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The Difference Between Trucking Accidents and Regular Car Accidents: Damages and Insurance

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The Difference Between Trucking Accidents and Regular Car Accidents: Damages and Insurance

When it comes to motor vehicle accidents, not all collisions are created equal. Trucking accidents and regular car accidents differ significantly in terms of the damages involved, the complexity of insurance claims, and the legal considerations at play. As an experienced personal injury attorney at Frank Walker Law, I’ve helped countless clients navigate the aftermath of both types of accidents. Here’s what you need to know about the key differences between trucking accidents and regular car accidents when it comes to damages and insurance.

1. The Scale of Damages

One of the most obvious differences between trucking accidents and regular car accidents is the sheer scale of the damages. Commercial trucks, also known as big rigs or 18-wheelers, can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. In contrast, the average passenger vehicle weighs about 3,000 to 4,000 pounds.

  • Physical Damage: The size and weight of trucks mean that collisions often result in catastrophic damage to passenger vehicles. This can lead to costly repairs or even total loss of the vehicle.
  • Injuries: Trucking accidents are more likely to result in severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and multiple fractures. In some cases, these accidents can be fatal.
  • Economic and Non-Economic Losses: The medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering resulting from a trucking accident are often much higher than those in a car accident.

2. The Complexity of Insurance Policies

Trucking accidents involve more complex insurance issues than regular car accidents. Here’s why:

  • Higher Coverage Limits: Commercial trucking companies are required to carry significantly higher insurance coverage than individual drivers. This is because the potential damages in a trucking accident are much greater. While this might sound like a good thing, it also means that insurance companies will fight harder to minimize payouts.
  • Multiple Policies: In trucking accidents, there may be multiple insurance policies in play. For example:
    • The trucking company’s policy.
    • The driver’s personal policy (if applicable).
    • Policies covering the cargo or trailer.
    • Third-party policies, such as those covering maintenance companies or manufacturers.

Navigating these layers of coverage requires an attorney who understands how to identify and pursue all potential sources of compensation.

3. Liability Issues

Determining liability in a trucking accident is often more complicated than in a car accident. While car accidents typically involve two drivers, trucking accidents can involve multiple parties, including:

  • The Truck Driver: Was the driver fatigued, distracted, or under the influence? Did they follow federal regulations, such as hours-of-service rules?
  • The Trucking Company: Did the company properly maintain the vehicle? Were they negligent in hiring or training the driver?
  • Vehicle Manufacturers: Was the accident caused by a defective part or mechanical failure?
  • Cargo Loaders: Did improperly loaded or unsecured cargo contribute to the crash?

Each of these parties may share some responsibility, and an experienced attorney will thoroughly investigate to identify all liable parties.

4. Federal Regulations

Trucking accidents are governed by federal regulations enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations cover a wide range of issues, including:

  • Hours-of-service limits to prevent driver fatigue.
  • Maintenance and inspection requirements for commercial trucks.
  • Licensing and training standards for truck drivers.

Violations of these regulations can serve as evidence of negligence in a trucking accident case. Regular car accidents, on the other hand, are typically governed by state traffic laws.

5. Insurance Company Tactics

Insurance companies representing trucking companies are often well-funded and aggressive. They may deploy tactics such as:

  • Sending investigators to the scene immediately after the accident.
  • Pressuring victims to accept lowball settlement offers.
  • Disputing liability by shifting blame onto the injured party.

Having an attorney who understands these tactics and knows how to counter them is critical to ensuring you receive fair compensation.

6. Evidence Collection

The evidence required to build a strong case in a trucking accident often goes beyond what’s needed in a car accident. This can include:

  • Black Box Data: Commercial trucks are equipped with event data recorders (EDRs), which can provide critical information about speed, braking, and other factors leading up to the crash.
  • Driver Logs: These logs can reveal whether the driver was in compliance with hours-of-service regulations.
  • Maintenance Records: A history of poor maintenance can point to negligence on the part of the trucking company.
  • Surveillance Footage: Many highways and intersections are equipped with cameras that may have captured the accident.

Why You Need an Experienced Attorney

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident, you need an attorney who understands the complexities of these cases. At Frank Walker Law, we have the experience, resources, and dedication to take on powerful insurance companies and fight for the compensation you deserve. We’ll conduct a thorough investigation, handle negotiations, and, if necessary, take your case to court to ensure justice is served.

Conclusion

While any motor vehicle accident can be life-altering, trucking accidents come with unique challenges and higher stakes. Understanding the differences between trucking accidents and regular car accidents is the first step toward protecting your rights and securing the compensation you need to recover.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact Frank Walker Law today for a consultation. We’ll guide you through the process and fight relentlessly to get you the justice you deserve.

At Frank Walker Law, we’re here to help when you need it most. Call us now to discuss your case and start your journey toward recovery.

About Frank Walker Law

Attorney Frank Walker of Frank Walker Law is a National Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer, and Personal Injury Attorney who has been recognized as a Super Lawyer, a member of the National College for DUI Defense, Best Attorneys in America, Best Law firms of America, America’s Greatest Attorneys, and a Top AVVO Rated attorney, with offices in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and Morgantown West Virginia.

Additionally, you can find Attorney Walker on YouTube, TikTok, the Pittsburgh Attorney Podcast and the West Virginia Attorney Podcast, where he gives legal tips (not advice!) and discusses the pressing legal issues of the day.

If you or someone you love are facing criminal charges or are seriously injured in an accident, contact Attorney Frank Walker immediately at 412-532-6805 (Pittsburgh), 304-413-0179 (Morgantown), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for aggressive and experienced Criminal Defense or Representation in a Civil Case.