Truck accidents aren’t your average fender-benders. The massive size and force of commercial trucks mean the consequences are far more severe. Here are key ways truck crashes differ and why you need a specialized truck accident lawyer if you’ve been involved in one:
Catastrophic Damage
A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh 80,000 pounds, versus about 3,000-4,000 pounds for a typical car. This weight mismatch means the smaller vehicle’s occupants often suffer the worst. For example, in Illinois’ 2021 crash data, of 118 people killed in tractor-trailer crashes, 97 were occupants of other vehicles (only 15 were the truck occupants). The injuries tend to be far more serious or fatal for car drivers/passengers in truck collisions.
Complex Insurance Policies
Trucking companies are required to carry high-limit insurance policies (often $1 million or more) given the potential harm trucks can cause. Multiple insurers may be involved (for the truck, the trailer, the freight, etc.). These insurers aggressively defend claims to avoid large payouts. This is very different from a typical car accident where usually one insurer is handling the claim.
Multiple Parties and Liability Theories
In a truck crash, liability may extend beyond the truck driver. The trucking company (employer) can be held liable for the driver’s negligence under respondeat superior (since the driver was on the job). There may also be claims against the truck’s owner (if different), the cargo loading company, maintenance contractors, or even the truck manufacturer (if a defect contributed). Unraveling who is legally responsible requires legal skill and investigation.
Heavily Regulated Industry
Truck drivers and trucking companies must follow a web of federal and state safety regulations that don’t apply to ordinary drivers. These cover driver hours-of-service (to prevent fatigue), truck weight limits, maintenance and inspections, licensing (CDLs), hazardous material transport rules, and more. A violation of these regulations can be pivotal evidence of negligence in your case. We’ll discuss these regulations in detail below.
Rapid Company Response
As noted earlier, trucking firms often have lawyers and accident reconstruction experts on-call immediately after a crash. They might record their own evidence and take statements to minimize their liability. This urgency and sophistication is generally not present in routine car accidents, and it underscores why you need a lawyer who knows how to handle truck accidents specifically.
In short, truck accidents involve higher stakes, more complicated facts, and specialized laws. An attorney experienced in Illinois truck accident cases will know how to navigate these complexities to protect your rights. Contact Fabbrini Law Group today for a consultation.