Although every vehicle accident is unique, those that occur between two passenger cars are distinctly different from collisions that involve a commercial truck. These variations extend far beyond the appearance of the vehicles, and they will significantly impact the way a personal injury claim is handled. If you had the misfortune of being injured in a truck accident, knowing the following dissimilarities and how they may apply to your particular case will help the pursuit of compensation.

How Car & Commercial Truck Accidents Differ

Damages 

Car accidents can be devastating, but because of the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, truck accidents are more likely to cause life-altering injuries and greater property damage. As a result, truck owners are expected to carry more insurance coverage than someone who drives a passenger vehicle. This often makes it more challenging to deal with a trucking company’s insurance representative, as they will do their best to avoid having to part with such a substantial payout. 

Liability 

In car accidents, either one or both of the drivers are usually determined to be at fault. When it comes to trucking accidents, establishing liability is rarely that straightforward because it’s possible for multiple parties to be held responsible. Liability may be attributed to the truck driver, trucking company, the maintenance crew in charge of keeping trucks in good condition, or any combination thereof.

Regulations

The trucking industry is subject to strict regulations that are put in place to keep roadways as safe as possible. Owners and operators must follow a variety of stringent rules. Trucking companies are obligated to ensure their vehicles and drivers remain in compliance, and drivers are required to record certain information regarding their driving hours. Since passenger vehicles aren’t held to these same regulations, it’s not typically as difficult to assign fault in a car accident.

Understanding the key differences between car and truck accidents is important for proving fault and improving the odds of maximizing compensation. The legal team at Carey & Hamner, P.C. has the experience to guide you through the claims process from beginning to end and build a strong case that holds the negligent party accountable for their actions. They have helped numerous residents throughout Enterprise, Dothan, and Ozark, AL, recover damages after being injured by a commercial truck. To speak with a personal injury attorney, call (855) 435-4797. You can also visit them online for more information on truck accident claims, and connect with the practice on Facebook.