How Truck Accidents Differ From Car Accidents

A Closer Look at Truck Accidents vs. Car Accidents in Arizona

Collisions with cars and trucks can both lead to significant, life-altering injuries. Although there are many similarities between these two situations, there are also some distinct differences that your personal injury attorney in Mesa will take into account as they file a personal injury claim on your behalf. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Arizona, it’s important to understand the difference between these two scenarios and how they may affect your ability to recover compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses.

5 Key Differences Between Truck Accidents & Car Accidents

One of the most significant differences between truck and car accidents is that truck wrecks often cause more damage and worse injuries than car crashes. If you have been injured in a truck accident, it is important to speak with an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options and can represent you in a claim for damages.

Here is a list of the key differences between truck accidents and car accidents:

Severity Of Injury

Semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles can weigh as much as 20 times more than a passenger vehicle. They are also longer and taller, which means they strike with much more force than cars or vans when collisions occur. Victims of truck accidents will typically experience more severe injuries than people in car accidents.

Cost Of Medical Bills

Generally speaking, since truck accidents tend to cause more serious injuries, they usually incur higher medical bills as well. This can include extended hospitalization, more imaging, surgeries, more extensive physical therapy or rehab, and an increased need for in-home care.

Different Rules & Regulations

Commercial trucking companies and drivers are subject to both state and federal regulations that dictate load size, the number of hours a driver can work, safety regulations, and much more. Passenger drivers and vehicles are not subject to these regulations. If an accident is caused by a truck driver’s or company’s failure to abide by FMCSA regulations, more parties may be liable for victims’ damages.

Insurance Policy Limits

Arizona state law requires all motor vehicles to carry insurance. These policies tend to be fairly similar in scope and payment amounts. In contrast, truck drivers are typically required to have higher insurance limits, often $1 million or more, but may also carry different levels and types of insurance. In many cases, this will depend on who owns the truck and the size of the company. This is one reason why hiring a truck accident lawyer can be essential. You can count on a tough fight from the trucking company’s corporate lawyers.

More Potentially Liable Parties

In a car accident, you will usually only recover damages from one party. After a truck accident, there could be multiple parties who are liable for your damages. Your truck accident attorney will review the circumstances of your accident and determine which parties may be liable.

5 Possible Liable Parties Who May Be Liable For a Truck Accident

Truck accidents can be devastating, causing serious injuries and property damage. When a truck accident occurs, it is important to determine who is liable for the damages. The liable party may be the following:

• The driver: In any motor vehicle accident, the driver is the first place to look for fault. When truck drivers are impaired by drugs or alcohol, distracted, overly fatigued, in violation of trucking regulations, reckless, or negligent in some way, they could be found liable for the accident.
• The trucking company: Trucking companies are legally required to monitor their drivers to ensure they are following traffic laws, observing safety procedures, are sufficiently trained and experienced, and follow FMCSA and state regulations. If the company fails to have proper policies in place or fails to fulfill any of these duties, it could be liable for the collision. Employers may be vicariously liable for their employee’s actions while they are working.
• The truck manufacturer: Trucks require thousands of parts working together to get to their destination. A failure in any critical component, such as brakes or steering, could result in a serious accident. When this happens, the manufacturer of the part could face a product liability claim for poor design.
• The mechanic or party responsible for maintenance: Trucks require frequent maintenance and repairs. When a mechanic is negligent and it is determined that their actions caused a malfunction that resulted in the accident, they may be held liable.
• Cargo loaders: When cargo is poorly loaded and/or improperly secured, it can shift and affect the truck driver’s ability to steer correctly. Loads can even fly off the trailer. When poorly loaded cargo causes an accident, the company responsible for the loading could be held liable.

Determining who is liable for a truck accident can be complex. It is important to consult with an experienced attorney to get the help you need.

When Can You Sue Someone Other Than The Driver In a Car Accident?

After most car accidents, you can usually only sue the at-fault driver. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, other parties may be held liable. If a defective vehicle part caused the collision, the vehicle manufacturer may be responsible. If poor road maintenance or vehicle maintenance was the cause, you may be able to sue the government for lack of road maintenance or a mechanic who did their job incorrectly.

Get The Compensation You Deserve After a Car Accident In Arizona With Chris Jones Law

If you’ve been injured in a car or truck accident in Arizona, you need advice and guidance from a trusted car accident lawyer who understands what steps to take to maximize your compensation. Chris Jones Law, PLC, knows what it takes to get success in a personal injury claim after a car accident, and will handle your case with compassion and integrity. Chris Jones provides ethical, aggressive representation for victims of car accidents throughout the Valley. If you’re wondering what legal options you may have or are ready to get started with your car accident claim, contact us today to schedule your free, confidential consultation!