How Is a Truck Accident Case Different From a Car Accident Case?

• November 11 2024
• |   Car Accidents

Accidents on the road can change lives in an instant, leaving victims with injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. While any motor vehicle accident can be devastating, the ones that involve large trucks tend to be especially severe. Due to their size and weight, trucks can significantly cause more damage than regular cars. However, the differences between truck and car accidents go beyond physical impact.

Legally, truck accident cases are much more complex than car accident cases. Because of the numerous regulations that govern the trucking industry and the multiple parties that are often involved in the aftermath of these accidents, handling a truck accident claim requires specialized knowledge and experience. Whether dealing with federal safety rules and company policies or battling large insurance companies, truck accident claims present unique challenges that make them different from the average car crash case.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, you must understand the differences between truck and car accidents. With the proper legal guidance, you can hold the responsible parties accountable. In this blog, we will examine how truck accidents differ from car accidents and why having an experienced attorney by your side is essential when navigating a truck accident case.

Why Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer From Leverty & Associates Law?

At Leverty & Associates Law, we have experienced and knowledgeable lawyers you can rely on. Our deep knowledge of the specific regulations and truck industry practices enables us to navigate these types of insurance claims easily. Our lawyers have a combined experience of more than 50 years of representing and advocating for clients who need legal support and assistance. So when you choose us to represent you, you can rest assured that your case is in capable hands.

When you hire us, you are not just getting a lawyer. You are getting a team of experienced professionals who have successfully handled truck accident cases. We will support, guide, and aggressively represent you to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today in Reno at (775) 322-6636 to learn more about how we can help you.

Our proven track record of success shows how committed we are to our clients’ cases. 

How Is a Truck Accident Case Different from a Car Accident Case?

The following factors are what set a truck accident case apart from a car accident case:

Size and Impact of Trucks vs. Cars

One big difference between truck and car accidents is the size of the vehicles. Trucks can weigh up to 40 tons when fully loaded, while the average car weighs about 1.5 tons. Because of this, accidents involving trucks tend to cause more severe damage and injuries. When a truck hits a car, it can result in broken bones, head injuries, or even death. Car accidents, on the other hand, usually cause less damage because cars are smaller and lighter.

Unique Laws and Regulations for Trucks

Another reason why truck accident cases are more complicated is because trucks have to follow special laws. Truck drivers and trucking companies must follow federal rules set by the government. These laws include how long a driver can stay on the road without a break, how much weight a truck can carry, and how often a car must be checked for safety.

These rules become very important when a truck is involved in an accident. If the truck driver or company broke any of these rules, it could help prove who is at fault. The rules are different for cars. Car accidents do not usually involve these extra layers of laws.

Multiple Parties May Be Responsible

In a regular car accident, only the drivers of the cars involved are usually responsible. However, several parties could be at fault in a truck accident. It could be the truck driver, the company that owns the truck, the company that loaded the cargo, or even the company that made the truck. Truck accident cases take more time to investigate because you must figure out who is to blame.

Investigations Are More Complex

Truck accident cases require more investigation than car accidents. Investigators often check the truck’s “black box,” which records essential information like speed and braking. They also check the driver’s logbook to see if they drove too many hours without a break and look at the truck’s maintenance records to see if it was in good shape.

Experts may even need to rebuild the accident scene to figure out what happened. Car accident investigations, on the other hand, are usually more straightforward. They only involve witness statements, police reports, and property damage.

We are unafraid to face the insurance companies and big corporations involved in truck accidents. 

Insurance and Legal Battles

Truck accidents involve much bigger insurance policies than car accidents. Trucking companies usually have insurance covering millions of dollars because trucks can cause much damage. Due to this, insurance companies involved in truck accidents will do everything possible to avoid paying large amounts of money.

Dealing with multiple insurance companies, especially those working for big trucking companies, can be overwhelming for victims. This is why having our lawyer by your side is crucial during the entire legal process. We will help you with your case and handle the insurance companies on your behalf.

Higher Compensation

Since truck accidents often cause more serious injuries and involve bigger insurance policies, the compensation you can get is usually higher than what you can get in a car accident. Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to money for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and even long-term care if they have permanent injuries.

However, getting this compensation can take a long time, especially when dealing with difficult insurance companies and figuring out who is responsible. This is why having our knowledgeable lawyers is very important in truck accident cases.

Get Help From Leverty & Associates Law

At Leverty & Associates Law, we have attorneys who have dedicated their skills, expertise, and knowledge to clients who need legal support and assistance. We have helped many clients achieve legal goals specific to their cases; we can help you, too. Just reach out to us at (775) 322-6636 for a free consultation.