The Difference Between Semi Truck Accidents and Car Accidents

While any traffic accident can result in serious injuries, the difference between semi-truck accidents and car accidents is in the sheer scale of destruction and the high risk of fatalities. 

Why Is Injury Severity Higher in Truck Accident Cases?

Truck accidents cause more severe injuries because commercial vehicles are significantly heavier than the typical passenger vehicle. The heaviest passenger car is around 5,750 pounds, but a fully loaded semi truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. 

The sheer size and weight of a commercial truck can lead to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and death. According to the National Safety Council, large truck crashes account for 9% of all fatal vehicle crashes. 

Can Multiple Parties Be Liable for Motor Vehicle Accidents Involving Trucks?

Semi-truck accidents differ in that there are often multiple parties liable, whereas in regular car accident cases, it’s typically only the driver who is liable. The Illinois Supreme Court Case Laue v. Leifheit notes that you can file claims against multiple parties in one personal injury lawsuit through the Illinois Joint Tortfeasor Contribution Act (740 ILCS 100/2). 

A truck accident lawyer may seek compensation from not only the driver, but also the trucking company, cargo loader, and maintenance company. 

What Are The Insurance Policies in Truck Accident Claims?

Truck crashes also involve higher insurance policy limits. In Illinois, the minimum liability insurance for a personal car wreck is $25,000 per person for bodily injury (625 ILCS 5/7-203). In contrast, federal regulations require truck drivers to carry at least $750,000 in liability insurance (49 CFR 387). 

As truck accident victims often require extensive medical treatment, these insurance claims are more complicated and expensive. 

Are There Federal and State Regulations Unique to the Trucking Industry?

The trucking industry is governed by both the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and state trucking regulations. These safety regulations include mandatory drug and alcohol testing (49 CFR 40), hours of service restrictions (49 CFR Part 395), driver logs (49 CFR 395.8), and cargo loading directions (49 CFR 393, Subpart I). 

While passenger car drivers must follow laws around impaired driving and distracted driving, they are not bound by rules like preventing driver fatigue to reduce accident risk. 

Investigating the Crash: Why Evidence Collection Is Different?

There are key differences in evidence collection between truck and car accidents. Semi-trucks are equipped with “black boxes” that record things like speed, braking, and acceleration, which can show whether driver error contributed to the accident. 

Electronic logs track when the truck driver last took their mandated breaks, while maintenance records can rule out equipment failures such as tire blowouts or damaged brakes. 

This data is more technical and in-depth than evidence for a typical car crash, especially as contributory negligence is more complicated with multiple insurance companies involved. 

Why Do I Need a Specialized Accident Lawyer?

A generalist personal injury attorney who handles car crashes may not have the skills and experience necessary to litigate a semi-truck accident, especially as trucking companies will aggressively fight liability. Truck accident lawyers like Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are more likely to have the resources and expertise to secure maximum compensation. 

What Are The Common Causes of Semi Truck Accidents vs. Regular Car Accidents?

Car crashes are typically due to driver error, such as speeding, driving while intoxicated, or texting while driving. In contrast, truck wrecks often involve more complex causes, such as brake failure, improper cargo loading, or driver exhaustion due to regulatory non-compliance. 

What Are The Economic and Non-Economic Damages in Truck Accidents?

Our attorneys will fight to ensure you receive the highest possible compensation for a semi-truck accident. These damages can include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Property damage
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of normal life

If your loved one passes away, our team can help you recover funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and grief. 

FAQs on the Key Differences Between Car and Semi-Truck Wrecks

Why Do Truck Accident Settlements Take Longer Than Car Accident Settlements?

There are several reasons for this. Truck accident injuries are more severe and take longer to heal, meaning it can be hard to identify the full extent of medical bills and lost wages right away. There are more parties involved, and proving liability is more difficult due to the complex evidence, like black box data or maintenance records. 

Can I Sue the Trucking Company if the Driver Was an Independent Contractor?

Yes, it may be possible to sue the trucking company even if the truck driver was an independent contractor. If the driver had a poor driving record, the company could be sued for negligent hiring, training, or supervision. 

Hours-of-service violations, such as encouraging a driver to exceed state or federal limits, can lead to a lawsuit. They may also be sued if they owned the semi-truck and failed to perform adequate maintenance. 

What Should I Do Immediately After a Truck Accident?

The personal injury statute of limitations is only two years (735 ILCS 5/13-202), so it’s crucial to act quickly after a truck accident. Take these steps as soon as possible:

• Call the police and file a report.
• Take photos and videos of the accident scene.
• Go to the emergency room for treatment.
• Collect medical records, insurance bills, and evidence of time off work.
• Continue following the doctor’s orders throughout recovery.
• Document your recovery, but do not post to social media.
• Do not speak to insurance companies without an attorney present.
• Contact a car accident lawyer for a free consultation. 

Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for a Free Case Evaluation

Our Super Lawyers®-rated Chicago personal injury law firm works on a contingency fee basis: no fees unless we win. We will thoroughly investigate the accident and fight for maximum compensation based on the available evidence. Contact us at (888) 424-5757 or via our online contact form to schedule your free case review with an experienced trucking lawyer.