How Do Truck Accident Claims Differ from Car Accident Claims?

Car accidents differ from truck accidents because they often result in more severe injuries and higher settlement values due to the significant weight difference between trucks and cars. You may also have multiple parties to sue as part of your accident claim.

Our Los Angeles truck accident lawyers understand the distinct differences between truck accidents and car accidents. Here’s what you need to know about what makes truck accident claims different.

Unique Challenges of Truck Accidents

The consequences of a truck accident can be severe, with catastrophic injuries and fatalities being all too common. It’s essential to have experienced legal representation to navigate the complex legal process and ensure you receive fair compensation.

Truck accidents often involve unique challenges that can make it difficult to determine liability and prove negligence. For instance, driver fatigue is a common cause of truck accidents, but it can be challenging to prove. Other factors that can contribute to accidents include:

• Cargo issues, such as overloaded trailers or improperly secured cargo
  
• Poor vehicle maintenance, including faulty brakes or tires
  
• Inadequate driver training or supervision
  
• Inadequate safety protocols and regulations

The trucking companies will have their own lawyers and insurers trying to minimize or disprove your claim. In a truck accident situation, you need a truck accident attorney to defend your interests.

Severity of Injuries in Truck Collisions

When involved in a truck accident, the brutal force of impact can lead to severe injuries that change your life in an instant, resulting in longer recovery times that can be overwhelming and stressful. You need to understand the severity of injuries you may be facing, including catastrophic injuries, permanent disabilities, and even fatalities.

The Brutal Force of Truck Impacts

The collision dynamics involved in a truck accident are far more severe than those in a car accident, resulting in a brutal impact that can cause life-threatening injuries. Some key statistics highlight the risks:

• The average semi-truck weighs around 80,000 pounds, compared to the average car’s 4,000 pounds.
  
• Trucks are much taller and have a higher ground clearance, increasing the risk of underride accidents.
  
• The massive size of trucks can cause a greater impact area, resulting in more extensive damage and injuries.
  
• A truck’s speed and momentum can make stopping or slowing down difficult, leading to more severe collisions.

Longer Recovery Times

Recovering from a truck accident injury can be a complex and multidimensional process. It involves not only physical healing but also emotional and psychological recovery. Victims may need to navigate a range of emotions, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

To ensure a comprehensive recovery, it is essential to have a team that provides long-term support and understands the significance of emotional recovery. Some of the essential aspects of the recovery process include:

• Ongoing medical care and treatment to manage injuries and prevent further complications
  
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility
  
• Emotional support and counseling to address psychological trauma and promote emotional healing

Different Regulations and Liability

The regulatory differences between trucks and cars are complicated. In addition to the standard car regulations, commercial truck drivers must adhere to specific licensing and training requirements, which can influence the trucking company’s liability. 

Moreover, trucks are subject to more stringent maintenance and inspection standards, which can impact the determination of fault. Additionally, federal regulations may preempt state laws, adding another layer of difficulty to truck accident claims.

Some of the key regulatory differences include:

• Stricter hours of service rules to prevent driver fatigue
  
• Cargo securement rules to prevent accidents caused by shifting or falling cargo
  
• Specific licensing and training requirements for commercial truck drivers
  
• More stringent maintenance and inspection standards for trucks
  
• Federal regulations that may preempt state laws, adding complexity to truck accident claims

Federal Regulations Apply

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the primary regulatory body responsible for overseeing the trucking industry. The FMCSA sets standards for safety, maintenance, and operation, which are enforced by various agencies, including:

• The Department of Transportation (DOT), which oversees the FMCSA and ensures compliance with federal regulations.
  
• The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), which conducts inspections and enforces safety standards.
  
• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which investigates accidents and sets safety standards for vehicles.

Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer for Advice Today

If you need to pursue a truck accident claim, recognize the differences between truck and car accidents. The stakes are higher, the regulations are different, and the injuries are often more severe. 

With our skilled legal representation, we can ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your losses. We prioritize your well-being and provide the knowledge you need to rebuild your life after a devastating truck accident. To discuss your case, contact J&Y Law for a free consultation.