Skilled Trial Lawyers For

The Seriously Injured

Commercial Vehicle And Truck Accident Lawyer In Grand Rapids, Michigan

Last updated on December 9, 2025

When a truck or other commercial vehicle collides with a passenger car, the outcome can be devastating. At Holmes & Wiseley, P.C., we combine the resources of a nationally respected injury firm with the personal service of a local Grand Rapids legal team.

Managing partners Richard E. Holmes and Aaron D. Wiseley personally oversee every catastrophic vehicle-injury case. With more than 80 years of combined experience, our trial lawyers have recovered millions for clients injured in crashes involving tractor-trailers, delivery vans and other business-use vehicles.

From insurance claims to proving liability, we are here to help you navigate every aspect of commercial vehicle accidents, including wrongful death claims. Call us at 616-649-1411 or fill out our form to get started today.

Why Commercial Vehicle Claims Are Different

Commercial vehicle accidents differ from ordinary car crashes because they involve complex regulations, multiple corporate players and higher insurance limits. These factors can make your recovery harder and your need for skilled legal representation greater.

Commercial vehicles are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). These rules govern how long drivers may stay on the road, how loads must be secured and how often trucks must be inspected.

When companies cut corners on rest breaks, maintenance or hiring, they put everyone else at risk. Our lawyers understand these rules and use violations to hold carriers and brokers accountable.

Common Causes Of Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Commercial vehicle accidents can result from various factors, including:

Driver fatigue
Distracted driving
Vehicle maintenance issues
Improper loading or securing of cargo
Speeding or reckless driving

Identifying the root cause is pivotal in building a strong case.

Who Can Be Held Responsible

Truck and commercial-vehicle cases rarely involve just one negligent driver. We look at every potential source of liability, including:

The driver – for speeding, fatigue, distraction or impairment.
The carrier or trucking company – for unsafe schedules, negligent hiring or inadequate maintenance.
The broker or shipper – for choosing unsafe carriers or overloading cargo.
Maintenance contractors – for faulty repairs or inspection failures.
Vehicle or parts manufacturers – for brake, tire or steering defects.
Leasing companies or fleet owners – for failing to make sure that their vehicles are road-ready.

By identifying every liable party, we expand the available insurance coverage and strengthen your claim for full compensation.

Industry Laws That May Impact Your Claim

Various industry-specific laws in Michigan can significantly impact your commercial vehicle accident claim. These may include regulations set by the FMCSA, adherence to state and federal traffic laws and compliance with specific vehicle safety standards. Understanding these laws is crucial, as they can influence liability determination and compensation recovery strategies.

Michigan’s No-Fault Law

Michigan’s no-fault insurance covers initial medical and wage-loss benefits regardless of fault. However, victims of commercial-vehicle crashes often face damages that exceed those limits.

If your injuries meet the legal threshold for a serious impairment of body function or result in wrongful death, you may pursue a third-party lawsuit against the at-fault driver or company. Holmes & Wiseley, P.C., helps you coordinate both the no-fault claim and the personal injury lawsuit so nothing falls through the cracks.

How We Investigate Commercial Vehicle Crashes

A successful case starts with a fast and thorough investigation. Our team moves quickly to preserve critical electronic data before it is lost or overwritten. We often work with accident-reconstruction experts and industry professionals to uncover the truth.

Key evidence typically includes:

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) and driver-log data to confirm hours-of-service compliance
Black-box/Event Data Recorder (EDR) reports showing speed, braking and impact forces
Inspection and maintenance records proving mechanical neglect
Dispatch and cell-phone records revealing driver communication and distraction
Cargo loading documentation to check the weight and balance of the rig
Witness statements and surveillance video
Expert reconstruction reports that explain how and why the crash occurred

We leave no stone unturned. By grounding your case in hard data, we make it difficult for insurers to deny responsibility.

What To Do After A Commercial Vehicle Crash

The steps you take right after a crash can protect both your health and your legal rights.

Call 911 and obtain medical care immediately. Even minor pain can mask serious injury.
Document the scene by taking photos of all vehicles, road conditions, skid marks and visible injuries.
Exchange information with drivers and witnesses. Record names, contact details, insurance information, company names and USDOT numbers.
Avoid giving recorded statements to any insurance company before speaking with an attorney.
Preserve all evidence, including medical records, bills, pay stubs, repair estimates and any communication related to the crash.
Contact Holmes & Wiseley, P.C., for a free consultation to discuss your options and begin protecting your claim.

Our team can also send investigators to the scene or request immediate preservation of potential evidence.

Types Of Damages And Proven Results

A commercial vehicle accident can leave you facing medical bills, lost income and a long road to recovery. At Holmes & Wiseley, P.C., we pursue every available form of compensation to help you rebuild your life after a catastrophic crash.

You may be entitled to recover:

Medical expenses: Coverage for emergency care, hospitalization, rehabilitation and future treatment.
Lost wages and earning capacity: Compensation for missed work and reduced ability to earn in the future.
Pain and suffering: For physical pain, emotional distress and the overall impact on your quality of life.
Property damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle and personal belongings.
Rehabilitation and adaptive support: Costs of mobility aids, home modifications and ongoing therapy.
Wrongful death damages: For surviving family members who have lost a loved one in a fatal crash.

Together, these damages are designed to help you rebuild what was lost and secure the resources you need to move forward.

Results That Speak For Themselves

With more than 80 years of combined experience, our attorneys have built a national reputation for success in catastrophic injury and trucking cases. These case results highlight the skill, preparation and persistence we bring to every claim:

$91 million jury verdict: Triple-fatality trucking case in Louisiana caused by extreme driver fatigue; one of the first verdicts nationwide to hold a shipper accountable.
$28 million settlement: For a 29-year-old truck driver struck by another semi while placing warning triangles on the roadside in Wyoming.
$5.6 million settlement: Wrongful-death case in Mecosta County, Michigan, against a national trucking company that failed to remove a defective semi from the road.
$5.1 million jury verdict: For a Michigan truck driver who suffered spinal and brain injuries after improper asphalt loading caused a fall.
$2.1 million verdict: For a woman who sustained a traumatic brain injury when her vehicle was struck by a logging truck; verdict affirmed by the Michigan Supreme Court.
$8.8 million verdict and $4 million pretrial settlement: Wrongful-death case involving an overweight asphalt truck and subsequent bad-faith insurance claim.

These outcomes demonstrate what sets Holmes & Wiseley, P.C., apart: deep experience, relentless preparation and an unwavering focus on client recovery. While no two cases are alike, our record reflects our ability to achieve significant results for those who have suffered the most serious injuries.

Commercial Vehicle Accident FAQs

Below are some of the most common questions we hear from clients, along with straightforward guidance from our attorneys to help you understand your next steps.

What should I do immediately after a commercial vehicle accident?

After a commercial vehicle accident, prioritize your safety and seek medical attention if necessary. Then, gather as much evidence as possible, including photographs, witness statements and contact information from all parties involved. Finally, consult with a qualified commercial vehicle accident lawyer like those at Holmes & Wiseley, P.C., to understand your legal rights and options.

Who can be sued after a commercial vehicle accident?

Liability may extend to the driver, trucking company, broker, shipper, vehicle owner, maintenance provider or manufacturer. We identify all responsible parties so your recovery is not limited by one policy.

What evidence is most important in a truck crash case?

Essential evidence includes ELD logs, black-box data, inspection records, load documents, phone and dispatch data, witness statements and expert reconstruction. We offer a free evidence review to explain what can strengthen your claim.

Can I still pursue compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Yes, Michigan operates under a modified comparative fault rule, meaning you can still pursue compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

What types of damages can I recover in a commercial vehicle accident claim?

In Michigan, victims of commercial vehicle accidents may be entitled to various types of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and, in some cases, punitive damages.

How long will my truck accident case take?

Most claims require months of investigation and medical recovery before settlement talks begin. Litigation can extend the process to a year or more, but we will outline a timeline specific to your case during your free consultation.

Every crash is different, and the best way to know what applies to your situation is to talk directly with our legal team.

Contact Holmes & Wiseley, P.C., For A Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been involved in a commercial vehicle accident in Grand Rapids, don’t hesitate to reach out to Holmes & Wiseley, P.C. We believe in personal service, clear communication and relentless pursuit of justice.

Call us at 616-649-1411 or fill out our form to get started.