How Truck Accident Cases Are Different From Car Accident Cases
Truck accidents are different from accidents involving passenger vehicles in several ways. Because of the size of trucks, truck accidents often cause more severe injuries and property damage than accidents involving passenger vehicles. This means that the damages are usually more in truck accident cases than in car accident cases. Other differences between truck accident cases and car accident cases include;
- Truck accident cases may involve multiple liable parties
- Truck accident cases usually involve unique laws
- In truck accident cases, insurance companies may be more aggressive
Below is a more in-depth discussion of how truck accident cases differ from car accident cases.
Damages Are Usually More in Truck Accident Cases
Trucks are bigger and heavier than passenger vehicles. A truck can be up to 30 times heavier than a passenger vehicle. The size and weight of a truck increase the risk of more severe injuries, fatalities, and property damage. A truck accident is likely to leave the victim with catastrophic injuries and other damages. A truck accident may result in substantial medical costs, especially if the victim suffers a permanent disability. Truck accidents can result in substantial lost wages. A truck accident can result in loss of earning capacity when the victim cannot work in the same capacity they could before the accident. Additionally, truck accident victims may experience a lot of pain and suffering.
Truck Accidents May Involve Multiple Liable Parties
Fortunately, when a truck accident happens because of the negligence of another party, you do not have to pay for your damages and losses. You have the right to file an accident claim against the liable party and recover compensation. With truck accidents, there may be multiple liable parties. Something that is often not the case with car accidents. Usually, in car accidents, the at-fault party is one of the drivers. However, a car accident case can have more than one liable party.
With a truck accident case, the driver may be at fault for the accident. But there could also be several other parties to blame, including the following;
- The trucking company
- The cargo loaders
- The maintenance company
- The truck parts manufacturer
Usually, truck accident cases require a lot of investigation to determine liability.
Truck Accident Cases Involve Unique Laws
Truck accident cases involve unique and complex federal and state laws. For example, there are laws that govern the hours a truck driver can be on the road. Working with a qualified attorney who understands truck accident laws is vital.
Insurance Companies May Be More Aggressive
While insurance companies are always aggressive, insurance companies of defendants in truck accident cases are usually more aggressive. This is because of the high insurance coverage of these defendants. Insurance companies will do whatever it takes to avoid being asked to pay a lot of money.
Contact Us for Legal Help
It is evident that truck accident cases are more complex than car accident cases. Fortunately, you don’t have to handle your case alone if you’ve been in a truck accident. A truck accident attorney can help you with your case.
If you’ve been in a South Carolina truck accident case, contact our qualified Charleston truck accident lawyer, at Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm, for legal help.
Source:
fmcsa.dot.gov/ourroads/cmv-safety-challenges#:~:text=Trucks%20are%20often%2020%20to%2030%20times%20heavier%20than%20passenger%20vehicles
