What Are the Differences Between Truck and Car Accidents?

If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by a truck driver, contact our office to find out what legal options are available. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we can evaluate your case and determine your best legal options for recovering damages.  Call us today at 833-997-1774 for a free consultation.

What Are the Regulations That Trucking Companies and Drivers Must Follow?

In most truck accident cases, the trucks are involved in interstate commerce and are covered by federal regulations, which deal with many different aspects of the truck’s operation, from vehicle inspection to continuous hours of driving. A truck accident lawyer has to be able to apply those laws through knowledge or familiarity with those regulations.

Hours of Service Rules

One of the most critical differences between truck and car drivers is the regulations governing their hours of service (HOS). The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict HOS regulations to prevent driver fatigue. Truck drivers are limited to driving a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty, in contrast to personal vehicle drivers, who face no such restrictions.

Mandatory Breaks

Truck drivers must take mandatory breaks after driving for a specified period. For instance, after 8 hours of driving, a truck driver is required to take a 30-minute rest break. These rules are designed to enhance safety and reduce the risk of accidents due to drowsiness, which is a significant concern in the trucking industry.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

Truck drivers are subject to more rigorous drug and alcohol testing than personal vehicle drivers. They must undergo pre-employment screening, random drug tests, and post-accident testing. These regulations aim to ensure that commercial drivers operate their vehicles safely and responsibly.

Vehicle Maintenance Standards

Trucking companies must comply with federal regulations regarding vehicle maintenance and inspection. Regular inspections are mandated to ensure trucks are safe to operate and reduce the likelihood of mechanical failures that could lead to accidents.

How Does the Size of Tractor-Trailers Impact Accident Outcomes?

Another difference between truck and car accidents is that tractor-trailers are much bigger than cars and are operated in a different manner. So when an attorney is trying to evaluate how a truck was operated under certain circumstances, they must have some familiarity with the performance of the vehicle under those specific conditions. This is why it is critical to work with an attorney who has extensive experience in truck accidents.

Massive Size Discrepancies

One of the most apparent differences between trucks and cars is their size and weight. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while an average passenger car weighs about 3,000 to 4,000 pounds. This significant difference means that when a truck and a car collide, the potential for severe injury or fatality is much higher for the occupants of the smaller vehicle.

Impact Force

The impact force in a truck collision is exponentially greater than that of a car. This increased force can lead to more catastrophic injuries and extensive property damage. Victims of truck accidents often face long recovery times, extensive medical bills, and, in severe cases, permanent disabilities.

Extended Stopping Distance

Due to their massive size, trucks require a much longer distance to come to a complete stop compared to cars. On average, a fully loaded truck needs about 20-40% more stopping distance than a passenger vehicle. This difference can significantly affect the likelihood of rear-end collisions and other types of accidents.

Tipping and Rollovers

Due to their height and load distribution, trucks are more prone to tipping and rollover accidents. Factors such as sharp turns, sudden lane changes, or uneven road surfaces can cause a truck to roll over, posing a danger to other road users.

What Are the Operational Differences That Can Cause Truck Accidents?

Given the size and weight of the vehicles they are driving, truck drivers need the training, skill, and experience to safely operate these vehicles and understand the potential consequences of failure.

Blind Spots

Trucks have larger blind spots, known as “no zones,” compared to cars. These blind spots are located on both sides, directly behind and in front of the truck. A passenger vehicle can easily disappear from a truck driver’s view, increasing the risk of collisions during lane changes or turns. Understanding these blind spots is crucial for all drivers to ensure safety on the road.

Turning Radius

Trucks require a larger turning radius than cars. When making turns, truck drivers must account for their length and width, which can lead to complications at intersections. Passenger vehicle drivers should be aware of this when driving near trucks, as improper judgment can lead to accidents.

Increased Reaction Times

Due to their size and weight, trucks require more time to react to changing road conditions. Truck drivers need to maintain a greater following distance, and any sudden stops or emergencies may not allow enough time to avoid collisions.

How Can I Recover Damages If I’ve Been Injured in a Truck Crash

The legal standards for determining liability can differ significantly between truck and car accidents. In truck accidents, multiple parties may be held liable, including the driver, trucking company, and vehicle manufacturers. This complicates the legal process and requires thorough investigation, legal knowledge, and skills that a lawyer who specializes in truck accident cases has.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, contact our office to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our dedicated truck accident attorneys to discuss what legal recourse you may have against the responsible party or parties. Call Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp at 833-997-1774 to schedule a free consultation, and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.