Why Truck Accidents Are More Complex Than Car Accidents

When a crash involves a commercial truck instead of a regular passenger vehicle, the legal and insurance process quickly becomes more complicated. Truck accidents often result in severe injuries, more extensive property damage, and a more difficult claims process. Unlike car accidents, these cases involve multiple parties, federal regulations, and larger insurance policies, making it much harder for injured victims to get the compensation they deserve.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident, it is important to understand what makes these cases different from typical car crashes.

The Size and Weight Difference Creates More Damage

One major factor that makes truck accidents more complicated is the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. A fully loaded semi-truck can reach up to 80,000 pounds, while a typical passenger car weighs between 3,000 and 4,000 pounds. This significant weight disparity results in a much greater impact during a collision compared to a standard car accident.

As a result, injuries in truck crashes are often severe, requiring extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. Victims may experience spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, internal organ damage, or even death. Due to the seriousness of these injuries, legal claims become more complex, making it essential to have a skilled attorney.

Trucking Companies and Multiple Parties Can Be Liable

Unlike most car accidents, where fault is usually limited to one or two drivers, truck accidents often involve several responsible parties. The truck driver may have been negligent, but the trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, or maintenance provider could also share liability.

For example, if a trucking company pressures its drivers to work longer hours than federal regulations allow, fatigue-related crashes can occur. If a company fails to maintain its fleet properly and a mechanical failure causes a wreck, it may be held accountable. The cargo loading company may also be responsible if improper loading contributed to the accident. Identifying all responsible parties is a crucial step in recovering full compensation.

Federal and State Regulations Complicate Legal Claims

Commercial trucking is regulated at both the federal and state levels. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets rules regarding driver hours, maintenance requirements, and cargo loading procedures. North Carolina also has its own trucking regulations that must be followed.

These laws add an extra layer of complexity to truck accident cases. Attorneys must examine whether any violations occurred, such as drivers exceeding their legal driving hours or companies failing to perform required vehicle inspections. If a trucking company or driver ignored these regulations, that could serve as strong evidence in an injury claim.

Insurance Coverage Is Higher but Harder to Access

Trucking companies typically carry much larger insurance policies than regular drivers. While a standard car insurance policy may cover up to $30,000 or $50,000 in liability coverage for bodily injuries, commercial trucking policies often provide coverage in the millions.

However, the higher policy limits also mean insurance companies fight harder to protect their bottom line. Trucking insurers have teams of lawyers dedicated to minimizing payouts. They may argue that the victim was at fault, downplay injuries, or delay the claims process to pressure victims into settling for less than they deserve. Having a lawyer who understands how to negotiate with trucking insurance companies is essential for getting fair compensation.

Accident Investigations Are More Involved

Determining the cause of a truck accident requires a more detailed investigation than a standard car crash. In many cases, evidence must be gathered quickly before it is lost or destroyed. This includes black box data from the truck, driver logs, maintenance records, and surveillance footage.

Law enforcement agencies and insurance companies conduct their own investigations, but their focus may not align with the best interests of the victim. Hiring an attorney with experience handling truck accident claims ensures that all evidence can be preserved and examined thoroughly. A legal team can work with accident reconstruction experts to determine exactly what happened and who is responsible.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents happen for many reasons, but some of the most common causes include:

Driver fatigue – Truck drivers often work long hours, and drowsy driving is a leading cause of crashes.
Distracted driving – Using a phone, eating, or adjusting a GPS can take a driver’s attention away from the road.
Improper loading – Overloaded or unbalanced cargo can cause a truck to tip or make it harder to stop.
Mechanical failure – Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering issues can lead to loss of control.
Speeding and reckless driving – Some truck drivers exceed speed limits to meet delivery deadlines, increasing the risk of accidents.
Poor weather conditions – Trucks require more stopping distance, and slippery roads can make it difficult to avoid a crash.

Understanding the cause of a truck accident is important because it may help determine who is legally responsible for the damages.

Victims Face Greater Financial Losses

Because truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, the financial impact can be overwhelming. Victims may face extensive medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing rehabilitation costs. Some may never be able to return to work, leading to long-term financial struggles.

In cases where a fatality occurs, families may be left with funeral expenses and the loss of financial support from a loved one. Seeking compensation for these losses is critical to helping victims and their families recover and rebuild their lives.

Why Legal Representation Is Essential

Truck accident claims are not straightforward. They involve large trucking companies, multiple insurance policies, and complex state and federal regulations.

An experienced personal injury attorney can help by:

Investigating the accident thoroughly
Identifying all liable parties
Negotiating with insurance companies
Gathering and preserving crucial evidence
Fighting for full and fair compensation

Without proper legal representation, truck accident victims may settle for far less than what they deserve.

Conclusion

Truck accidents are far more complicated than regular car crashes due to the severity of injuries, multiple liable parties, and complex legal regulations. If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident, having an experienced attorney on your side can make all the difference in securing fair compensation.

At Ward and Smith, we understand the challenges truck accident victims face. Our legal team is ready to help you navigate the claims process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn how we can assist with your case.