Car and truck accidents can both lead to serious injuries, but there are major differences between them, especially when it comes to liability and compensation.
It is important for drivers to understand the differences so they know what to expect if they are ever injured in an accident.
The following are some of the biggest ways truck accidents will differ from car accidents in legal cases.
Potential for More Serious Injuries
When someone is hurt in a truck accident, it is likely they suffer from more serious injuries compared to a car accident. It is more likely the victim will suffer a near-fatal injury and, when a truck is involved in an accident, it is more likely that there will be multiple vehicles involved.
This can mean more victims who require compensation and it can make the situation more complex, especially if there are multiple people who suffered severe injuries.
Additional Potential Causes
In a car accident, the crash is typically caused by something the driver did or didn’t do, such as driving under the influence, failing to stop at a stop sign, speeding, or driving while distracted.
Truck accidents can be caused by these situations, too, but there are also different potential causes in a truck accident that might not be applicable in a car accident.
This includes driving past time limits, improper loading of cargo, equipment failure, or inexperience driving a larger vehicle.
Liability Isn’t as Clear-cut
It isn’t as easy to determine liability in truck accidents. For a car accident, it is highly likely that the driver who caused the accident is at fault and liable. With a truck accident, though, the driver isn’t always the liable party.
The truck owner, company owner, or mechanic in charge of keeping the truck in good shape could be at fault. The person who loaded the cargo could be at fault, depending on why the accident occurred. An investigation may be needed to determine who is liable for the accident.
Different Regulations
There are different regulations that come into play with a truck accident that could lead to a different outcome if there is an accident.
Truck drivers have a lower limit for blood-alcohol content compared to drivers, they must have the proper license to drive the vehicle, and they have required breaks or rests based on hours driven to prevent driving under the influence.
They’re also required to keep detailed maintenance records and keep the truck maintained at all times.
More Insurance Coverage
The amount of insurance coverage in a truck accident is likely higher than in a car accident. Truck drivers are required to hold more coverage than a standard vehicle policy.
This does mean the victim is able to get more compensation from the accident in many cases, but it could have to be split between other victims of the accident.
It’s also likely the insurance company will fight harder against a settlement because of the amount of money in question.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, it is important to have someone on your side to help with the legal situation, as it can be far more complex than a car accident case.
Schedule a consultation with a lawyer today to learn more about how they can help and the compensation you could receive from the accident.
