How Semi-Truck Accidents Differ from Other Car Accidents

TRUCK ACCIDENTS

Vehicular collisions are very common, and they result in millions of accident-related injuries every year. While car accidents can have serious consequences, semi-truck accidents can be significantly worse. These accidents result in about 83,000 injuries and 5,000 fatalities each year. 

There are many specific factors that relate to semi-truck accidents more so than any other auto accident, and this can result in different issues that arise in subsequent injury claims. Always have the help of an Indiana truck accident lawyer after a crash. 

Semi-Truck Regulations

The trucking industry is heavily regulated by both state and federal mandates to reduce collisions and save lives. These mandates are administered and regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This entity aims to ensure that all on-road driving is safe and legal. They also make sure that commercial trucking companies and drivers follow safe practices to protect themselves and others. 

In addition to truck drivers, trucking companies are also required to fully understand and abide by FMCSA regulations, which include maintenance obligations, drug and alcohol testing for truck drivers, and load weight restrictions. Individual states also have their own semi-truck regulations within their borders. 

All of these regulations might come into play in truck accident cases when they would not be at issue in accidents between two consumer vehicles. 

Other Influencing Factors

Semi-trucks are clearly much different than standard passenger cars. The following factors can contribute to the severity of an accident and the details of your claim:

Semi-Trucks Are Heavy

A standard passenger car can weigh anywhere between 4,000 to 6,000 pounds. In contrast, a semi-truck can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. Since semi-trucks can weigh as much as 20 passenger cars, a collision can be deadly or cause more severe injuries. 

The smaller vehicle will almost always receive a majority of the impact and damage. Due to their massive size, semi-trucks are often unable to stop quickly enough in dangerous situations. As a result, they can collide directly into a passenger car, block traffic from rapidly approaching oncoming vehicles, and put other lives at risk. 

Cargo Can Play a Role

Semi-trucks carry a lot of cargo, some of which can be heavy and even flammable. During a collision, this cargo can come loose and spill onto the street. This can cause other vehicles to spiral out of control and lead to other accidents. 

Unrealistic Semi-Truck Companies Expectations

Many trucking companies require their drivers to be on the road for several days on end, often without much rest and regardless of weather or traffic conditions. This can lead to fatigue, which can make even the most skilled drivers prone to making costly on-road mistakes. 

Protective Insurance Policies

Semi-truck companies have millions of dollars in coverage from their insurance companies. After an accident takes place, these companies will work tirelessly to undermine personal injury claims and save their clients as much money as possible. 

Intense Investigation

Trucking companies will also conduct their own internal investigations to determine what happened and who was at fault for the accident. These companies are looking for any information that can undermine a claim and help them avoid liability. They might even unlawfully destroy evidence before you have a chance to obtain it. 

Consult with a Dyer Truck Accident Lawyer Today

Semi-truck accidents can disrupt the lives of everyone involved. If you’ve been involved in a crash, it’s important to contact a Dyer truck accident attorney at Tanzillo, Stassin & Babcock, PC, for help. Click here to contact us for a no-cost consultation to see if you have a case.

• Written by Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock

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