Speeding isn’t just reckless; it’s deadly, especially when an 80,000-pound semi-truck is involved. These massive vehicles take the length of two football fields to stop, and excessive speed only makes collisions more catastrophic.
Exceeding the speed limit increases the risk of jackknifing, rollovers, and rear-end collisions, especially on Michigan’s busy highways. When a speeding truck is involved, the damage can be devastating.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, proving that the driver was speeding can affect the outcome of your case.
Learn about the dangers of speeding in truck crashes and what a skilled Michigan truck crash lawyer at Fieger Law can do to help you pursue the financial award you deserve.
How Common Is Speeding in Semi-Truck Crashes?
Driving too fast is one of the top causes of serious truck accidents each year. A Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) study found that unsafe speeds contributed to about 23% all fatal crashes involving large commercial vehicles. It is the fourth most common cause of these collisions, with 32,000 trucks involved.
Many drivers face tight deadlines, pushing them to exceed speed limits or travel hazardously fast for road conditions. Rain, snow, and ice make Michigan highways especially dangerous, yet some truckers ignore the risks.
Most big rig crashes in Michigan occur at 45 mph or higher, proving the dangers of excessive speed. If a speeding trucker caused your crash, our team can help hold the trucking company accountable.
Why Is Speeding So Dangerous for Semi-Trucks?
Large commercial vehicles take 40% longer to stop than standard cars, and higher speeds make that stopping distance even longer. Less time to react means a greater chance of losing control, leading to catastrophic rear-end crashes.
Excess speed also increases the risk of rollovers. Sharp curves, sudden lane changes, and steep highway ramps become even more hazardous when a big rig travels too fast. Michigan highways like I-75 and I-94 see heavy truck traffic, and a single reckless driver can cause a fatal accident in seconds.
Victims of these crashes often suffer life-changing injuries, from spinal cord damage to traumatic brain injuries.
Fieger Law has taken on trucking giants and won record-setting verdicts for truck crash victims. We know the tactics insurance companies use and how to beat them.
How Lawyers Prove That Speeding Caused a Truck Crash
Trucking companies and their insurers will do everything they can to avoid admitting fault. That’s why proving speeding is so important in truck accident cases. A skilled lawyer knows how to uncover the right evidence, including:
| Evidence Type | What It Proves |
| Black Box Data | Confirms the truck’s speed, braking patterns, and whether the driver attempted to slow down before the crash. |
| Dashcam Footage | Provides visual proof of the driver’s speed and whether they reacted appropriately to traffic conditions. |
| Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) | Tracks hours of service and driving times, which can show if the driver was speeding to make up for lost time or violating federal regulations. |
| Witness Statements | Verifies whether the truck was speeding based on firsthand accounts from other drivers or pedestrians. |
| Accident Reconstruction | Uses physical evidence like skid marks and vehicle damage to estimate the truck’s speed at the time of impact. |
| Maintenance Records | Reveals whether faulty brakes or worn tires contributed to the crash, which could make the trucking company liable. |
| Citations and Driving History | Demonstrates a pattern of reckless driving if the trucker has previous speeding violations. |
Trucking companies will have their own lawyers looking for ways to downplay the driver’s speed. You need an attorney who knows how to fight back. At Fieger Law, we have the resources and experience to build a successful case. Reach out to us today to get started.
Why You Need a Lawyer When a Semi-Truck Is Involved
Truck accident cases are far more complex than regular car crashes. The injuries tend to be more severe, and the financial stakes are much higher. Trucking companies and their insurance providers will fight to reduce or deny your claim, often blaming other drivers or arguing that the crash was unavoidable.
An experienced truck accident lawyer can level the playing field by:
- Gathering crucial evidence before it disappears
- Negotiating with trucking companies and insurers who try to minimize payouts
- Calculating the full extent of your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
- Taking the case to court if the trucking company refuses to offer a fair settlement
When a large truck is involved, insurance companies push to pay as little as possible. Fieger Law is ready to stand up for you and pursue the maximum compensation. Call our law offices today for a free case review.
Protect Your Rights Against a Speeding Truck Driver
A crash with a speeding semi can change your life in an instant, leaving you with serious injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and a long road to recovery. Trucking companies and their insurers will do everything they can to avoid responsibility, but we can hold the driver and their employer liable for the harm you suffered.
Fieger Law has a history of representing truck accident victims and winning life-changing verdicts, including a $30 million jury award for a woman injured by a Ryder truck. Our team knows how to achieve the results you deserve.
Every second counts in a truck accident case. Evidence can disappear, and insurance companies move fast to limit payouts.
Call Fieger Law now for a free consultation.
