When people think of traffic accidents, they usually picture two cars bumping into each other at an intersection. Maybe there’s a little damage to the bumper, some insurance paperwork, and everyone goes on their way. But if you’ve been hit by a commercial truck, you already know that this is nothing like a typical car accident.
Truck accidents are more severe, more complex, and often much more overwhelming. Whether it was a semi-truck, delivery vehicle, or garbage truck, the outcome can be devastating. If you were injured in a truck crash, it’s important to understand why your situation is different and why that matters.
The Damage Is More Serious
Let’s start with the basics. Commercial trucks are heavy. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Most passenger vehicles weigh closer to 3,000 or 4,000 pounds. So when a truck collides with a smaller car, it’s not a fair fight.
The result is often catastrophic. Victims in truck crashes may suffer traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, spinal cord damage, or internal bleeding. The property damage is also far greater. This kind of impact isn’t something you walk away from with a few bruises and a repair estimate.
In short, truck accidents are more violent and life-changing than the average fender bender.
More People Might Be Responsible
In a typical car crash, there’s usually one person at fault. In a truck accident, responsibility can be shared among several parties.
Here are just a few examples:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The truck’s maintenance provider
- The company that loaded the cargo
- The manufacturer of a faulty part
Each of these parties could have played a role in what happened. Sorting out who is liable takes investigation, time, and legal experience. It also means there could be multiple insurance companies and legal teams involved, all trying to protect their own interests.
Trucking Companies Act Fast to Protect Themselves
The moment a serious truck accident happens, the trucking company and its insurance carrier start building their defense. They may send investigators to the crash site, start collecting evidence, and contact witnesses right away. You may even hear from a company representative offering you a quick settlement.
These companies know how high the financial stakes are. They often try to limit their liability as quickly as possible. That puts you, the injured person, at a serious disadvantage if you don’t have someone looking out for you.
There Are Special Rules for Trucks
Truck drivers and trucking companies are subject to regulations that go beyond ordinary traffic laws. Federal and state agencies, such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, enforce these rules.
Some of these regulations include:
- Limits on how many hours a trucker can drive without rest
- Required vehicle inspections and maintenance
- Specific training and licensing requirements
- Rules about how cargo must be loaded and secured
If a truck driver or company ignored these rules, that violation could be key to proving negligence. But identifying these issues requires detailed investigation and knowledge of the applicable regulations.
Important Evidence Can Disappear Quickly
Many commercial trucks have electronic logging devices, GPS trackers, and data recorders that capture things like speed, brake use, and driving hours. This information can be incredibly helpful in showing what happened before and during the crash.
The problem is that this data does not last forever. Trucking companies are not required to keep it indefinitely. If no one steps in to preserve the evidence quickly, it could be deleted or overwritten.
That’s why it’s so important to act fast after a truck accident. Waiting too long could mean losing critical information that supports your case.
Truck Insurance Policies Are Larger and More Aggressive
Because of the potential for serious injuries, trucking companies are required to carry much higher insurance coverage than regular drivers. That means more money may be available for your injuries, but it also means the insurance company will fight harder to avoid paying it.
You may face questions about your medical history, challenges to your version of events, or pressure to settle before you know the full impact of your injuries. Insurance companies are skilled at protecting their bottom line. You need someone who is focused on protecting you.
This Is Not a Normal Case, and You Shouldn’t Handle It Like One
Truck accidents are in a different league. The size of the vehicle, the complexity of the laws, and the number of people involved make these cases unlike typical car crashes.
If you try to handle this on your own, you’re likely going up against experienced legal teams, strict deadlines, and tactics designed to reduce your claim. You deserve better than that. An experienced personal injury attorney can help level the playing field and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Talk to Someone Who Knows How to Handle Truck Accident Claims
You don’t have to figure this out alone. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, our team is here to guide you through the process, explain your options, and help you recover. We know how to deal with trucking companies and their insurers, and we’re not afraid to take your case as far as it needs to go.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll listen, support you, and put your needs first. Always.
Call Glassman and Zissimopulos and our team of dedicated attorneys today. (352) 505-4515 or Toll-Free at (844) 787-2543. When you call, you will speak directly with a lawyer. This is our commitment to you.