When you think of an automobile crash, you might not think it matters much whether a person is hit by another passenger vehicle or a truck. After all, they both involve two vehicles crashing into each other and people getting injured. However, if you were hurt in a truck crash, your case will have different issues than traditional automobile negligence cases. These issues could have a significant impact on your case.
5 Top Differences Between Truck and Car Accidents
Truck crash cases can be more complicated, expensive, and difficult to prove than passenger vehicle crashes due to the unique factors associated with trucks. Some of the most important differences include:
Different laws.
Truckers and truck companies must follow the Federal Motor Carrier Administration (FMCA) rules regarding truck safety as well as Texas laws governing trucks. Often violations of these important safety regulations will have caused or contributed to a collision.
More liable parties.
Truck crashes can involve many more parties that are liable for compensating a crash victim when their negligence contributed to the crash. Possible parties—and their insurance companies—include the trucker, trucking company, truck manufacturer, distributer, supplier of defective parts, truck repair facility, and mechanic.
Injuries.
If a person is involved in a crash with a truck, he is much more likely to suffer more devastating injuries or death due to the size and weight of the truck. Because the injuries are more severe, a person’s settlement could be significantly higher than if a driver of an automobile caused the crash.
Trucker and driver documents.
The trucking company and trucker are required to maintain many records, including of the trucker’s training, medical condition, pre-trip truck inspections, and hours of driving and resting, that could be helpful in proving the truck driver and company’s responsibility for compensating a crash victim. However, it is important to retain an experienced truck crash attorney quickly before the trucking company destroys this important evidence.
Insurance company coverage.
The required insurance coverage for trucks is much larger than for passenger vehicles. This can result in a more favorable settlement for an crash victim—especially if multiple parties and their insurance companies are responsible for compensating him.
Have You Been Injured In A Texas Truck Accident?
If you've been injured in a truck accident you need to speak with an experienced truck accident injury attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Colleyville office directly at 817.485.8888 to schedule your free consultation.
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