There are distinct differences between car accidents and semitruck crashes. These differences don’t concern scale alone but also the complexity of the incidents, the legal and regulatory frameworks involved and the nature of the injuries and damages caused.
Although size and weight of the vehicles involved is not the only distinguishing feature of a truck accident, these influences are consequential. Semitrucks are significantly larger and heavier than standard passenger cars. This disparity in size and weight has several implications.
Severity of damage and injuries
Due to their massive size and weight, semitruck crashes often result in more severe damage to property and more serious injuries or fatalities than a “standard” car accident does. A collision with a semitruck can be particularly catastrophic for the occupants of a passenger vehicle as a result.
Complexity of accident investigation
Investigating a semitruck crash is typically a more complex undertaking than investigating a car accident. Semitrucks are more complex vehicles and they are driven professionally. Digging into the maintenance of the truck, an employer’s policies and other factors that could have contributed to a crash takes time.
Different regulations and standards
Semitrucks are subject to different and more stringent regulations than cars. These include limits on driving hours to prevent fatigue, regular maintenance and safety checks and specific licensing requirements for drivers. Violations of these regulations can play a critical role in the cause and liability of a crash.
Dynamics of the crash
The physics of a semitruck crash differs significantly from a crash involving only cars. Factors like longer stopping distances, wider turn radii, and higher center of gravity in trucks affect how these crashes occur and the damages they cause.
Liability and legal considerations
Determining liability in semitruck crashes can be more complicated. It often involves the driver, trucking company, truck parts manufacturers or cargo loaders. The legal process can be more intricate due to the involvement of commercial entities and various state and federal regulations.
Insurance and financial ramifications
Insurance claims in semitruck crashes often involve larger sums due to higher damage and injury. Trucking companies usually have higher insurance coverage limits, which means the negotiation and litigation process can be more extensive and complex.
Due to the complexities of the aftermath of truck accidents, crash victims can generally benefit from seeking legal guidance before accepting a settlement or pursuing legal action.