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Ways That Truck Accidents Are Different From Car Accidents

| Apr 5, 2018 | Personal Injury, Truck Accidents

All accidents are a nightmare to deal with, especially when they result in injuries, but the fact is that not all accidents are the same. For example, truck accidents differ greatly from other motor vehicle accidents in a number of ways. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) stated that accidents involving large trucks accounted for 287,000 property damage claims, 77,000 injuries, and 4,321 deaths throughout the course of a single year. Despite the fact that trucks are responsible for a smaller portion of accidents that occur on highways across the country, the damage they cause is often significantly greater.

Additionally, truck accident cases frequently require more effort and cost when it comes to investigating the cause of the incident, especially since many parties can be held liable in such cases.

Below are some ways in which truck accidents differ from other motor vehicle accidents:

  • Different Causes: With truck accidents, many factors are at play, so settling a claim is often not entirely straightforward. Whereas, in a car accident, it is generally easier to attribute the accident to human error, such as a driver’s failure to stop at a red light. However, in a truck accident, even the trucking company itself could be held liable for the accident. For example, if equipment failure was a factor that contributed to the accident, it could possibly be proven that the trucking company acted negligently by failing to ensure the truck was being properly maintained. The driver would also be held responsible since it would be his or her responsibility to conduct a pre-trip inspection to ensure all equipment is functioning as it should.
  • Severe Injuries: As previously mentioned, truck accidents are often much more devastating than other motor vehicle accidents. The average weight of a fully-loaded truck is often well over 80,000 pounds. On the other hand, an average vehicle weighs about 3,000 pounds. With such a stark contrast in weight, it will not require much guesswork to figure out what happens when a car and a truck collide. In fact, the serious injuries trucks are prone to causing in collisions is a big reason why truckers are required to carry insurance with abnormally large liability limits.
  • Special Truckers Licenses: State and federal regulations govern commercial trucking, often making it a requirement for truckers to have undergone specialized education and training. Their training will also instruct them on the protocols and regulations they must follow in regards to specific loads they are carrying. Additionally, all commercial drivers must possess a commercial driver’s license that qualifies them to carry the load they are currently carrying. If an accident were to occur and the driver did not have the necessary qualifications, the trucking company could be held liable for negligence.
  • Involve an Attorney: Having a personal injury attorney on your side is crucial regardless of the type of accident you were involved in, but they can be especially critical in a truck accident case due to the complexities you will likely encounter. Your attorney will have the resources necessary to fully investigate the accident and build a solid case to ensure they are able to obtain maximum compensation on your behalf.

Truck Accident Lawyers in Otsego County

If you were injured in an accident caused by a negligent truck driver, you will need a skilled truck accident attorney who can effectively help you navigate your truck accident claim. At Scarzafava, Basdekis & Dadey, PLLC, our Oneonta personal injury attorneys go to great lengths to examine the details of every case we represent and have earned a reputation for working tirelessly for our clients.

For the representation you deserve, contact our office today at (607) 228-8404 to schedule a free case evaluation with a knowledgeable member of our legal team.

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