Dealing with the world of car and truck accidents can be a little confusing. Anyone involved in a truck accident case needs to understand precisely how these elements differ from a car accident claim. Different types of accidents have different nuances that dictate the way the claims process should work. This article aims to describe those differences to provide a clearer lens on what you can expect when faced with such situations.
The Nature of the Vehicles
There are quite a few differences between cars and trucks, including their size and weight. Because of their large size, truck accidents generally cause more destruction and critical injuries. Because of these differences, truck accidents usually need more extensive investigations. Things like cargo, maintenance history, and driver qualifications all play a part in how an accident panned out. Speaking to a Truck Accident Lawyer in Milwaukee can be helpful during this time.
Regulations and Laws
Trucks face a far more complex regulatory landscape than cars do. Federal regulations regulate truck drivers regarding their hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and cargo loading. These regulations are meant to promote safety on the roads. A truck accident case can turn as per the law and procedures, and violation of this law wades the ship. On the other hand, car accidents are governed mainly by state traffic laws, which differ from one jurisdiction to another.
Liability Considerations
Truck accidents often involve more than one party when it comes to liability. The driver isn’t the only responsible party — the trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, and even the person who loaded the cargo might be to blame. The roles of each entity in the incident must be investigated comprehensively, unlike car accident claims, which tend to center on the drivers involved. With car accidents, you are generally going to have an easier time determining fault.
Insurance Complexity
However, truck accidents cover different insurance issues, which may be more complicated. Because damage awards in truck accidents can be high, trucking companies typically have large insurance policies. This frequently results in insurance adjusters taking a more hardball approach in their defense tactics. You may have heard that car insurance claims are not exactly a walk in the park but are typically less cumbersome.
Extent of Damages
Injuries from a truck accident are likely to be much more serious than car accident injuries. One of the main reasons the impact of trucks is so devastating is their size and weight. As a result, the damages claimed in truck accident litigation are often much higher. Medical bills, lost income, and pain and anguish tend to be much higher. Although auto accidents can cause their own serious injuries, the overall magnitude is usually smaller.
Legal Representation
Having an attorney or legal representation is important in both of those types of accidents. However, because of the difficulties involved, truck accident cases require truck accident lawyers. They have more clarity on the details of trucking rules and liability concerns. Legal assistance might help you in making a claim against a car accident, although the process may require less specialized knowledge.
Investigation and Evidence
Unlike the run-of-the-mill fender bender, truck accident cases often require much more investigation. The black box data, along with the driver logs and maintenance data, becomes an important part of the evidence. It sets out the facts of the case. Unlike criminal cases, which can take years to resolve, car accident cases only require some form of evidence — and that evidence is often in the form of witness testimony, police reports, or images of the crash site.
Settlement and Litigation
This results in larger settlements in cases of truck accidents because of the value of the potential damages. As a result, negotiations sometimes can take more time and become complex. When parties cannot agree, these cases are more likely to result in litigation. Car accident claims that do end up in court tend to be settled more often than not. Disputes typically come with a lower dollar amount in play in car accidents.
Public Perception and Stigma
When commercial trucking is involved, the damage is often far worse, which causes these truck accidents to receive more press coverage than average motor vehicle crashes. This kind of attention has the power to change how cases are perceived and approached. However, the media attention and surrounding public perception might also affect each side’s willingness to negotiate a settlement. On the other hand, car accidents are a completely different story and far less public unless they involve a celebrity or some sensational tragedy.
Conclusion
Knowing the differences between truck accident cases and car accident claims gives people a better understanding of the claims process. Both scenarios come with their own challenges and factors to consider. Distinctions such as these are important and should be recognized — whether with regard to liability or in terms of insurance. However, being aware of these particulars will lead to a more successful manner of gaining rightful compensation and justice.
