Truck Accident Laws vs. Car Accident Laws: Key Differences
Table of contents
Introduction
Accidents can be devastating. But truck accidents involve greater legal complexity. Both truck and car accidents fall under personal injury law. But, key differences exist in how these cases treat each other. Understanding these differences can help accident victims navigate their legal options.
1. Regulation Differences
Truck and car accident laws differ primarily in their regulations.
- Car Accidents: These cases follow state traffic laws, which vary slightly between states. Drivers must obey speed limits, signal, and avoid DUIs.
- Truck Accidents: Truck drivers must follow both state laws and federal regulations.
. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) oversees the trucking industry. They have stricter rules, like limits on driving hours and vehicle maintenance standards. These extra regulations add complexity to truck accident cases.
2. Liability in Truck vs. Car Accidents
Determining fault in an accident is key. But, it’s harder for trucks than for cars.
- Car Accidents: Liability in car accidents is usually between the drivers involved. The insurance company of the at-fault driver pays for damages as a standard practice.
- Truck Accidents: In truck accidents, determining liability can be more challenging. Besides the driver, you may need to investigate: the trucking company, the truck’s owner, the truck parts’ manufacturers, and the loading company if improper loading caused the crash. Many parties might take responsibility, making truck accident cases harder to resolve.
3. Severity of Damages
Trucks are much larger and heavier than cars, so the damage they cause in accidents is often more severe.
- Car accidents: These usually cause minor injuries and quicker resolutions.
- Truck Accidents: These often lead to severe injuries, costly damage, and death. Thus, they involve bigger settlements and take longer to resolve.
4. Insurance Policies
Insurance requirements for trucks are much higher than those for cars.
- Car Accidents:Personal vehicles typically have standard auto insurance. Coverage limits vary, but they are usually lower than those for truck accidents.
- Truck Accidents: Trucks, especially commercial ones, require higher insurance due to their potential for major damage. This allows victims to receive more compensation. However, it also leads insurers to fight harder to reduce payouts.
5. Evidence Gathering
Gathering evidence for car and truck accidents varies. Truck accidents involve more regulations.
- Car Accidents: Gather police reports, witness statements, and dashcam footage.
- Truck Accidents: Besides the above, include logbooks, black box data, and maintenance records. Lawyers need these extra pieces to build a strong case.
Conclusion
Truck and car accidents both can be devastating, but their laws differ. Truck accidents are often more complicated. They may involve many parties, higher insurance, and stricter rules. So, victims should seek lawyers with truck accident experience. Knowing these differences helps victims protect their rights and get fair compensation.
