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What makes truck accidents different from car accidents?

On Behalf of | Aug 10, 2021 | Car Accidents, Truck Accidents |

Truck accidents in North Carolina are often devastating. More often than not, people are seriously injured when a large commercial truck crashes into a passenger car. To make matters worse, it can be difficult and confusing for injured victims of truck accidents to understand how to pursue compensation.

Injuries are typically more serious

Due to the sheer size of commercial trucks, injuries are typically more serious in truck accidents than they are in other motor vehicle accidents. Surviving truck accident victims may have lengthy hospital stays and expensive property damage. When a person is killed or permanently disabled in a truck accident, their family may have lost their only source of income.

Truck drivers are subject to federal laws

Another issue that makes truck accidents more complicated than passenger car accidents is the difference in laws. While car drivers are subject to only state laws, truck drivers are subject to both state and federal laws. Certain federal regulations about drive time and mandatory breaks can be key issues in truck accident claims.

Liability is more complex

Understanding who is liable for a truck accident is more complicated than in a car accident. Even if the truck driver fell asleep at the wheel, there are likely several other people who are liable for the crash. Because a truck driver is an employee, the truck driver’s employers and contractors are usually liable for accidents. There may be other liable parties involved in a truck accident if the accident was caused by a loading issue or manufacturer defect.

Truck insurance is different than car insurance

Because trucking is such a dangerous business, trucking companies pay for special truck insurance that is very different from typical car insurance. Truck insurance providers fight hard for their clients’ best interests and may intimidate truck accident victims into settling claims too early.

Most truck accident victims aren’t prepared

A truck accident is not a situation that most people are prepared to deal with alone. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, it’s important to gather as much evidence and help as you can.