Collisions involving large commercial trucks differ fundamentally from standard automobile accidents, not only in scale but also in the complexity of the legal and investigative processes that follow.
While car crashes can be devastating, accidents involving large commercial trucks often reach far beyond the scene itself, involving multiple parties, federal and state regulations, and potentially catastrophic injuries.
Victims and their families can be left grappling with life-altering injuries, emotional distress, and financial uncertainty. Beyond the immediate trauma, victims are often faced with complicated liability issues, aggressive insurance companies, and an intricate web of laws that most people never encounter until tragedy strikes.
In this article, we are exploring the key differences between truck and car accident cases and explaining why having an experienced truck wreck attorney in Johnson County can make all the difference when navigating a path to recovery.
How the Size of Trucks Impacts Accidents
The most immediate difference between an accident involving a commercial truck and accidents involving only passenger vehicles is the massive size and weight of commercial trucks. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000lbs, compared to a passenger car’s average 4,000lbs.
The additional weight of a commercial truck results in significantly more severe injuries sustained during an accident and an increased likelihood of fatalities. This often leads to higher medical bills, longer recovery times, and greater damages for victims involved in the accident.
Multiple Potential Liable Parties
In a passenger car accident, the liability typically falls on one or both drivers involved in the collision. In a commercial truck accident, there are often multiple parties involved, making the process of determining liability more complex.
Potential liable parties can include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company that employed the driver
- The cargo loaders of the commercial truck
- The manufacturer of the commercial truck itself
Federal Regulations in Semi-Truck Collisions
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict rules for commercial truck driving, regulating everything from driver qualification to hours of service to vehicle maintenance. Violations of these regulations can serve as potential evidence of negligence in a truck accident case.
Truck drivers are required to keep detailed logs documenting their driving hours, rest breaks, and vehicle inspections. These records, along with data from the truck’s “black box,” which tracks engine performance, braking activity, and speed, can play a critical role in determining fault.
Together, they often provide evidence of whether a driver or trucking company violated FMCSA regulations.
Contact an Experienced Truck Wreck Attorney in Johnson County
Truck accident cases are far more complex than standard automobile collisions. They require not only a deep understanding of state and federal regulations but also the ability to navigate multi-party liability and highly technical evidence.
Successfully handling these types of claims demands more than legal knowledge; it demands a strategic, resource-intensive approach backed by experience and persistence. At Bartimus Frickleton Robertson Rader, we bring that level of expertise and dedication to every case we handle.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious truck accident, contact our team as soon as possible. We always stand ready to help support our clients and pursue the recovery they need to move forward with the healing process.
The above is not intended to be legal advice. Each individual case is different and must be analyzed on its own set of facts and circumstances. If you believe you may have a case, it is critically important that you timely contact a lawyer to ensure your rights are protected.
