Is Getting Into an Accident With a Truck the Same as a Car Accident?

In legal terms, both cars and large commercial trucks can fall under the broader category of vehicle accidents. But bigger trucks can cause bigger problems.

Getting into an accident with a truck is similar to a car accident in some respects, but there are also significant differences to consider due to the size, weight, and characteristics of trucks. But no matter the type of vehicle or size of the accident, Morgan & Morgan is here to help victims of vehicle accidents anywhere across the country.

How car and truck accidents are similar

Potential for Injuries and Damages: Like car accidents, accidents involving trucks can result in injuries and damages to drivers, passengers, and vehicles. Both types of accidents can cause physical injuries, property damage, and emotional distress to those involved.

Legal Considerations: Both truck accidents and car accidents involve legal considerations such as determining fault, filing insurance claims, and pursuing compensation for damages. Both types of accidents may require evidence gathering, documentation, and negotiations with insurance companies or legal proceedings to resolve.

Impact on Daily Life: Both types of accidents can disrupt daily life for those involved, requiring medical treatment, vehicle repairs, time off work, and other adjustments to cope with the aftermath of the accident.

How car and truck accidents are different

Severity of Injuries and Damages: Accidents involving trucks tend to result in more severe injuries and damages compared to car accidents due to the size and weight disparity between trucks and cars. Trucks can cause more extensive damage and catastrophic injuries to smaller vehicles and their occupants.

Complexity of Liability: Liability in truck accidents can be more complex than in car accidents due to multiple potentially liable parties, such as the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, and others. Determining fault and liability may require extensive investigation and legal expertise.

Regulatory Compliance: Trucks are subject to extensive federal and state regulations governing their operation, maintenance, and safety. Violations of these regulations, such as hours-of-service violations or improper maintenance, can contribute to truck accidents and affect liability.

Insurance Coverage: Trucking companies typically carry higher insurance coverage limits than individual car drivers due to the increased potential for severe accidents and damages. Dealing with trucking companies and their insurers may require specialized knowledge and negotiation skills.

Legal Standards: Truck drivers and trucking companies are held to higher standards of care than ordinary drivers due to the potential dangers posed by large commercial vehicles. Breaches of these standards can contribute to truck accidents and increase liability.

Evidence Collection: Truck accidents often involve more extensive documentation and evidence collection than car accidents due to the complexity of truck operations and regulations. This may include obtaining the truck's black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and other documentation.

Overall, while there are similarities between accidents involving trucks and cars, the differences outlined above underscore the importance of seeking experienced legal representation if you've been involved in a truck accident. Morgan & Morgan’s vehicle accident lawyers can help you navigate the complexities of truck accident cases and pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help My Truck Accident Claim?

A personal injury lawyer from Morgan & Morgan can provide invaluable assistance if you've been involved in a truck accident. Here are several ways in which a personal injury lawyer can help with your truck accident claim:

Legal Expertise: Personal injury lawyers specialize in handling cases involving truck accidents and have a deep understanding of the relevant laws, regulations, and legal principles. They can assess the merits of your case, explain your rights, and guide you through the legal process.

Investigation: Personal injury lawyers have the resources and expertise to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the truck accident. This may involve gathering evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, photographs, video footage, and truck maintenance records to establish liability.

Determining Liability: Truck accidents often involve multiple potentially liable parties, such as the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, cargo loaders, and others. Personal injury lawyers can identify all potentially responsible parties and determine the extent of their liability for the accident.

Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies representing the trucking company or other parties involved in the accident may use tactics to minimize payouts and protect their bottom line. Personal injury lawyers can handle communications with insurance companies on your behalf, negotiate a fair settlement, and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the claims process.

Documenting Damages: Morgan & Morgan’s personal injury lawyers can help you document your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other economic and non-economic losses resulting from the accident. They can gather evidence to support your claim and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Negotiation: Personal injury lawyers are skilled negotiators who can advocate for your rights and negotiate with insurance companies or opposing parties to achieve a fair settlement. They can assess the value of your claim, counter low settlement offers, and work to maximize your compensation.

Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, personal injury lawyers can represent you in litigation and pursue your case through the court system. They can file a lawsuit on your behalf, conduct discovery, present evidence, and argue your case in court to seek the compensation you deserve.

Overall, hiring a trucking accident lawyer can significantly increase your chances of obtaining fair compensation for your injuries and losses resulting from a truck accident. Morgan & Morgan’s experienced lawyers can navigate the complexities of truck accident cases, protect your rights, and advocate tirelessly on your behalf to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Hiring a lawyer at Morgan & Morgan is easy—and you can start with a free case evaluation online. There’s no obligation, no cost, and only fast responses to learn more about your legal options.

For over 35 years, Morgan & Morgan has fought For the People and has recovered over $20 billion for personal injury victims such as those injured in large truck accidents. Don’t let one fateful day on the road derail your life. Let Morgan & Morgan fight by your side for the maximum compensation you need and deserve to get your life back on track.