Not all crashes are the same. Trucking accidents are often much more serious than regular car accidents. Trucks are bigger, heavier, and harder to stop. There are also more rules involved and more people who can be responsible. Because of this, trucking accidents typically involve more damage, more complicated investigations, and higher stakes.
In this blog, we’ll explain the main ways truck accidents are different from car crashes. If you’ve been hurt in a crash with a truck, it helps to understand what makes these cases unique. You can also find helpful tips in blogs, legal guides, and pages that focus on truck accident claims, liability, and injury recovery.
1. Truck Accidents Often Lead To Worse Injuries
Trucks can weigh 20 to 30 times more than a regular car. When a big truck hits a smaller car, the damage is usually much worse. People in the smaller vehicle can suffer:
- Head and brain injuries
- Back or spine injuries
- Broken bones and internal bleeding
- Long-term disability or death
These injuries often require longer treatment, missed work, and more money to recover. Recovery times can also be unpredictable, which affects how claims are evaluated.
Because of this, truck accident claims often demand higher compensation and a deeper investigation to document the full impact on the victim’s life.
2. More Than One Person Can Be Responsible
In most car crashes, the drivers are the only people involved. But truck crashes are different. More than one party may be at fault:
- The truck driver
- The company that owns the truck
- A repair company
- The people who loaded the cargo
- The company that made a faulty truck part
This means trucking cases often involve layered responsibility. Figuring out who is to blame means checking job records, maintenance logs, and safety reports. Lawyers may need to bring in experts to help sort through the details.
If you’re unsure where to start, it’s helpful to look at resources about multi-party accident claims and trucking investigations.
3. Trucks Follow Federal Safety Rules
Trucking companies must follow rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules include:
- How long a driver can stay behind the wheel
- Regular truck inspections and repairs
- Drug and alcohol testing
- Safe loading procedures
These safety rules are meant to protect everyone on the road. Breaking these rules can lead to a crash and affect who is held responsible. In many truck accident cases, investigators will look at driver logbooks, black box data, and FMCSA violations to determine whether safety protocols were followed.
You can find more about these safety rules in articles that explain federal trucking laws, driver fatigue, and commercial vehicle standards.
4. Truck Insurance Is Higher
Truck companies must carry more insurance than regular drivers. In some cases, their insurance policy can be worth millions of dollars. While that might sound like good news for crash victims, it also means the insurance company will try harder to avoid paying a full settlement.
Their lawyers and adjusters may look for reasons to delay or deny your claim. They may question medical reports, challenge fault, or use complex tactics to reduce payouts. That’s why it helps to understand your rights and gather strong evidence early.
Legal content that explains trucking insurance, policy limits, and large injury claims can be helpful.
5. The Legal Process Takes More Time
Truck accident claims usually take longer than regular car accident cases. They are more complicated, and there’s more paperwork involved. Experts like doctors or crash investigators may also be needed to prove your case.
There are often more records to review, including logs, maintenance histories, and company procedures. Insurance companies may push back harder because of the larger policy amounts. If you’re preparing to file a claim, expect a longer timeline and more steps.
Look into guides that explain claim delays, settlement offers, and how to prepare if the case goes to court. It’s also helpful to track all your expenses and recovery milestones to strengthen your claim.
Truck vs. Car Accidents
Truck crashes are different from car accidents in many ways. The injuries are worse, the laws are stricter, and the claims are more complex. The stakes are often higher, both physically and financially. If you or someone close to you was in a crash with a truck, understanding the process can help protect your rights and improve your outcome.
To learn more about how these cases work, take time to explore legal content focused on truck crashes, commercial driver laws, and personal injury claims involving large vehicles. Reviewing these materials can help you feel more confident as you move forward with your case.
Contact the Florida Truck Accident Lawyers at Shaked Law Firm, P.A. For More Help Today
If you’ve been injured in a truck collision in Florida and need legal help, contact a Florida 18-wheelers attorney at Shaked Law Firm, P.A.
Shaked Law Firm, P.A.
20900 NE 30th Ave STE 705
Aventura, FL 33180
(305) 937-0191
*Relocated across the street from Aventura Hospital.
Available 24/7