Client Success Stories:
Commercial truck accident - Work Injury -- Hit-and-run driver - Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance -- Insurance Coverage Litigation - Arbitration Award enforcement -- $1.2 million recovered
A commercial truck driver had a terrible day at work, when a car pulled out into the path of his 18-wheeler. He braked and tried to swerve, and suffered severe right wrist fractures when his tractor trailer jack-knifed. Sadly, the at-fault car driver fled the scene without taking responsibility for causing the crash or even calling for help. The truck driver's employer had purchased $1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance coverage from an international insurance company. Unfortunately, the employer and insurance company joined forces to fight the truck driver's claim. The insurance company had sold the policy to the employer with a "$150,000 self-retention" (essentially, a huge "deductible" payable by the employer in the event of a claim) which provided the employer a powerful incentive to "cooperate" with the insurer's arguments that there was no coverage intended for employees, like the truck driver who suffered disabling injuries in this hit-and-run accident. Extensive investigation and discovery of internal insurance documents led to a favorable result for the client. The trial court granted Mr. Zelenock's motion to enforce a $775,000 arbitration award in favor of the trucker and also granted Mr. Zelenock's motion on the insurance coverage issues, defeating the arguments of the employer and the international insurance giant. Judgments totaling approximately $1 million were entered against the employer and insurer. They appealed and lost. $1.2 million was recovered, as taxable costs and interest were also collected from the insurer. After losing the appeal, the insurer filed an additional motion in the trial court to attempt to reduce the recovery. The insurer asserted it was entitled to reduce the award by the amounts of all worker's compensation benefits paid to the trucker pursuant to the worker's compensation statute. Mr. Zelenock filed a motion to extinguish the insurer's alleged statutory lien. The trial court granted Mr. Zelenock's motion, entered an order extinguishing the alleged lien, and sanctioned the insurer an additional $4,400 for raising the lien issue.
Commercial Vehicle Accident - Insurance Coverage Litigation -
A young man was badly injured in a school van accident. Both the driver of the school van and the driver of the other vehicle involved were at-fault for causing the accident. A sophisticated search for insurance coverage, along with thorough investigation, briefing and mediation work with multiple insurers and attorneys for school systems lead to a favorable confidential settlement.
Personal Injury and Accident Law
A man was injured while walking in a gas station parking lot in northern Michigan, when he was struck by a slow-moving commercial vehicle. He sustained aggravation of pre-existing arthritis in his hips as a result. The firm assisted him with obtaining a reasonable settlement against the commercial vehicle company and the insurers involved.
When Accidents Happen and a Commercial Vehicle is Involved
Because of the size and weight of commercial vehicles, these accidents can be far more harmful than other motor vehicles. Commercial vehicles include any kind of motorized vehicle used for business or commercial purposes. Most common examples of commercial vehicle injuries are due to semi truck accidents and delivery vehicles. Often federal rules and regulations for motor carriers may apply, as well as state and local laws of the road.
These are Types of Commercial Vehicle Accidents:
1. Semi Truck Accident
2. Tractor Trailer Accident
3. Delivery Vehicle Accident
4. Commercial Bus Accident
5. And more...
Another Satisfied Client
“In the midst of a very difficult and uncertain situation, Jay's careful personal attention to our case helped us weather the storm and reach a successful conclusion. He always made time for our questions and concerns.”
-Former Client
What Our Clients Say...
“We only can state that working with the Zelenock Law Firm is confidence-inspiring. Jay is accessible, he listens, he is knowledgeable and he executes.”
-Former Client
Clients Testimonial
"If you're in crisis or simply have a question, the team at the law firm of Jay Zelenock wants you to get what you need so that you can move forward. They are smart, respectful, caring and down to earth"
-Former Client