Ways That Truck Accidents Are Different From Car Accidents
All vehicle accidents are not created equal. But whether you are involved
in a car or truck accident, it is imperative to obtain experienced legal
representation from a qualified personal injury attorney to recover your
entitled compensation.
The following are four ways that truck accidents are different from car accidents:
- Causes. While car accidents are generally caused by human error, such as distracted driving or failing to stop at a red light, truck accidents can be caused by a variety of things other than the trucker’s mistakes. For example, equipment failure is one of the most common causes of truck accidents.
- Liability. When it comes to car accidents, the at-fault driver is the only party liable for the accident. On the other hand, not only are truck driver’s blamed for a collision, but the trucking company itself and the manufacturer of the defective auto part that caused the crash could also be to blame. For instance, if a trucking company is forcing their drivers to work overtime and over the federal time limits, an accident caused by a fatigued driver can result in the trucking company sharing some of the blame as well.
- Injuries. One of the biggest distinctions between a common car accident and a trucking accident is the extent of injuries of the victims. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, as opposed to the average car weight of 3,000 pounds. Accidents involving cars that collide with large commercial trucks often result in severe and fatal injuries.
- Special licenses for trucks. Since state and federal regulations require special licenses for certain loads, the truck driver needs to undergo specialized education and training. If an accident occurs and the trucker does not possess the proper qualifications, the trucking company could be held liable for negligence due to improper hiring or training.
If you suffered an injury in a car or truck accident caused by a negligent drive, contact a Florida personal injury lawyer at The Pittman Firm today.