Many of us get behind the wheel without giving it a second thought. None of us expect to get in a traffic accident. Collisions between passenger cars can have severe consequences, but an accident involving a passenger vehicle and a commercial truck can cause catastrophic harm. Seeking advice from a truck accident lawyer can help you understand your rights to compensation if you suffered injuries in a California truck crash.
How Are Car Accidents Different From Truck Accidents?
Car accidents and truck accidents differ in several ways:
- Truck accidents often result in more severe injuries due to the massive size and weight of commercial vehicles and the force they impart in a collision.
- Improper training and supervision, unfair employer demands, improper loading, and mechanical failures specific to large trucks are common causes of truck accidents. These factors rarely play a role in car accidents.
- Truck drivers and trucking companies must adhere to strict federal regulations governing hours of service, vehicle maintenance, cargo securement, and other operations that do not apply to non-commercial drivers. Identifying all potential violations is essential during a truck accident investigation.
A truck accident attorney can explain how these differences may impact your eligibility for compensation and the value of your personal injury claim.
Differences in Vehicle Dynamics
The size and weight disparities between cars and trucks significantly impact accident dynamics. A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, while the average passenger vehicle weighs around 4,000 pounds. This weight difference affects stopping distances, maneuverability, and the force of impact in a crash. Semi-trucks also have more prominent blind spots than cars, increasing the risk of accidents. Trucks also have higher centers of gravity, making them more susceptible to rollover accidents, especially in adverse weather conditions or during sudden changes in traffic.
Complex Legal and Liability Issues With Truck Accidents
Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, which complicates the process of determining liability and seeking compensation. Potentially liable parties may include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The cargo loader
- The truck manufacturer
- Maintenance providers
- Other drivers
The potential for several at-fault parties may require truck accident victims to file multiple claims to secure full compensation. Commercial trucks typically carry higher insurance policy limits than passenger vehicles, reflecting the potential for more significant damages. Furthermore, federal and state regulations governing the trucking industry may play a crucial role in determining liability.
A skilled truck accident lawyer can help cut through these complexities and build a solid case for compensation.
Getting Truck Accident Compensation in California
Recovering compensation after any collision can be challenging, but truck accident cases are particularly prone to insurance disputes. Truck companies make every effort to avoid accepting liability, and their insurance companies can employ aggressive tactics to intimidate injured parties into accepting less than their claims are worth.
At Demas Law Group, we understand how to handle communications with insurance adjusters in a way that will protect your rights. With our lawyers on your side, you can maximize your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Sacramento truck accident attorney.
