Understanding the legal and practical differences can help you navigate the aftermath of a truck or car accident.
Trucks are significantly larger and heavier than cars, leading to more severe damage and higher impact forces during an accident.
Due to their size and weight, trucks require longer distances to stop, increasing the likelihood of severe collisions.
Trucks are subject to stricter regulations at both the federal and state levels, including hours of service, maintenance, and safety standards.
Truck drivers must hold a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and comply with ongoing training and health checks, which differ from regular car drivers.
Truck accidents often involve multiple liable parties, such as the driver, trucking company, and vehicle manufacturer, complicating liability determination.
Due to the potential for more significant damage and injury, truck accident claims usually involve higher compensation amounts and more complex litigation.
Trucks are covered by commercial insurance policies, which typically have higher limits than personal auto insurance, leading to more extensive claims processes.
Insurance companies handling truck accidents often employ aggressive tactics to minimize payouts, requiring experienced legal representation for fair compensation.
Truck accidents often result in more complex scenes with extensive debris, hazardous materials, and potential road closures.
The severity of injuries in truck accidents is typically higher due to the size disparity between trucks and passenger vehicles, often leading to longer recovery times and higher medical costs.