How do truck accident claims differ from car accident claims?

If you’ve been injured in a collision with a large commercial truck, your claim will likely be far more complex than the average car accident case. Truck accident claims differ because they involve more severe injuries and far stricter federal regulations. Speaking with a Abogado de accidentes de camiones en Murfreesboro at Weir & Kestner Injury Lawyers can help you understand these challenges and protect your rights.

While car and truck accidents may seem similar at first glance, the legal process, evidence required, and insurance strategies can be very different. Here’s what sets these claims apart and why truck accident victims need experienced legal guidance.

Why truck accidents cause more severe injuries than car accidents

A commercial truck, such as a semi truck or tractor-trailer, can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. By comparison, most passenger vehicles weigh between 3,000 and 5,000 pounds. This massive difference in size and weight is a major reason why car accident injuries often pale in comparison to injuries in a truck accident case. This difference in force is also why car and truck accidents frequently result in vastly different physical and financial outcomes for injured victims.

Truck accidents commonly result in catastrophic injuries, including spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and fatalities. Because the physical damage is greater, the medical bills, lost wages, and necessary long-term treatment can be substantial. Pain and suffering are also typically more severe due to the long-lasting impact on a victim’s quality of life.

Why do truck accident claims often involve more parties?

Typical car accident claims usually involve you and the other driver. However, truck accident claims often involve multiple parties who may share liability, such as:

• El camionero
• La empresa de camiones
• The trailer owner
• Los cargo loading company
• The truck’s maintenance provider
• Manufacturers of defective truck parts

Each of these parties may have separate insurance coverage and legal representation. This adds layers of complexity to determining fault, negotiating settlement values, and progressing the case.

How federal trucking regulations affect truck accident cases

Commercial truck drivers and trucking companies must follow rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and federal motor carrier safety regulations. These rules govern

• Maintenance and inspection schedules
• Cargo loading and securement rules
• Driver logbooks and record-keeping
• Hours of service limits to prevent fatigued driving
• Requirements to hold a valid commercial driver’s license

Violations of these regulations play a critical role in many truck accident claims. For example, a trucking company may pressure a driver to meet tight delivery schedules, resulting in skipped rest breaks and dangerous levels of fatigue. 

When a company pressures a driver to meet unreasonable deadlines or skip rest breaks, these violations can create liability. Car accident claims almost never require this level of regulatory investigation.

Why is the evidence in truck accident cases more complex?

Truck accident cases require specialized evidence not typically seen in regular car crashes. Examples include:

• Electronic logging device (ELD) data
• Black box or crash event recorder data
• Driver qualification and employment records
• Dispatch logs and delivery schedules
• Maintenance records and inspection reports

Trucking companies and insurers often move quickly to preserve, and sometimes hide, evidence that may reveal wrongdoing. Acting fast with the help of a truck accident attorney can ensure crucial information is not lost or destroyed. In contrast, evidence in car accident claims typically involves police reports, photos, and witness statements, which are generally more straightforward and more accessible.

Why insurance companies fight harder in truck accident claims

Because commercial trucks cause more damage, the insurance policies covering them are often far larger than those covering standard vehicles. This means the insurance company has more money at stake and is more likely to fight aggressively to reduce or deny your claim or offer you a lowball settlement.

Trucking companies also commonly have rapid-response teams that arrive at the crash scene to minimize liability from the beginning. Without legal representation, victims risk being overwhelmed or manipulated in early communications.

Why compensation is often higher for truck accident victims

Because of the severity of injuries and long-term consequences, compensation in truck accident cases tends to be much greater than in car accident claims. In addition to medical bills, truck accident victims may be entitled to significant compensation for:

• Long-term medical care
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Angustia emocional
• Dolor y Sufrimiento
• Daños a la Propiedad
• Future rehabilitation costs

To ensure fair recovery, these damages must be calculated carefully and supported with detailed documentation. This is another reason retaining an experienced injury lawyer is crucial.

How Weir & Kestner can help after a truck accident

Truck accident claims involve high stakes, more evidence, strict regulations, and aggressive insurers. If you or a loved one has been injured, the attorneys at Weir & Kestner Injury Lawyers can guide you through every step.

We keep clients informed, even when there isn’t a major update, because staying connected matters. Contact Weir & Kestner Injury Lawyers today at (615) 220-4180 to schedule a free consultation. Our dedicated Murfreesboro attorneys understand the challenges of truck accident litigation and will fight to protect your rights and recovery.