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Accidents can change a life instantly, but not all accidents are alike. Though both can be devastating, a collision with a commercial truck can be a lot different than one with another car driver. When facing the aftermath of a crash, it is important to understand the key differences between a truck accident vs. a car accident and how they impact your legal claim.
At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, you need clear guidance and aggressive representation to receive the compensation you deserve. Let us walk you through what you need to know about the difference between truck accidents and car accidents, what it could mean for your case, and how our team can fight for you.
You Are Facing a Serious Problem
After an accident, it can feel like the world has turned upside down. Between mounting medical bills, calls from insurance adjusters, and the uncertainty of what comes next, you need answers. Understanding the distinction between a truck accident vs. a car accident is essential to protecting your rights and securing the compensation you need to recover.
Whether your accident involved a passenger car or a massive commercial truck, your injuries and losses are real. However, the stakes are often much higher when a truck is involved.
Why Truck Accidents Are Different from Car Accidents
There are several differentiators when evaluating truck accidents compared to car accidents. Here are a handful of them that can impact injury severity and the way compensation, liability, and claims are evaluated.
Size and Force Matter
The most obvious difference between truck accidents and car accidents is the size and weight of the vehicles involved. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while an average passenger car weighs about 3,000 pounds. This size disparity often leads to more devastating injuries and fatalities in trucking accidents.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), in crashes involving large trucks and passenger vehicles, 68% of fatalities are passenger vehicle occupants. This statistic highlights the severe consequences truck accidents can have compared to car accidents.
More Complex Regulations
Federal and state laws heavily regulate truck drivers and trucking companies, including the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR). Truck drivers must adhere to strict rules regarding driving hours, maintenance schedules, cargo loading, and more. Violations of these regulations can significantly affect fault and liability.
In contrast, car accident cases generally focus on state traffic laws, such as those governing speed limits and safe driving practices.
Different Liable Parties
In a standard car accident, the claim typically involves the drivers of the vehicles. However, in a truck accident, multiple parties could be liable, including:
- The truck driver,
- The trucking company,
- A truck leasing company,
- The vehicle manufacturer,
- Maintenance providers, and
- Cargo loaders.
Identifying the responsible parties is critical to ensuring you receive the full compensation you are entitled to after a truck wreck. In New York, liability in truck accidents may also involve joint and several liability principles, affecting the awarding of damages.
Legal Support
In most standard car accidents, the playing field is relatively equal between drivers. When dealing with a truck accident, it is important to consider that trucking companies and their insurers often have rapid-response teams that arrive at accident scenes immediately to collect evidence favorable to their defense. Trucking companies may have lawyers already on retainer or in-house counsel who always deal with these types of claims. This aggressive approach makes it critical for accident victims to have an equally aggressive legal team in their corner.
How Legal Claims Differ in a Truck Accident vs. a Car Accident Lawsuit
The legal process can differ dramatically when pursuing a truck accident vs. a car accident lawsuit. Truck accident claims often involve:
- Extensive investigations. Reviewing black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and company policies.
- Complex insurance policies. Trucking companies often have large commercial insurance policies with more aggressive defense teams.
- Higher damages. Due to the severe injuries often associated with truck accidents, claims tend to involve higher medical costs, long-term care needs, and greater compensation for pain and suffering.
Conversely, while still complex, car accident lawsuits usually have fewer moving parts and a more straightforward path to resolution. Again, that is not always true, as each accident is unique and should be evaluated on its own merits.
How Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers Help You Win
At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, we understand the unique challenges of truck accident claims. We do not just prepare to settle, we prepare to win. Our experienced attorneys know how to uncover key evidence, deal with large insurance companies, and fight aggressively for every dollar our clients deserve.
We know that your journey to recovery is about more than just money. It is about getting the right medical treatment, ensuring your future is secure, and finding peace of mind after a traumatic event. Our team will stand beside you every step of the way, treating your case with the urgency and respect it deserves.
Ready to Take Action Now You’ve Evaluated Truck Accident vs. Car Accident Differences?
If you have been involved in a truck or car crash, time is critical. In New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the accident date. Acting quickly helps ensure that you can preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Contact Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. We will help you understand the specific challenges of your case and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome. When your future is at stake, trust the firm New Yorkers have relied on for over seventy years.
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