Vehicular accidents are tragic incidents that can adversely affect the physical and mental well-being of the victims. But, when it comes to truck accidents, things get a bit more complicated.
Compared to car accidents, truck accidents are perceived as more complex, considering the numerous factors involved. From legal intricacies and emotional distress to legal stipulations and additional considerations, these accidents can be extremely difficult to navigate.
That being said, this distinction can massively influence legal strategies and the evidence required to pursue a truck accident claim.
Remember, with truck accidents, the involvement of commercial entities, insurance policies, and federal regulations is inevitable, thus adding to the complexity.
To provide you with a clear picture, here are some major differences that you can expect between truck and car accident claims.
Key Differences in Liability
Multiple Parties Involved
Perhaps the most significant difference between truck and car accident claims is the number of parties involved. Typically, in a car accident, the liability rests with the drivers involved.
However, in truck accidents, multiple entities might share the responsibility. These may include truck drivers, trucking companies, vehicle manufacturers, and, in some cases, third-party maintenance providers.
Be mindful that each party may have a role in the accident, whether it be through negligence or defective parts.
Federal Regulations
It is worth noting that the trucking industry is governed by stringent federal regulations that cover numerous aspects of trucking operations like hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and driver qualifications.
Upon breaching, these regulations can massively influence the outcome of a truck accident claim. For instance, if a truck driver exceeds the mandated hours of service and causes an accident, this violation will establish negligence on the part of the driver, thus bolstering the victim’s claim.
Nature of Injuries and Damages
Severity of Injuries
Due to the massive size and weight of commercial trucks, truck accidents result in severe injuries as compared to car accidents. More often than not, the victims suffer catastrophic inuries like multiple fractures, and spinal cord injuries.
Keep in mind that greater the severity of the injuries incurred, the higher would be the medical expenses, and longer it would take for the victim to recover from the impact.
Economic and Non-Economic Damages
Given the severity of injuries incurred in truck accidents, the scope of economic and non-economic damages is also broader.
Remember, economic damages cover tangible losses like medical bills and property damage, whereas non-economic damages address intangible impacts that may involve physical pain and emotional distress.
Consequently, it translates into larger settlements or verdicts to fairly compensate for the extensive damage.
Legal Strategies and Representation
Expertise in Trucking Regulations
Due to the complex nature of truck accident claims, it’s imperative to work with truck accident attorneys who specialize in this area. These legal professionals are not only well-versed in navigating federal regulations but also have the expertise to analyze black box data while securing maintenance records.
Know that their deep insights into this field ensure that they explore all the aspects of the claim to prepare a solid legal case.
Thorough Investigation
In an event of a truck accident, a thorough investigation is necessary to identify the liable culprits while also collecting evidence. This investigation often requires the expertise of accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals who can provide expert testimony based on evidence and scientific principles.
The idea behind is to prepare a compelling case that will demonstrate negligence along with the extent of the victim’s damage.
Complexity of Evidence Collection
Black Box Data
Needless to say, most commercial trucks are equipped with electronic logging devices (ELDs) or black boxes that record data about the vehicle’s operation, such as truck’s speed, and hours of service before the accident.
Accessing and evaluating this data is key, as it can provide vital evidence that reflects the causes of the accident and even determines liability.
On the contrary, car accident claims rely more heavily on non technical aspects like eyewitness testimonies, and physical evidence from the accident scene.
Maintenance and Inspection Records
It is observed that trucking companies are often required to keep detailed records of their operating vehicles’ maintenance and inspections. This is because they are pivotal in forging a truck accident claim, unraveling whether the truck was maintained properly or if it had any mechanical defects that led to the accident.
Since these records encompass technical details, they are beyond the comprehension of an average person. Hence, they require experts and legal professionals to interpret and evaluate them to figure out the nuances of trucking regulations and maintenance protocols.
Conclusion
Doubtlessly, the differences in truck and car accident claims are huge and multifaceted. While car accidents are relatively less complex with fewer injuries, truck accidents tend to reflect complex liability issues, stringent federal regulations, high insurance stakes, and significant settlement verdicts.
Only by contemplating these distinctions and partnering with a truck accident attorney, you can navigate the legal process involving a truck accident.
