There are a lot of ways that truck accidents and car accidents differ. Understanding these differences will be critical to knowing what to expect when considering legal action. This article will examine just four of those differences. You’ll also learn why you’ll need an experienced attorney if you want the best chance of obtaining maximum compensation.

The attorneys with Keller, Melchiorre & Walsh will be ready if you’ve suffered an injury in a car or truck accident caused by someone else. Our lawyers have years of experience in these areas of personal injury law, and we deliver positive results regularly. You can schedule a free consultation by calling (561) 295-5825 or contacting us online.

 

1. Size

One of the most apparent differences between truck and passenger vehicle accidents is the vehicle size. Commercial trucks, such as tractor-trailers or semi-trucks, are significantly larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. A fully-loaded semi-truck can weigh as much as 90,000 pounds.

The sheer size discrepancy can lead to devastating consequences when a collision occurs. Due to their size, trucks require more time and distance to come to a complete stop, making it challenging to avoid accidents in emergencies. Moreover, the impact of a truck colliding with a passenger vehicle can be significantly more severe due to the force exerted by the larger mass.

2. Severity

While car accidents often result in severe injuries, those suffered in truck accidents tend to be worse. The weight and size of commercial trucks contribute to the increased severity of these accidents. When a truck collides with a smaller vehicle, it can cause catastrophic injuries, including the following:

The severity of these injuries often requires extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Passenger vehicle accidents, while still capable of causing significant harm, typically have a lower potential for causing severe injuries or fatalities than truck accidents.

3. Liability

Determining liability in truck accidents can be more complex than in passenger vehicle accidents. That’s why hiring an attorney with extensive experience handling these complexities is essential.

For example, when a truck accident occurs, multiple parties are often involved. These include the truck driver, the trucking company, the truck’s owner, and potentially other entities such as the manufacturer or shipper of the cargo. Identifying the responsible party or parties and proving their negligence can be challenging.

Additionally, the trucking industry is subject to several regulations and requirements. These include hours of service limitations and maintenance standards. Violations of these regulations can play a significant role in determining liability. In contrast, passenger vehicle accidents often involve fewer parties, usually limited to the drivers of the vehicles involved.

4. Value

The value of a truck accident claim is typically higher than that of a passenger vehicle accident claim. Due to the more severe injuries and more significant property damage involved in truck accidents, the compensation sought in these cases is generally higher. Medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages from truck accidents

can quickly accumulate.

Also, commercial trucking companies often have substantial insurance coverage to handle these claims. It’s not uncommon for a commercial truck insurance policy to be worth $1 million, $2 million, or even more. This increased value and complexity necessitate an experienced attorney who can accurately assess the damages, negotiate with insurance companies and fight for fair compensation on behalf of the injured party.

Truck Accidents are Complicated; Hire an Experienced Attorney to Help You

Truck accidents can be legally and procedurally complex, requiring in-depth knowledge and expertise to navigate effectively. Hiring a skilled attorney specializing in truck accidents is crucial to protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

These are just a couple of the ways a lawyer can help.

Protecting You from Insurance Company Tactics

Truck accident cases often involve multiple insurance companies representing various parties, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, and potentially other entities. These insurance companies may attempt to minimize their liability and offer inadequate settlements.

Insurers almost always do whatever they can to deny accident victims’ claims. This is particularly true regarding truck accidents. Remember, there will likely be a lot of money on the line. Because the stakes are so high, the insurer may resort to questionable tactics.

One of the most notorious is trying to fool a victim into accepting an inadequate settlement. The insurer will probably offer you a great deal of money. But it still won’t be enough to cover your medical treatment now and in the future. If you accept this settlement, the case will be over. Once the settlement money runs out, you’ll be on the hook for all remaining expenses.

An experienced attorney will have the skills needed to negotiate with these insurers on your behalf and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Investigating the Accident

Truck accidents often require thorough investigation to gather evidence and establish liability. This may involve the following:

  • Analyzing accident reports
  • Obtaining black box data
  • Reviewing driver logs
  • Assessing maintenance records
  • Interviewing witnesses
  • And more

A skilled truck accident attorney will have the resources and expertise to conduct a comprehensive investigation and build a strong case to support your claim. But the investigation must begin as soon as possible. If there’s any delay, critical evidence could disappear for good. If that happens, you’ll have a more challenging time obtaining the money you have coming.

A lawyer with Keller, Melchiorre & Walsh will thoroughly understand the potential damages you may be entitled to. We’ll work diligently to ensure all your losses are considered when pursuing compensation.

Learn More By Contacting Keller, Melchiorre & Walsh

Trucking companies and their insurers will likely have a team of legal experts to defend against your claim. To level the playing field, you need a Keller, Melchiorre & Walsh attorney who is well-versed in truck accident litigation. Your KMW lawyer will handle all legal aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery and rebuilding your life.

Schedule a free evaluation of your case by contacting us online or calling (561) 295-5825.