How Do Truck Accident Cases Differ From Car Accident Cases?

Being in any sort of traffic accident could leave you facing serious injuries and financial losses. Some accidents, however, are more likely to have catastrophic consequences. Truck collisions belong in that category. In the United States, there are more than 168,000 truck accidents every year. Of these, 32% result in injuries and 3% in fatalities.  

One of the options you have if you’ve been in a collision is to file a claim to get compensation for your losses. Keep in mind, however, that truck accident cases are distinct from passenger car claims. Here’s a look at the differences between these two accident types.  

Truck Accidents Are More Dangerous

Although dangerous car accidents occur, truck accidents generally tend to be more severe. One of the reasons is that trucks are larger and exert more force. Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, which means that if they collide with a 4,000-pound car, the car will be totaled.  

This means passengers are more likely to suffer traumatic brain injuries, organ damage, and spinal injuries. The faster the speed at which the truck is traveling, the more deadly the accident will be. Even at moderate speeds, though, trucks can cause fatalities.  

Truck Accidents Cause More Significant Losses

Truck accidents tend to cause catastrophic injuries. As such, they often result in larger medical bills. These are losses that can cripple you financially. Additionally, since severe injuries can render you unable to work, you could lose income. In the most extreme cases, the injuries might even prevent you from returning to work in the same capacity.  

Losses aren’t just financial, either. Suffering a disabling wound can mean not being able to enjoy your life like you used to. You may also experience emotional and physical pain that makes every day a challenge.  

Commercial Trucks Have Stricter Regulations

Another way in which car and truck accidents differ is in the regulations that can impact a claim. Commercial truck drivers and trucking companies have much stricter rules to abide by than regular drivers. 

One rule that truckers must follow is the federal regulations regarding how many hours they can work. Suppose that a trucking company encourages drivers to work for longer than the law allows. If that leads to an accident, it’s possible to hold the company and the trucker liable. Regulations can play a significant role in truck accident claims.  

Trucks Have More Complex Insurance Policies

Commercial trucks tend to have higher insurance coverage limits. Although that’s vital for people who are filing claims against trucking companies, it also means there will be higher stakes throughout the negotiation process. This can quickly become contentious.  

In these types of accidents, it’s particularly vital that you have truck accident lawyers representing you to ensure that you get the fairest possible deal. Remember that you’ll be dealing with commercial insurance companies. These are much more aggressive than personal auto insurers.  

Truck Accidents Have More Thorough Investigations

As a rule, a truck accident will be investigated by commercial insurance providers much more intensely than would occur for a regular car accident. There will also be more evidence available, including:  

• Maintenance records
• Black box data
• Driver logs
• GPS tracking information

This means that the process can take longer. More evidence might also offer fodder for insurers to claim that you were responsible for the accident. This is another reason why hiring a truck accident lawyer can be the best option.  

Truck Accident Liability Can Be More Complicated

In a car accident, you typically hold the driver responsible for the collision. In the most complex cases, you may be able to hold an auto part manufacturer liable, too. With truck accidents, there are many more potential parties to consider holding responsible. 

The trucker could be liable if they behaved negligently. However, the trucking company may be at fault as well if they didn’t train the driver enough or if they hired inexperienced people. In instances when a truck part malfunctions, you may be able to hold the manufacturer responsible, along with any maintenance crews that didn’t spot the issue.  

Silberstein & Miklos, P.C., Can Help

If you’ve been in a car or truck accident, the most important step you can take is to hire a personal injury lawyer to represent you when filing a claim. At Silberstein & Miklos, P.C., we offer the reliable legal assistance you deserve.   

Contact our team to schedule a free consultation.