s how Fieger Law can help:

  • Determine Liable Parties: We identify all parties liable for the accident, who may include the truck driver for negligent driving, the trucking company for improper routing, or another driver involved in the incident. We hold all parties accountable through insurance claims or a personal injury case in court.
  • Negotiate Fair Compensation: Truck accidents often involve substantial insurance policies, sometimes up to $5,000,000. We use our understanding of these coverages to negotiate settlements that reflect the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life.
  • Gather Evidence: We collect crucial evidence unique to trucking accidents, like Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data, driver’s hour logs, cargo records, and maintenance logs. These provide valuable details about the conditions leading up to the accident and help us build a strong case on your behalf.
  • Expert Testimony: We consult industry experts who can provide insights into trucking standards and practices, helping to establish fault clearly in your case. We also work with medical experts who can attest to the extent of your injuries and outline your future medical needs, helping you get a full settlement.

Get Experienced Representation from Fieger Law

If you’re hurt in a big truck accident in Michigan, our experienced attorneys at Fieger Law can help. We have the expertise and legal knowledge to represent your interests against trucking companies and their insurers and can fight to win you a fair damage award.

We have successfully secured numerous settlements, including a $30 million award for a woman struck by a Ryder truck, demonstrating our skill in negotiation and litigation. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your truck accident case.