How Are Truck Accidents Different From Auto Accidents?

Posted on March 2022    

Have you been injured in a car or truck accident through no fault of your own? You may be entitled to compensation. Whether you’re involved in a car accident or a truck accident, you may receive compensation for the injuries you’ve sustained. There are differences between car and truck accidents, however, including the injuries sustained in them and the causes of the accidents. The attorneys at DeMayo Law Offices have decades of knowledge handling both car and truck accident personal injury cases. The experienced attorneys at our law firm can help you.

Truck Drivers vs. Passenger Vehicle Drivers

There are dangers associated with driving and riding in a vehicle, whether commercial, such as a semi-truck, or personal. To ensure drivers are prepared to operate these vehicles, laws require drivers to first obtain drivers’ licenses.

To operate a passenger vehicle, you can obtain a driver’s license by taking and passing a knowledge-based driving test and a practical driving test. Operating a commercial vehicle requires a commercial drivers’ license, and obtaining a CDL has more requirements than a regular drivers’ license.

Truck drivers must be 21 years old, submit a medical exam report, and complete extensive truck driving training. There are greater repercussions for CDL holders when they violate traffic laws. The more stringent requirements for truck drivers reflect the increased danger of truck driving and sharing the roads and highways with passenger vehicles. They also highlight the necessity for greater driver experience when operating trucks.

Truck drivers are governed by different laws and regulations in addition to the laws governing everyday passenger vehicle drivers.

Car and Trucking Accident Injuries

The injuries caused by car and trucking accidents can vary from mild to severe. Common injuries sustained in these accidents are:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Paralysis
• Amputation
• Bruises and cuts
• Broken bones
• Organ damage
• Spinal injuries
• Burns
• Coma
• Mental health disorders, like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and anxiety

While these injuries are common in both car and trucking accidents, when these injuries are sustained in a trucking accident, they can be much more severe. Given the size and weight of trucks, their impact on a vehicle and its passengers can be much greater. This can lead to more devastating injuries.

Causes of Car and Trucking Accidents

There are common causes of both car and trucking accidents, also. However, some causes may be exacerbated in trucking accidents since the danger associated with trucking is increased. The following are common causes of car and trucking accidents:

• Speeding – Speed limits exist to protect all drivers because maintaining a safe speed minimizes the risk of accidents. Speeding increases the risk of a driver losing control of their vehicle. On many highways, for example, there are separate speed limits for passenger vehicles and trucks. This is because the sizes of passenger and commercial vehicles are different, and responsible driving speeds vary with the size of the vehicle.
• Fatigue – Lack of sleep and rest can cause drivers to have impaired judgment and can slow their reaction time. This is why regulations are enforced that permit truck drivers to only drive a certain number of hours daily and weekly and require that a specific number of hours be spent resting.
• Driver inexperience – A driver who lacks experience has a greater risk of being involved in an accident. With experience comes more knowledge in navigating the roads, handling a big rig, and the ability to react to issues that may arise when driving that can lead to an accident.
• Driving under the influence – When a driver has alcohol or drugs in their system, it can impair both their judgment and their ability to responsibly and carefully operate a vehicle. This is particularly dangerous when a driver is operating an 80,000-pound semi-truck.
• Mechanical errors – Mechanical failures in vehicles can cause severe accidents, especially when the failure occurs unexpectedly while a driver is operating the vehicle. Semi-trucks are required to undergo routine maintenance, so the risk of mechanical problems should be low. However, routine maintenance can be time-consuming and expensive, so trucking companies may cut corners and violate this regulation. This negligence can lead to an accident which can cause severe injuries and damage.
• Adverse weather conditions – Snow and ice can cause roads to be slippery. Heavy rainstorms can cause vehicles to hydroplane. All of these weather conditions can affect drivers’ ability to see the road. Truckers should be trained to drive defensively in conditions such as these. If they don’t, tragic accidents can result.

Call DeMayo Law Offices Today

If you or your loved one has been injured in a truck accident that was someone else’s fault, contact us at (877) 333-1000 today. You may be entitled to compensation. Our attorneys will do our best to help you get the compensation that you deserve for your injuries. With a free consultation, we’ll review your case and let you know your best options. If you choose to retain us, you won’t have to pay us anything upfront to represent you. This is because we work hard on your case under the contingency that we’ll get paid when we obtain money for you. Call (877) 333-1000 today to set up your free consultation or contact us online.