What Are the Differences Between a Car and a Truck Accident?

Car accidents and truck accidents can both result in serious injuries and property damage, but there are important differences between the two when it comes to pursuing a legal claim. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the key differences between car accidents and truck accidents and what you need to know if you've been involved in either.

The Severity of Injuries

One of the biggest differences between car accidents and truck accidents is the severity of injuries. Truck accidents are more likely to result in serious or even fatal injuries because of the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2019, large trucks accounted for 4% of all registered vehicles but were involved in almost 10% of all fatal crashes.

Car accidents, on the other hand, can still cause serious injuries, but they are generally less severe than those that result from truck accidents. This difference in severity can affect the damages that you can recover in a personal injury claim.

Liability

Another important difference between car accidents and truck accidents is the issue of liability. In a car accident, liability is typically determined by examining the actions of the drivers involved. For example, if one driver ran a red light and hit another driver, that driver is likely to be found at fault for the accident.

Truck accidents, however, can be more complex. Liability in a truck accident may involve not only the actions of the truck driver, but also the actions of the trucking company, the truck manufacturer, or other third parties. For example, if a trucking company failed to properly maintain a truck and that led to an accident, the company may be held liable.

Regulations

Trucking companies are subject to a variety of federal and state regulations designed to ensure the safety of the public. These regulations cover areas such as driver qualifications, hours of service, and maintenance and inspection requirements.

Because of these regulations, truck accidents can be more complicated than car accidents when it comes to determining liability. If a trucking company violated any of these regulations, it could be held liable for the accident.

Insurance

Finally, there is a difference in insurance coverage between car accidents and truck accidents. Trucking companies are required to carry higher levels of insurance coverage than individual drivers. This is because the potential damages in a truck accident can be much higher than in a car accident.

If you are involved in a truck accident, it's important to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who understands the differences between truck accidents and car accidents and can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system.

In conclusion, while both car accidents and truck accidents can be devastating, there are important differences between the two when it comes to pursuing a legal claim. If you've been involved in a car or truck accident, it's important to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you understand your legal rights and options.