Author: Jay Howard
On a surface level, truck and car accident claims may seem quite similar. However, there are significant differences between the two. While car accidents can be devastating for those involved, truck accidents are almost guaranteed to have devastating effects on those in smaller vehicles. The very nature of truck accidents makes truck accident claims inherently more complex than general car accident claims.
4 Differences Between Truck and Car Accident Claims
If you’ve been in a truck accident, it’s essential to understand that pursuing compensation for injuries or other related losses is different from a typical car accident claim. While the general foundations are there, such as the need to prove negligence, significant differences play vital roles in truck accident claims. Four key differences in truck and car accident claims include:
1. Truck Accidents Often Result in More Severe Injuries and Property Damage
Collisions with commercial trucks or larger tractor-trailers often cause more severe catastrophic injuries or even death because of the size and weight difference between the truck and smaller vehicle. Additionally, smaller vehicles tend to suffer immense property damage when they collide against such a large vehicle. Furthermore, catastrophic injuries are costly and result in heavy financial losses to cover medical treatments and rehabilitation and can require permanent, life-long care.
2. Liability in a Truck Accident Claim Is Often More Complex
When a car accident occurs, the claim usually involves the other driver and their insurance. In that regard, it’s pretty straightforward. However, in the event of a truck accident, liability is far more complex because multiple parties may be responsible for the accident. In a truck accident, the following parties could be partially or wholly liable:
- The truck owner
- The trucking company
- The truck driver
- The truck manufacturer
- The company or workers that loaded the truck
Determining who is liable for a truck accident requires extensive investigation, making it a more challenging process than a typical car accident claim involving two regular vehicles.
3. Compensation Is Typically More Significant
Truck accidents are more likely than not to damage victims and their property severely. Therefore, the monetary award victims could possibly receive is generally greater than that seen in typical car accidents.
4. Truck Accident Claims Require More Evidence and Extensive Investigation
Multiple parties may be held liable for a truck accident, which means every party involved aims to prove they have no fault in the accident. To establish they are not to blame or cannot be held liable, trucking companies and other parties will conduct a thorough investigation to clear their name. An attorney will also need to dive deep into the accident and the various parties who could be liable. Your attorney aims to find the party responsible for your accident to ensure you recover maximum compensation. An attorney will likely take a look at the following:
- Maintenance records
- Truck driver’s training records
- Employment records
- Driver’s medical records
- Driver’s log
- Drug and alcohol test results
- The black box recorder (a device that documents engine data such as speed and vehicle performance)
Truck accident claims will also likely require accident reconstructions and consultations with medical experts and other professionals who can provide support for your claim. Working with a dedicated and compassionate truck accident attorney is a great way to ensure you’ll have the legal guidance and support to build a strong claim and recover the compensation you deserve.
Contact an Experienced Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Truck accident claims are inherently complicated and challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Tabbaa Law is here to help. We know truck accidents can have devastating effects and will do everything in our power to give you the support you need and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Schedule a consultation today. Fill out our contact form or call (770) 370-7881.
Auto Accidents, Truck Accidents