To most people, there may not be many differences between a trucking accident and a car crash, From a legal perspective, however, there are some significant differences between the two. While a regular car accident involves a conventional, citizen-driven vehicle, a trucking accident is classified as any roadway crash involving a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or any other commercial vehicle that falls into the category of "big rig."

Below are some crucial differences that separate car accidents and trucking accidents, as well as how these differences figure into the legal aspects of an accident's aftermath.

Accident Types

There are two different accident scenarios possible with passenger vehicles; rollovers, and impact collisions to the front, side, or rear. With trucks, there are many different crash types, such as fuel fires, jackknifing, brake issues, and rollovers. Trucking accidents tend to require more involved and specialized investigations, due to the size and complex systems of modern trucks.

Damages

Considering the magnitude of a truck, compared to a passenger vehicle, it’s not a surprise that trucking accidents tend to cause considerably more damage than car crashes. If you're involved in a trucking accident for which you are not at fault, you are legally allowed to pursue a lawsuit for damages against the responsible party. You can seek money for damages to your vehicle, medical care, and pain and suffering, to name just a few compensable areas.

Injuries

Imagine for a moment the brunt force of an 80,000-pound vehicle bearing down onto a 3,000-pound vehicle. This is exactly what happens when a truck collides with the average passenger car. It's no surprise, then, that injuries resulting from trucking accidents have a tendency to be much more severe than injuries sustained in car accidents.

If you've suffered injury or vehicle damage from a trucking accident, you deserve to be compensated. Let attorney Frank Balderrama, of the Balderrama Law Firm, LLC, in Carlsbad, NM, be your legal champion. Call (575) 234-1111 or visit his website to schedule a free case evaluation. Follow the firm on Google+ and Yelp to stay up-to-date on legal news and reviews.