How Do Truck Accidents Differ from Car Accidents?
It is easy to assume that because truck accidents and car crashes both happen on Tucson’s roads and highways, that the two are similar. Truthfully, though, truck accidents vastly differ from car crashes on the road. The aftermath of a truck accident is much more complex, the injuries are more severe, and different laws apply. Our Tucson truck accident lawyer explains the differences between these two types of accidents below.
Truck Accidents have Many Different Causes
More often than not in car accident cases, one or more of the drivers at the scene is to blame for the crash. Perhaps someone was texting while driving, and did not notice they had a red light before running it. Or, maybe one of the drivers was speeding and caused a crash. In a truck accident case, it is much more difficult to determine the cause because the negligent party is not always at the scene, or readily identifiable.
Truck drivers can also act negligently and cause a crash. They may drive while under the influence, or stay on the road for too long as they make long hauls. However, there are other parties that can be found liable for a truck accident, too.
For example, a piece of equipment on a truck may be defective, and cause a crash. In this case, the manufacturer of the faulty equipment may be to blame. The trucking company may be at fault as well, for failing to inspect and maintain their equipment. Determining what caused a truck accident, and who is to blame for it, is extremely complicated and usually requires the help of a Tucson truck accident lawyer.
Injuries are Much More Severe
The average passenger vehicle weighs approximately 3,000 pounds while a tractor-trailer commercial truck can weigh more than 80,000 pounds when it is fully loaded. Due to the sheer size and weight of a truck, it is those in the smaller vehicle that will almost always sustain injuries in a truck accident, and those injuries are usually severe.
These injuries can cost tens of thousands of dollars, or more, to treat and they will leave victims in immense pain and suffering. Insurance companies do not want to pay out on these large settlements and so, it is often more difficult for victims to recover the full financial compensation they deserve.
Different Laws Involved
State laws govern most car accidents. The trucking industry, however, is governed by federal law and these rules often play a role in a truck accident case. For example, if a truck driver violated the hours of service rule and stayed on the road longer than they should have, they may become drowsy and cause a crash. Accident victims do not always know the laws pertaining to these crashes, which can make filing a claim more difficult.
Call Our Truck Accident Lawyer in Tucson Today
At Karnas Law Firm, PLLC, our Tucson truck accident lawyer knows the laws that govern these serious crashes and how to determine who is liable for your injuries. If you have been hurt in a truck accident, do not file your claim on your own. Call us first at (520) 214-8343 or contact us online to request a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help with your claim.