If you think all vehicle collision lawsuits are the same, think again. Truck accident lawsuits are significantly more complex than car crash claims. Understanding these key differences is crucial to avoid low insurance settlements and secure the compensation you truly deserve after an incident. Here are five key differences between car and truck accident lawsuits that you need to know before moving forward.
Multiple Parties May Be Liable
In a car accident, the responsible party is usually limited to the driver, but in a truck accident, liability often extends beyond the driver. You might be dealing with the trucking company, a freight loader, a parts manufacturer, or even a third-party maintenance provider. If you try to pursue your claim without legal guidance, you could overlook one or more of these liable parties. That’s why working with an experienced truck accident lawyer is essential, as they can identify every entity that may owe you compensation, not just the driver behind the wheel.
Commercial Insurance Policies Are More Complex
The insurance policy behind a commercial truck isn’t your typical auto policy. These policies often have higher coverage limits, sometimes in the millions, and come with detailed language that protects companies, not victims.
This means you may encounter aggressive insurance adjusters and legal teams whose job is to reduce or deny your claim. A skilled lawyer can interpret these complex insurance policies and negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf, ensuring you don’t accept a lowball offer simply because the paperwork is confusing.
Federal and State Regulations Come Into Play
Unlike car accidents, truck accidents are heavily governed by federal and state regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has rules about everything from driver rest periods to load limits and maintenance schedules.
When a truck accident happens, these rules can become critical pieces of evidence. For example, if the driver broke the law by staying on the road too long, that could prove negligence. A lawyer will know how to obtain logbooks, black box data, and other regulatory records to build a solid case for you.
Injuries and Damages Are Usually More Severe
The size and weight of commercial trucks mean the injuries and property damage involved are often far worse than in car accidents. You may be dealing with long-term medical care, loss of income, permanent disability, or even wrongful death.
Due to this, your compensation needs to reflect more than just current medical bills. It should also cover future costs, pain and suffering, loss of earning capacity, and more. A qualified truck accident lawyer understands how to calculate these damages accurately, so you don’t get shorted on what you’re truly owed.
Evidence Must Be Preserved Quickly
Key evidence like driving logs, maintenance records, and black box data can be erased or destroyed shortly after the accident unless immediate legal action is taken. A truck accident lawyer will send a legal notice to preserve this evidence right away and begin investigating before important details are lost. Without this step, critical proof of liability could vanish, weakening your entire case, so it’s vital to act quickly.
Endnote
While car and truck accidents might seem similar on the surface, the legal processes behind them are vastly different. Truck accident lawsuits require a deeper level of investigation, more aggressive legal strategy, and a full understanding of commercial regulations. If you’re facing the aftermath of a serious crash, don’t go it alone. Connect with a qualified truck accident lawyer who can protect your rights, uncover the truth, and help you recover the full compensation you deserve.