How Truck Accidents Differ From Regular Car Accidents and What You Need to Know
Truck accidents and car accidents might seem similar at first glance—both involve vehicles, drivers, and potential injuries. However, the legal, financial, and physical impacts of a truck accident are significantly different from those of a typical car crash.
The size, weight, and regulations surrounding commercial trucks make these cases more complicated, often requiring the knowledge of a dedicated truck accident attorney to handle the legal challenges.
If you've been involved in a truck accident, understanding these differences is crucial to protecting your rights and seeking fair compensation. Learn more below from our experienced truck accident attorneys at Oldham & Smith Attorney at Law.
The Severity of Injuries and Damages
One of the most immediate differences between truck and car accidents is the severity of injuries and the damage to property. A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, compared to the average passenger car, which weighs around 3,000 to 4,000 pounds. This size difference means that collisions with trucks often result in:
More severe injuries, including spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and fractures
Higher fatality rates
Extensive property damage
A study from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) found that in crashes involving large trucks, the occupants of passenger vehicles accounted for 97% of fatalities in two-vehicle crashes. This highlights the significant risks involved when passenger cars collide with trucks.
Different Laws and Regulations
Truck accidents are not just bigger versions of car accidents—they are governed by different laws and regulations. The trucking industry is heavily regulated at both the state and federal levels, with rules set by the FMCSA and the Department of Transportation (DOT). Some of these regulations include:
Hours of service rules: Truck drivers must follow strict limits on how long they can drive without breaks.
Weight and load restrictions: Overloaded or improperly secured cargo can lead to serious accidents.
Driver qualifications: Truck drivers must meet specific training and licensing requirements.
Maintenance and inspection rules: Trucking companies must maintain their fleets and regularly inspect their vehicles for safety.
When a truck accident occurs, these regulations play a crucial role in determining liability. A truck accident attorney can investigate whether violations of these laws contributed to the crash.
How Florida Truck Law Differs from the Rest of the Country
Florida has its own set of laws that impact truck accident cases differently than in other states. Some key differences include:
No-fault insurance rules: Florida follows a no-fault insurance system, which means drivers must first turn to their personal injury protection (PIP) coverage before pursuing claims against a truck driver or trucking company. However, because truck accidents often cause severe injuries, victims may exceed their PIP limits and have the right to seek additional compensation.
Comparative fault system: Florida follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning a victim can still recover damages even if they are partially at fault, as long as their fault does not exceed 50%. This is crucial in truck accident cases where multiple parties may share liability.
Truck-specific regulations: Florida imposes additional state-specific trucking rules, such as weight restrictions and special highway routes for oversized loads. Violations of these rules can be strong evidence of negligence.
Because truck accident laws in Florida differ from those in other states, working with a truck accident attorney familiar with Lake County's specific laws can be essential in building a strong case.
Liability Is More Complicated
In a typical car accident, liability often rests with one of the drivers involved. However, truck accident cases frequently involve multiple parties who may be responsible for the crash, such as:
The truck driver
The trucking company
The vehicle manufacturer
The company responsible for loading the truck
Maintenance providers
Determining liability in a truck accident requires a thorough investigation, including reviewing driver logs, maintenance records, and black box data. One of the skilled truck accident attorneys at Oldham & Smith Attorney at Law in Lake County, Florida, can help gather the necessary evidence and hold the right parties accountable.
Insurance Policies Are Much Larger
Because commercial trucks can cause extensive damage, trucking companies are required to carry much larger insurance policies than regular drivers. While an average car insurance policy might cover up to $50,000 in damages, trucking companies often have policies worth millions of dollars.
This means that victims of truck accidents may have access to more compensation, but it also means that insurance companies will fight harder to minimize payouts. Trucking insurers employ aggressive tactics to deny claims, shift blame, or undervalue settlements.
Having a dedicated truck accident attorney on your side can make all the difference when dealing with these large insurance companies. Turn to us at Oldham & Smith Attorney at Law.
The Role of Evidence in Truck Accident Cases
Truck accidents involve unique forms of evidence that are not present in regular car crashes. Some of the key types of evidence in a truck accident case include:
Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data: These logs track a driver's hours and can reveal if they were fatigued or violating service rules.
Black box data: Many trucks have event data recorders that capture speed, braking, and other critical information before a crash.
Maintenance records: If a trucking company failed to maintain its fleet, it could be held liable.
Dashcam footage: Many commercial trucks have dash cameras that can provide crucial video evidence.
Cargo load records: Improperly loaded cargo can shift and cause accidents.
A knowledgeable truck accident attorney can subpoena these records and use them to build a strong case for compensation.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
While car accidents often result from distracted driving or speeding, truck accidents frequently involve different factors, such as:
Driver fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to drowsy driving.
Brake or tire failures: Poorly maintained trucks can experience dangerous mechanical failures.
Improper cargo loading: Unbalanced or unsecured loads can cause rollovers or jackknifes.
Blind spot collisions: Trucks have much larger blind spots than passenger cars.
Wide turns: Trucks need extra space to turn, and cars that get too close can be hit.
Understanding the cause of a crash is essential to proving liability and securing fair compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Florida?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
Who can be held liable in a truck accident?
Liability may include the truck driver, the trucking company, the cargo loaders, or even the vehicle manufacturers.
What compensation can I receive after a truck accident?
Compensation can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
Do truck drivers have different driving regulations than car drivers?
Yes, truckers must follow strict federal and state regulations regarding driving hours, rest breaks, and maintenance.
Can I sue if a loved one died in a truck accident?
Yes, wrongful death claims allow families to seek compensation for their loss.
Should I accept the first settlement offer from an insurance company?
No, initial offers are often low, and a lawyer can negotiate for a fair amount.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Florida’s modified comparative fault rule still allows you to recover damages if your fault does not exceed 50%.
Why should I hire a truck accident attorney?
A lawyer can handle the legal work, gather evidence, and fight for the best possible settlement on your behalf.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney From Our Firm
Truck accidents are more severe, legally challenging, and financially significant than regular car accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Lake County, Florida, don’t try to handle it alone.
Don’t let trucking companies and their insurers take advantage of you—reach out to a trusted truck accident attorney today and take the first step toward justice. Call us at Oldham & Smith Attorney at Law today.
