When a truck accident occurs, it often differs significantly from a typical car accident. These differences can affect how a case is handled, who is responsible, and what damages are involved. Understanding these differences is essential for anyone involved in a trucking accident, whether you are a victim or someone trying to understand the legal implications.
Types of Vehicles Involved
The most apparent difference between a truck accident and a car accident is the vehicle size and weight. Trucks, huge rigs, and 18-wheelers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds or more when fully loaded. In contrast, most passenger cars weigh between 2,000 and 4,000 pounds. This significant difference in size and weight can lead to more severe injuries and damages in a trucking accident.
Trucks are also designed for long-distance travel and carry heavy loads, making them more challenging to control, especially in adverse weather or traffic conditions. The force of a collision with a truck is much greater than that of a typical car accident.
Fatigue and Driver Hours
One of the biggest causes of trucking accidents is driver fatigue. Truck drivers often work long hours to meet tight deadlines, sometimes driving up to 11 hours daily. This leads to exhaustion, slower reaction times, and poor decision-making. While car drivers can also drive tired, trucking regulations set stricter rules for how long drivers can be behind the wheel. When these rules are violated, accidents are more likely.
Truck Maintenance Issues
Due to their heavy-duty use, trucks require more frequent maintenance and inspections. Problems like tire blowouts, brake failures, and worn-out equipment can lead to accidents. These maintenance issues can be much more dangerous in trucks because of the more significant impact they cause in crashes. While maintenance issues can also cause car accidents, the complexity of truck maintenance and the size of the vehicle make this a significant concern in trucking accidents.
Serious Injuries in Trucking Accidents
Due to their size and weight, trucking accidents tend to result in more severe injuries. Victims in car accidents may experience broken bones, whiplash, or concussions. In contrast, victims in truck accidents can suffer life-threatening injuries like traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord damage, and internal organ injuries. These injuries often require lengthy medical treatment and can result in permanent disabilities.
The sheer force involved in a truck accident can cause catastrophic damage to other vehicles, leading to fatalities or life-altering injuries. Even if the truck driver is not at fault, the physical harm caused to other drivers, passengers, or pedestrians is far more significant than in a typical car accident.
Who Is Responsible?
In a car accident, the driver or their insurance company is typically responsible for covering the damages. However, liability can be more complex in a trucking accident. The truck driver, the trucking company, the truck manufacturer, or even maintenance providers may all share responsibility. Trucking companies are required by law to ensure their drivers are adequately trained, well-rested, and following all safety regulations.
If these companies fail in their duty, they may be held liable. Additionally, trucking companies’ insurance policies are often much larger than those for typical car insurance, which can lead to more complicated insurance claims.
Compensation for Victims
Due to the severity of the injuries and damages involved, victims of trucking accidents are more likely to receive larger settlements. However, navigating the legal system to secure that compensation can be a challenge. A personal injury lawyer specializing in trucking accidents can help victims understand their rights and pursue the proper compensation from all responsible parties.
Investigating Trucking Accidents
Trucking accidents are often investigated more thoroughly than regular car accidents. Police and safety experts may examine the truck’s black box (a device that records data about the vehicle’s speed and movements), the driver’s logs, and the company’s maintenance records. This investigation can uncover vital information about what caused the crash.
In contrast, car accidents typically do not involve such extensive investigations unless a criminal component is involved. The more complicated investigation process in trucking accidents is one more reason why having an experienced attorney on your side is essential.
Contact the Truck Accident Lawyers at Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers in Maryland for Help Today
For more information, please contact Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a confidential consultation with a truck accident lawyer. Our team is available to assist clients in Lanham, Frederick, Rockville, Waldorf, Annapolis, and Lexington Park, Maryland.
We proudly serve Charles County, Prince George County its surrounding areas. Visit our law offices at:
Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers – Waldorf Office
8 Post Office Rd Waldorf, MD 20602
(301) 932-9997
Available 24/7
Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers – Lanham Office
4600 Forbes Blvd Ste #200 Lanham, MD 20706
(301) 936-0011
Available 24/7