Michigan Wrongful Death, Truck Accident, and Personal Injury Lawyer Chrissy Hagen

Chrissy Hagen, is a Michigan truck accident, and wrongful death lawyer at Olsman MacKenzie Peacock who is Board Certified in Truck Accident Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, one of fewer than 2,000 attorneys in the country to hold that certification.

She represents individuals and families throughout Michigan in cases involving fatal and serious car and truck accidents, traumatic brain injuries, motorcycle accidents, premises liability incidents, dog bites, and wrongful death. Born and raised in Michigan and now practicing in the metro Detroit area, Chrissy brings more than a decade of plaintiff personal injury experience to every case she handles.

Overview

Chrissy Hagen grew up in Michigan and pursued her education with a focus that proved formative for her legal career. She studied Finance with an International Business specialization at Michigan State University, including a semester abroad at Huron University in England where she completed a supply chain management course and an internship at Hilton Hotel headquarters in Watford. That combination of business analysis and international exposure sharpened the investigative and organizational instincts she now applies to complex accident litigation. At Western Michigan Cooley Law School, she graduated in the top 5% of her class on an honors scholarship and served as Senior Editor of the Thomas M. Cooley Law Review, developing the precision in legal writing and analysis that defines her case preparation today.

After bar admission in Colorado in 2012, Chrissy spent years building a plaintiff personal injury and trucking litigation practice, successfully litigating hundreds of auto and truck accident cases and developing deep expertise in the federal regulations governing commercial motor carriers. During that time, she earned recognition as a Colorado Rising Star in 2021, 2022, 2024, and 2025, a peer designation awarded to only the top 2.5 percent of attorneys in the state. She served on the board of directors of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association and rose to co-chair the Women’s Caucus of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, a national organization dedicated to excellence in trucking litigation. Her work in Colorado also established her as a recognized voice in the national trucking litigation community, with invitations to present at seminars and conferences across the country for organizations including the American Association for Justice, Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, TBI Med Legal, and various trial lawyer associations, including Ohio, Colorado, New Jersey, San Antonio, and Arkansas.

Returning to Michigan in 2019 to practice in the state where she was raised, Chrissy joined Olsman MacKenzie Peacock and subsequently achieved Board Certification in Truck Accident Law from the National Board of Trial Advocacy. The NBTA board certification process requires an attorney to meet substantial professional requirements, including case volume, peer review, and demonstrated competence in the specialized area of trucking accident law. It is one of eight national certification programs administered by the NBTA and is held by fewer than 2,000 attorneys nationwide. For clients pursuing a truck accident claim in Michigan, Chrissy’s board certification means they are working with an attorney whose expertise in federal trucking regulations, commercial carrier liability, and accident reconstruction has been independently verified against national standards.

Chrissy’s personal experience as a mother of twins has deepened her understanding of what is at stake for the families she represents. Navigating the demands of both parenthood and a complex litigation practice reinforced her conviction that every client deserves an attorney who is fully present to their situation, not just their legal file. At the heart of her practice, she says, is a commitment to listening carefully to each client’s story, understanding the specific challenges they face, and building a relationship that gives them confidence throughout a process that can span years of their lives.

Why Michigan Families Choose Michigan Personal Injury & Truck Accident Attorney Chrissy Hagen

Michigan personal injury and wrongful death cases involving motor vehicles require navigating a legal framework that is among the most complex in the country. Michigan operates under a modified no-fault system, and under MCL 500.3135, a plaintiff in a car accident case can pursue a tort claim against the at-fault driver only if the injury meets the threshold of serious impairment of an important body function, permanent serious disfigurement, or death. Whether an injury meets that threshold is often contested, and the analysis requires both legal judgment and a clear understanding of the medical evidence. Chrissy evaluates this threshold issue at intake for every case.

Truck accident cases in Michigan involve an additional layer of complexity. Commercial motor carriers are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and a thorough investigation of a truck accident requires reviewing the driver’s hours-of-service logs, electronic logging device data, inspection records, the carrier’s safety compliance history, the vehicle’s maintenance records, and in many cases the black box data from the truck itself. Chrissy’s experience auditing logbooks and spotting hours-of-service violations, which she has presented on nationally for organizations including the AAJ Trucking Litigation Group and the Ohio and New Jersey Associations for Justice, means she knows exactly what evidence to demand, how to read it, and how to use it to establish carrier liability.

In wrongful death cases, Michigan’s Wrongful Death Act (MCL 600.2922) permits the personal representative of the estate to pursue compensation on behalf of surviving family members for medical and funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of the society and companionship of the person who was killed. When a death results from a drunk driver, Michigan’s Dram Shop Act (MCL 436.1801) may also provide a claim against the establishment that served the alcohol. Chrissy has successfully resolved cases under both theories.

Michigan families bring cases to Chrissy involving:

• Fatal car accidents and wrongful death claims under Michigan’s Wrongful Death Act
• Tractor-trailer and commercial truck accidents involving FMCSA regulatory violations
• Traumatic brain injuries resulting from auto, truck, and motorcycle accidents
• Drunk driver accidents and dram shop liability claims against serving establishments
• Motorcycle accidents causing serious orthopedic injuries and head trauma
• Dog bite injuries and animal attack claims under Michigan law
• Construction zone accidents involving commercial vehicles

How I Serve Clients

At the heart of my practice is a deep commitment to providing personalized, empathetic, and comprehensive legal support to personal injury victims. I start by listening carefully to my clients’ stories, understanding their unique challenges, and tailoring my approach to meet their specific needs. My goal is to build a strong rapport with each client, ensuring they feel supported and confident throughout the legal process.

I maintain clear and consistent communication, keeping my clients informed and involved in every step of their cases. Many of the people I represent have never navigated the legal system before. They are dealing with physical recovery, financial pressure, and grief, often all at once. My job is to take the legal burden off their shoulders and handle it with the same intensity I would want for my own family.

My meticulous case preparation and relentless pursuit of justice are aimed at securing the best possible outcomes, helping clients rebuild their lives with the compensation and support they deserve. I excel at translating complex legal and technical details into plain terms my clients can understand and act on. By combining fierce advocacy with compassionate understanding, I strive to make a positive difference for everyone who trusts me with their case.

Michigan law imposes strict time limits on personal injury and wrongful death claims. Under MCL 600.5805, most claims must be filed within three years of the date of injury or death. Evidence in accident cases, including vehicle black box data, surveillance footage, and driver logs, can disappear quickly. If you or a family member has been injured or lost someone in an accident, contact our office as soon as possible to protect your rights and preserve the evidence needed to build your case.

Representative Cases

The following results reflect cases Chrissy Hagen has handled on behalf of clients. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in any future case.

• $3.5 million settlement for the family of a victim killed in a fatal motor vehicle accident
• $1,980,000 jury verdict for improper breast surgery and follow-up care
• $1.625 million settlement for the family of a victim killed in a rollover tractor-trailer crash
• $1.25 million settlement for a motorcyclist who suffered a traumatic brain injury and multiple orthopedic injuries in a motorcycle accident
• $1.21 million settlement for the family of a victim killed by a drunk driver, including recovery against the bar that overserved the intoxicated driver
• $1.1 million settlement for a child injured in a rear-end truck collision in a construction zone

Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death, and Personal Injury

How does Michigan’s no-fault law affect a car accident injury claim?

Michigan operates under a no-fault auto insurance system, meaning that after most car accidents, each driver’s own insurance pays for their medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the crash. However, under MCL 500.3135, an injured person can still sue the at-fault driver in tort if their injury constitutes a serious impairment of an important body function, permanent serious disfigurement, or death. Whether an injury meets the threshold for a tort claim is often one of the first and most important questions in a Michigan auto accident case. Chrissy evaluates that threshold at intake, using the medical records and expert resources available through Olsman MacKenzie Peacock.

What federal regulations apply to truck accident cases in Michigan?

Commercial motor carriers operating in Michigan are subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations administered by the FMCSA. Key regulations govern how many hours a driver may operate without rest (hours-of-service rules under 49 C.F.R. Part 395), vehicle inspection and maintenance requirements (49 C.F.R. Part 396), driver qualification standards (49 C.F.R. Part 391), and cargo securement (49 C.F.R. Part 393).

When a truck accident occurs, investigating whether the driver violated hours-of-service rules, whether the vehicle was properly maintained, and whether the carrier’s safety record reveals a pattern of violations are all critical to establishing liability. Chrissy’s national reputation in trucking litigation is built specifically on this investigative and regulatory expertise.

What is Michigan’s dram shop law and when does it apply?

Michigan’s Dram Shop Act (MCL 436.1801) allows an injured person or the family of someone killed by a drunk driver to bring a claim against the licensed establishment that sold or served alcohol to the visibly intoxicated person who caused the crash. The Dram Shop Act has strict notice requirements that a plaintiff must comply with, including giving written notice to all defendants within 120 days after entering an attorney-client relationship. MCL 436.1801(3). The claim requires proving that the establishment served alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated at the time of service and that the intoxication was a proximate cause of the plaintiff’s injuries or death. Dram shop claims run alongside, not in place of, the direct claim against the drunk driver and can significantly expand the recovery available to injured families.

What compensation can a Michigan family recover in a wrongful death case?

Under Michigan’s Wrongful Death Act (MCL 600.2922), the personal representative of the deceased’s estate may pursue damages on behalf of surviving family members. Recoverable damages include medical and funeral expenses, loss of financial support the deceased would have provided, and damages for the loss of the deceased’s society and companionship, including the loss of their love, guidance, and care.

The value of a wrongful death case depends on factors including the deceased’s age and earning capacity, the nature of the relationships with surviving family members, and the circumstances of the accident. Chrissy has resolved wrongful death cases involving car accidents, tractor-trailer crashes, and drunk driver fatalities.

What should someone do immediately after a serious truck or car accident in Michigan?

In the immediate aftermath of a serious accident in Michigan, the most important steps are seeking medical attention right away, reporting the accident to law enforcement, and preserving as much evidence as possible. This means photographing the scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries before vehicles are moved, obtaining contact information for all witnesses, and keeping any clothing or personal items that show evidence of the impact.

Commercial truck accidents require additional urgency because the carrier may send its own investigators to the scene within hours. The electronic logging device, black box data, and other telematics information in the truck can be overwritten, and contacting a personal injury attorney quickly allows a spoliation letter to be sent to the carrier demanding preservation of all electronic data.

How long do I have to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim in Michigan?

Most personal injury claims in Michigan must be filed within three years of the date of the injury or accident under MCL 600.5805. Wrongful death claims follow the same three-year period, running from the date of death. Michigan also requires that a notice of intent to sue be filed with the defendant in certain circumstances, and in some cases involving government entities, a shorter notice period applies. Missing a deadline can permanently bar any recovery, so families who have lost someone or sustained serious injuries in an accident should consult an attorney as soon as possible.

What makes a truck accident case different from a car accident case?

Commercial truck accidents differ from ordinary car accidents in several important ways. The vehicles involved are substantially larger and produce far more catastrophic injuries. Multiple defendants are often liable, including the driver, the trucking company, the vehicle owner if different from the carrier, the cargo shipper, and in some cases the truck’s manufacturer. The evidence needed to build the case, including driver qualification files, maintenance logs, hours-of-service records, electronic logging device data, and cargo records, is controlled by the carrier and must be demanded and preserved quickly.

Federal regulations add a layer of liability analysis that does not exist in ordinary car accident cases. And the insurance coverage carried by commercial carriers is far larger than personal auto policies, meaning the litigation tends to be fought more aggressively by well-resourced defense teams.

Does Chrissy Hagen handle cases throughout Michigan?

Yes. Chrissy Hagen represents wrongful death, truck accident, and personal injury clients throughout the state of Michigan from Olsman MacKenzie Peacock’s Berkley office, with a particular concentration in the metro Detroit area, Oakland County, Wayne County, and Macomb County. The firm also maintains offices in Lapeer and Battle Creek and handles cases in Michigan state and federal courts, including the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan.

Contact Detroit Truck Accident Lawyer Chrissy Hagen for a Free Consultation

Individuals and families dealing with serious injuries or wrongful death from a truck accident, car accident, or other personal injury in Michigan are encouraged to contact Chrissy Hagen at Olsman MacKenzie Peacock for a free, no-obligation consultation. Chrissy can be reached at 1.800.366.8653