Car vs. Truck Accident – Legal Differences

Michael S. Callahan | | Car Accident Lawyer
car vs truck accident

When a truck and a standard-sized vehicle collide, it can often lead to severe injuries or fatalities. Even a minor collision with a truck traveling at low speeds could lead to catastrophic injuries. If you have been involved in a car or truck accident, you can recover compensation for your injuries and property damage.

After a car or truck accident, a person involved will often suffer bodily injury and extensive property damage. Having an experienced attorney to help secure compensation is essential.

Let’s take a look at the different types of car and truck accidents and the legal principles of getting the compensation you need.

Potential Differences Between Car and Truck Accidents

Although both car and truck accidents could lead to injuries, there are some substantial differences discussed below:

  • The severity of the collision: Because of a truck’s height, weight, and shape, the severity of the impact could be much more severe than a standard-sized vehicle. Trucks, especially those traveling at high rates of speed, could lead to fatalities.
  • The severity of the injuries: Because the impact from a truck is so severe, the likelihood of severe injuries resulting is also very high.
  • Causes of the accident: With standard-sized vehicles, the number one cause of accidents is usually speeding or distracted driving. However, driver fatigue is very common in truck accidents. A truck also has various blind spots, making it more likely to cause an accident.
  • Compliance: Drivers of standard vehicles must always follow the state’s vehicle laws. However, they must also follow the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rules when driving a truck.

Truck accidents often involve larger, heavier vehicles, leading to more significant injuries and damages compared to typical car collisions. The complexities of these cases can also stem from multiple parties being involved, such as truck drivers, trucking companies, and vehicle manufacturers. Adding to the legal mix are the federal regulations governing the trucking industry, which can influence liability and compensation. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effectively navigating the legal landscape and ensuring that victims of truck crashes receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

Common Types of Accidents with Cars and Trucks

There are several different ways a truck and a car could collide with one another. The way they collide could also determine the severity of the injuries. Below are some examples:

  • Rear-end collisions: If a truck were to rear-end a standard-sized vehicle, the passengers would most likely suffer severe back injuries.
  • Head-on collisions: A head-on collision occurs when a truck and a vehicle collide from the front. This could lead to fatalities since drivers and passengers in the front row do not have adequate airbags to withstand a larger vehicle.
  • Jackknife accidents: A jackknife accident occurs when the truck’s trailer swings against another vehicle and becomes a jackknife. Poor road conditions, such as icy roads, usually cause it.
  • Rollover accidents: A rollover accident occurs when a truck rolls over onto another vehicle. Usually, a truck could crush another vehicle, which could lead to fatalities. A rollover accident is likely due to fatigue driving when a driver loses control of the vehicle and swerves off the road.
  • Side impact collisions: These usually occur at an intersection or in a parking lot. The truck’s blind spot usually causes a side-impact collision with a truck or when the driver makes a wide turn.

The above accidents could lead to property damage, which may require vehicle repair or replacement. These accidents also could lead to catastrophic injuries, with the most common being traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries.

Understanding the Physics of Car vs. Truck Accidents

Understanding the Physics of Car vs. Truck Accidents

Understanding the physics behind a truck and car could help injured parties understand how the accident may have occurred.

Because trucks have a greater weight than a standard-size vehicle, they travel at a greater momentum and could have a more significant force than a standard vehicle. This also means a truck will need a longer stopping distance to slow down. Cars have shorter stopping distances because they are much lighter. These only become a problem when proper safe driving techniques are not followed.

Legal Aspects to Consider

Determining Liability

To have a successful lawsuit against a truck driver or a trucking company, you must determine which party is at fault. This will require looking at all evidence, including police reports, interviewing eyewitnesses, and having experts examine the accident scene. The police will generate a police report and conclude who the negligent party may be.

Insurance Claim

You can file a lawsuit against the truck company’s insurance. Usually, trucking companies are required to have commercial vehicle insurance. If you file a lawsuit against a standard-sized vehicle, it will most likely be a claim against personal auto insurance.

Hiring Experts

Experts are needed to assess damages and determine liability. For example, medical experts could determine the injuries you have suffered and the future medical expenses that you may need. Accident reconstruction experts will look at all evidence to determine who the liable party may be.

Filing a Lawsuit

Besides filing a claim with the insurance company, you could also file a lawsuit against the negligent party to hold them accountable for their actions.

How The Callahan Law Firm Can Help

Our law firm has supported those involved in car and truck accidents and their family members for several decades. We work tirelessly against insurance companies to ensure all your damages are discussed and you get the compensation you need to move forward with your life. A truck accident will require extensive investigation, and our attorneys are here to help.

If you’re looking for a car accident lawyer or a truck accident lawyer, contact us today. Our top-rated personal injury lawyers at The Callahan Law Firm provide emotional support and guidance because we understand how difficult it may be to suffer injuries during a truck accident.

Contact The Callahan Law Firm for a complimentary consultation and assistance in pursuing the compensation you deserve under the law.

FAQ:

What is the difference between a car accident and a car incident?

Contrary to popular belief, there’s a difference between a car accident and a car incident. A car incident is a vague term that refers to any events that could happen to a vehicle. For example, this could include car accidents, property damage, or even a flat tire. But a car accident is a severe event. A car accident occurs when two vehicles collide, which usually leads to bodily injury or property damage. Car accidents are a more specific term used in personal injury lawsuits.

What would happen if you got hit by a truck?

Given that trucks weigh thousands of pounds and have a larger size compared to standard vehicles, a truck and pedestrian collision could lead to severe injuries, even fatalities. Some examples of severe injuries could include spinal cord injuries, which could lead to permanent disability, and traumatic brain injuries. Serious injuries could result, and the injured party may need future medical care. Their lives may be completely changed forever.

What is the difference in meaning between a car crash and an accident?

A car accident occurs when a party is negligent. The term “car accident” indicates an accident, meaning no party intended to cause the collision. However, a car crash could be intentional and have a severe impact. Usually, people use the term “crash” to refer to a violent impact that results in serious injuries.