Why Truck Accident Claims Are More Complex Than Car Accident Cases
At first glance, a truck accident might seem similar to a car accident—vehicles collide, injuries occur, and insurance claims are filed. However, when it comes to legal action, truck accident claims are significantly more complex than typical car accident cases. These complexities arise from multiple factors, including the severity of injuries, the involvement of multiple parties, and the influence of federal regulations. Understanding these differences can help victims pursue full and fair compensation.
Severity Of Injuries And Damages
Commercial trucks, especially 18-wheelers, can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. When such massive vehicles collide with smaller passenger cars, the resulting damage is often catastrophic. Victims may suffer life-altering injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or even wrongful death. The medical costs, lost wages, and long-term care needs in these cases are far greater than in most car accidents.
Because the stakes are higher, insurance companies fight harder to reduce payouts. They may challenge the extent of injuries or argue that the victim shared fault. This makes it essential to have legal representation that understands how to build a strong case with compelling medical and financial documentation.
Multiple Liable Parties
In a typical car accident, liability usually lies with one or both drivers. In a truck accident, there may be several potentially liable parties, including:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The vehicle owner
- The cargo loader
- The maintenance provider
- The truck or parts manufacturer
Each party may be represented by different insurance companies and legal teams, complicating negotiations and legal strategy. Determining who is at fault—and to what extent—requires thorough investigation, legal knowledge, and often expert testimony.
Federal And State Regulations
Truck drivers and trucking companies must comply with strict regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules cover:
- Hours-of-service limits (to prevent driver fatigue)
- Vehicle maintenance and inspection requirements
- Driver qualification standards
- Cargo loading procedures
Violations of these regulations can serve as critical evidence of negligence. However, proving such violations requires access to driver logs, black box data, maintenance records, and other documentation that may not be readily available. A skilled truck accident lawyer knows how to secure and interpret these records before they are lost or destroyed.
Insurance Coverage Differences
Truck accidents often involve commercial insurance policies with much higher coverage limits than standard auto policies. While this means there’s more money potentially available, it also means that insurers will work aggressively to minimize their liability. They may deploy legal teams immediately after a crash to protect their interests—making it crucial for victims to seek legal help as soon as possible.
As our friends at Azari Law, LLC can attest, truck accident claims are more than just larger car accident cases. They require detailed investigations, familiarity with federal laws, and the ability to challenge multiple well-defended parties. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, don’t try to handle the claim on your own. An experienced truck accident lawyer can protect your rights, uncover all liable parties, and fight to secure the full compensation you deserve.