On the surface, truck accidents and car accidents share some similarities, but there are a few differences between the two. Understanding the differences is important to know the impact these accidents have on the victim’s life.
Awareness aside, it also helps to hire experienced truck accident lawyers who will help victims determine liability, assess damages, and navigate the complexities of personal injury claims.
Differences in Vehicle Characteristics
The first difference between truck and car accidents is the contrasting size and weight of these vehicles.
Trucks are larger and heavier compared to cars; this means that the damages resulting from truck accidents are greater than those from car accidents.
The cargo that trucks carry is heavy and hazardous, which in turn increases the risk of truck accidents.
Differences in Accident Causes and Consequences
Another difference between car accidents and truck accidents is that car accidents are often caused by speeding, reckless driving, or distraction, while truck accidents, in addition to these causes, can also be due to cargo shift or overloaded cargo.
Due to the size of these vehicles and the value of the cargo they carry, truck accidents often cost hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars in losses. The damage to the surrounding vehicles and other property is also significantly higher with truck accidents than in car accidents.
Differences in Regulations and Liability
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the trucking industry, imposing rules on hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and driver qualifications.
Car owners are often liable for car accidents, but in truck accidents, drivers, those responsible for loading cargo or regular maintenance, and even the manufacturer may be held liable.
Additionally, the concept of “respondeat superior” may apply, making the employer responsible for the actions of their employees.
Trucking companies are also required to carry higher levels of insurance coverage, which can impact the complexity and value of personal injury claims.
How to Prevent Truck Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2020, there were 4,965 fatalities in crashes involving large trucks in the United States.
There have also been several statistics showing the fatalities suffered from road accidents. As a nation, our best option moving forward would be to make a concerted effort to prevent these accidents from happening. More people should:
- Drive safely by maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles in front of you. Do not be distracted while on the wheel. Use signals when you want to turn or change lanes and obey speed limits, traffic signals, and other rules of the road.
- Whether you are driving a car or a truck, ensure that your vehicle is in good working condition before driving it. Replace any parts of your vehicle that have worn out. Ensure that you regularly inspect your tires for signs of wear and tear so that they do not blow out.
- Ensure that you are well rested before you drive, especially if you drive trucks. If you feel sleepy, you should pull over and rest till you feel clear-headed enough to drive again.
- Always wear your seatbelt when driving. Do not drive aggressively. Avoid weaving in and out of lanes, speeding, and tailgating.
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