Truck Vs. Car Accidents: Why Claims Involving Commercial Vehicles Are More Complicated

When two passenger vehicles collide, the consequences can be devastating. But when one of those vehicles is an 80,000-pound semi-truck, the stakes rise dramatically. Truck accidents often cause catastrophic injuries, multiple fatalities, and extensive property damage.

For victims, the aftermath of a truck accident is not only more severe physically, it’s also far more complex legally. From the number of parties involved to the web of federal regulations governing commercial trucking, these cases require a very different approach than a typical car accident claim.

In this article, our friends from Mickey Keenan P.A. break down the key differences between car and truck accident claims and explain why commercial vehicle cases demand careful investigation and experienced legal representation.

The Sheer Size And Force Of Trucks

The most obvious difference between trucks and passenger cars is size. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 40 times more than an average sedan. At highway speeds, this weight translates into destructive force that can:

Crush smaller vehicles in underride accidents
Cause multi-car pileups
Lead to life-threatening injuries such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and amputations

Because injuries are typically more severe in truck accidents, victims often require longer recovery times, greater medical care, and larger compensation to cover losses.

Multiple Liable Parties

In a car accident, liability usually rests with one negligent driver. In truck accidents, however, multiple parties may share responsibility, including:

The truck driver (for speeding, distraction, or impairment)
The trucking company (for poor hiring practices, lack of training, or pushing unrealistic schedules)
Cargo loaders (for improperly loaded or unsecured freight)
Truck manufacturers (for defective brakes, tires, or parts)
Maintenance providers (for negligent repairs or inspections)

Identifying all liable parties is crucial because it ensures victims pursue compensation from every available source—not just the driver’s insurance.

Different Types Of Evidence

Truck accident cases also involve a much deeper investigation. Evidence often includes:

Black box data (event data recorders track speed, braking, and driver actions)
Driver logbooks showing hours of service and potential violations
Truck inspection and maintenance records
Cargo records detailing how the load was secured
Company hiring and training policies

This evidence is not typically part of a standard car accident case, and trucking companies are often quick to shield it. That’s why hiring an attorney immediately is vital—to ensure evidence is preserved before it disappears.

Federal And State Regulations

Truck drivers and trucking companies are regulated not only by state traffic laws but also by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations cover:

Hours-of-service limits (to prevent fatigued driving)
Weight and cargo securement requirements
Drug and alcohol testing for drivers
Vehicle inspection and maintenance schedules

A violation of these rules can be strong evidence of negligence, but it requires specialized legal knowledge to identify and prove.

Insurance Coverage Differences

Car accident claims are usually limited to the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy, which may provide only modest coverage. By contrast, trucking companies are required to carry much higher liability insurance policies—sometimes in the millions of dollars.

This means victims may have access to larger settlements, but it also means insurers fight much harder to avoid paying. Trucking companies often have entire legal teams on retainer, ready to dispute liability and minimize payouts.

Common Defenses In Truck Accident Cases

Because the financial stakes are so high, defendants in truck accident cases often mount aggressive defenses. Common strategies include:

Blaming the victim for sudden stops, lane changes, or unsafe driving
Shifting responsibility between the driver, trucking company, and contractors
Disputing the severity of injuries to reduce damages
Delaying proceedings to pressure victims into low settlements

An experienced truck accident lawyer will know how to anticipate these defenses and counter them with strong evidence.

Why Truck Accident Claims Take Longer

While some car accident cases can settle in a matter of months, truck accident claims often take much longer. Reasons include:

More severe injuries = longer medical treatment before damages can be calculated
Multiple defendants = longer negotiations and disputes over liability
Complex evidence = black box data, company records, and federal regulation reviews take time
Higher settlement values = insurers fight harder to delay or deny compensation

These factors mean victims should be prepared for a lengthy legal process—but one that often results in higher compensation compared to standard car accidents.

What Victims Should Do After A Truck Accident

If you or a loved one is injured in a truck accident, taking the right steps immediately can protect your rights:

Call 911 and ensure a police report is filed
Seek medical treatment immediately, even if injuries don’t seem serious at first
Document the scene with photos and videos of the vehicles, road, and injuries
Collect contact information from witnesses
Avoid speaking with trucking company representatives or insurers without a lawyer
Contact a personal injury attorney experienced in truck accident cases

Knowledge Is Power

Truck accidents are far more complicated—and often far more devastating—than ordinary car accidents. From multiple liable parties to specialized federal regulations, these cases require thorough investigation and aggressive legal representation.

For victims, understanding the differences is critical. While the road to compensation may take longer, holding trucking companies and negligent drivers accountable can provide the resources needed for recovery.

If you’ve been injured in a crash involving a commercial vehicle, remember: your case isn’t just a car accident claim—it’s something much bigger.