Why Truck Accidents Are More Complex Than Car Accidents: Legal Insights for Alvin Residents - DeKeyzer Law

Why Truck Accidents Are More Complex Than Car Accidents: Legal Insights for Alvin Residents

Dec 24, 2024 Truck Accidents

Multiple factors, such as federal regulations and liability issues, make truck accidents more complex than standard car accidents, together with the severity of injuries sustained. For residents of Alvin, Texas, understanding these complexities can be crucial in securing fair compensation if they are ever involved in such an accident. 

Residents of Alvin, Texas must understand these complexities because they are essential for obtaining fair compensation after being involved in such accidents. Accordingly, working with an experienced truck accident lawyer can greatly influence the result of your claim. This blog examines why truck accidents are more complex and explains how an Alvin truck accident lawyer can assist.

The Key Differences Between Truck and Car Accidents

Although car and truck accidents might appear similar at first glance, they can be much more complicated because of several important differences. Consider these six key differences:

1. Size and Weight of Trucks

  • Commercial trucks, such as 18-wheelers and semi-trucks, can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, significantly more than the average passenger vehicle.
  • The increased weight results in more severe collisions, leading to catastrophic injuries and fatalities.

2. Federal and State Regulations

  • Unlike car accidents, truck accidents involve multiple federal and state regulations.
  • The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces strict rules regarding truck maintenance, driver hours, and cargo loading.
  • Violations of these regulations can play a crucial role in proving negligence in a truck accident claim.

3. Multiple Parties May Be Liable

  • In a car accident, liability usually falls on one of the drivers. In a truck accident, multiple parties could share responsibility, including:
    • The truck driver
    • The trucking company
    • The manufacturer of truck parts
    • The cargo loading company
    • Maintenance providers
  • Determining liability requires thorough investigation and legal expertise.

4. Higher Insurance Coverage and Complications

  • Commercial trucks are required to carry much higher insurance coverage than standard vehicles.
  • Insurance companies aggressively defend against claims to minimize payouts.
  • Victims often face resistance from insurers who try to shift blame or downplay the severity of injuries.

5. More Severe Injuries and Long-Term Consequences

  • Due to the size of trucks, accidents often result in life-altering injuries such as:
    • Spinal cord injuries
    • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
    • Amputations
    • Internal organ damage
  • These injuries require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

6. Increased Risk of Fatalities

  • The probability of fatalities in truck accidents is significantly higher compared to car accidents.
  • Families of deceased victims may need to file wrongful death claims, adding another layer of complexity.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

When our legal team takes the time to examine what causes truck accidents, we can establish who is responsible. Common causes include:

  • Driver Fatigue: Employers pressure truck drivers to work beyond legal limits, resulting in driver fatigue.
  • Distracted Driving: Using cell phones while driving, eating behind the wheel, and adjusting GPS systems can cause vehicle accidents.
  • Improper Cargo Loading: Overloading or imbalanced cargo loading on trucks can trigger rollovers and loss of vehicle control.
  • Mechanical Failures: Trucks that lack proper maintenance are prone to experience brake failures and tire blowouts.
  • Speeding and Reckless Driving: Truck drivers who face strict deadlines often drive too fast, which leads to higher chances of accidents.
  • Driving Under the Influence: When truck drivers operate vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they create substantial hazards that can have deadly consequences.

How an Alvin Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help

Truck accident cases have many complicated elements, so it is imperative for accident victims to hire an experienced Alvin truck accident lawyer. An attorney can help with:

  • Obtaining police reports
  • Collecting surveillance footage
  • Obtaining truck driver logs
  • Reviewing black box data from the truck
  • Reviewing maintenance records

Your truck accident attorney will also perform an accident scene reconstruction, if it becomes necessary. There will also be an assessment of the responsibilities of each involved party to establish liability and enforce accountability.

Attorneys also take a close look at the parties involved to identify who bears responsibility. By filing claims against the various responsible parties, you will increase your chances of obtaining the highest possible compensation.

Handling Insurance Companies

Insurance providers that cover trucking companies use all types of tactics to reduce the number of claims they pay out. That is why it is crucial for victims to work with experienced lawyers who will negotiate for fair compensation on their behalf. If a settlement isn’t possible, your attorney will proceed with court action as required.

Calculating the Full Extent of Damages

Accidents involving trucks lead to significant medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional harm to victims. However, a skilled attorney will ensure victims receive compensation for:

  • Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
  • Lost wages and earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Rehabilitation and therapy costs
  • Property damage

Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your truck accident lawyer will file a lawsuit and present persuasive evidence in your case.

Ensuring Compliance with Texas Laws

The legal timeframe to file personal injury lawsuits in Texas is two years. Your lawyer will be sure to adhere to all legal deadlines, thereby preventing the dismissal of the case.

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Alvin, Texas

If you are involved in a truck accident, taking the right steps can protect your legal rights. Below are six of the most common steps to take after an accident:

  1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Protect your well-being by getting medical care from a doctor right away.
  2. Report the Accident: After a truck accident, you should call 911 to report it and make sure that a police report is generated.
  3. Document the Scene: Make sure to photograph all vehicle damages along with visible injuries and the current state of the road.
  4. Gather Witness Information: Jot down contact information from individuals who witnessed the accident.
  5. Do Not Accept a Quick Settlement: Speak to a lawyer before considering any low settlement offers from a trucking company.
  6. Contact an Alvin Truck Accident Lawyer: Seeking legal representation early improves your opportunity to receive fair compensation.

Speak to an Alvin Truck Accident Attorney Right Away

Truck accidents are significantly more complex than standard car accidents due to regulatory requirements, multiple liable parties, and the severe consequences of such crashes. Understanding these complexities can help Alvin residents navigate the aftermath of a truck accident. Given the challenges of dealing with trucking companies and insurance providers, hiring an experienced Alvin truck accident lawyer is crucial. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, seeking legal assistance promptly can make all the difference in securing justice and financial recovery.

Categories