How Do Truck Accidents Differ From Car Crashes?

Due to their sheer size and weight, accidents involving tractor trailers and other large commercial trucks are devastating for occupants of smaller vehicles. In most cases, truck drivers are not harmed during these crashes while drivers and passengers of other vehicles suffer catastrophic injuries. These injuries result in significant physical, financial, and emotional burdens for accident victims.

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a truck accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to file a lawsuit against them to claim compensation. Filing a lawsuit after a truck accident is extremely complex, as these crashes are very different from car crashes. Below, our Tampa truck accident attorney explains in greater detail.

Injuries are More Severe 

When fully loaded, transport trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Consider that the average passenger car weighs approximately 4,000 pounds and it is easy to see how a collision between the two can cause severe injuries for those in the smaller vehicle. When tractor-trailers are traveling at high speeds, such as on a highway, the impact of a crash is also much greater. Broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and amputations are just a few common examples of injuries caused by truck accidents.

Liability 

When two or more drivers of passenger vehicles are involved in a crash, fault typically lies with one of the motorists at the scene. This is not always the case in a truck accident. There are multiple parties who could be liable for a crash and they are as follows:

• The truck driver, who may have acted negligently
• The trucking company that may have engaged in negligent hiring and training practices, or that failed to inspect and maintain their vehicles
• Manufacturers of defective trucks or truck parts
• Third party companies, such as cargo loading companies

Another complexity that comes with liability after a truck accident is that multiple insurance companies may be involved. They will all shift blame to another party to avoid paying the high amount of damages resulting from the crash.

Different Laws Apply 

When two passenger vehicles are involved in a crash, state law typically applies. State law may apply to a truck accident as well, but federal law also applies. For example, truck drivers are required to comply with the hours of service rule that mandates how long they can be on the road at one time. This is to prevent fatigued driving, which is a leading cause of truck accidents. Federal law also requires trucking companies to regularly inspect and maintain their vehicles. Many people are not familiar with the federal laws that govern truck accidents so it is critical that you speak with an attorney after any crash.

Call Our Truck Accident Attorney in Tampa for a Consultation 

The aftermath of a truck accident is far more complex than a car crash. At Moore Law, our Tampa truck accident attorney can help you through the challenges these cases present so you obtain the full damages you are entitled to. Call us today at 813-510-5400 or chat with us online to schedule a consultation with our experienced attorney and to learn more about how we can help with your case.

Source:

fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/search