When a passenger vehicle is involved in an accident with a commercial truck, the aftermath is often devastating. Because 18-wheelers and semi-trucks are so big and heavy, they pose much greater dangers in accidents than normal cars. Although physical damage is a significant part of a truck accident claim, the difficulty also comes from other elements. From legal liability and federal regulations to insurance disputes and corporate involvement, pursuing compensation after a truck crash is a much more complicated process than a typical car accident case.
In this post, we explore the key factors that make truck accident claims so complex—and why having the right legal support is crucial for anyone involved in one.
- SEVERITY OF INJURIES AND DAMAGES
Truck accidents almost always involve serious injuries or fatalities. A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, compared to the average car’s weight of around 3,000 to 4,000 pounds. When these two vehicles collide, the occupants of the passenger car are at a far greater risk of catastrophic injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage
- Multiple fractures
- Internal organ injuries
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
This higher level of injury increases the stakes of the claim. Medical expenses, long-term care, lost wages, and pain and suffering are typically much higher than in a regular car accident. Calculating damages becomes more complex, and insurance companies are more aggressive in defending high-value claims.
- MORE PARTIES MAY BE INVOLVED
One of the biggest difficulties in a truck accident case is figuring out who all the liable people are. Car accidents usually involve just the drivers, but truck accidents may also include other groups such as:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company (employer)
- The truck’s owner (if different from the employer)
- Maintenance companies
- Cargo loaders
- Vehicle or parts manufacturers
If circumstances allow, the crash may be the result of several parties’ mishaps. For instance, a truck driver might be at fault for fatigue or distraction, while the trucking company could be liable for failing to enforce rest breaks or for hiring an unqualified driver. Sorting out liability requires thorough investigation and legal expertise.
- COMPLEX WEB OF REGULATIONS
The trucking industry is heavily regulated by state and federal authorities, particularly the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations govern everything from how many hours a truck driver can operate a vehicle to how cargo must be secured. It’s necessary to look into whether any of these safety practices were broken when a truck accident occurs.
Violations of FMCSA rules can significantly influence a personal injury claim. For example, if a driver exceeded their hours of service and caused a crash due to fatigue, that breach of regulation can serve as compelling evidence of negligence. However, uncovering these violations often requires access to records such as logbooks, maintenance reports, and black box data—something an experienced attorney can help obtain through legal discovery.
- INSURANCE COVERAGE IS MORE COMPLICATED
In a typical car accident, each driver has a personal auto insurance policy with relatively limited coverage. Trucking companies, on the other hand, are required to carry significantly larger insurance policies—often in the range of $750,000 to several million dollars. While this means that more funds may be available to compensate victims, it also makes insurers more aggressive in defending claims.
Insurance companies representing trucking businesses often deploy legal teams immediately after an accident to limit their exposure. They may challenge liability, downplay injuries, or offer quick, lowball settlements before the full extent of damages is understood. Without experienced legal representation, accident victims risk being undercompensated for life-altering harm.
- INVESTIGATIONS ARE MORE IN-DEPTH
Investigating all aspects of a truck accident is very important. Unlike most car crashes, which may only involve a police report and basic witness statements, a truck accident investigation may include:
- Retrieving and analyzing electronic logging devices (ELDs) and onboard computer data (the “black box”)
- Reviewing company safety policies and driver training records
- Inspecting the vehicle’s maintenance history
- Reconstructing the accident with expert input
- Evaluating compliance with trucking regulations
This kind of investigation is time-sensitive. Trucking companies are only required to preserve certain records for a limited period, and evidence can be lost or destroyed quickly. Working with a lawyer ensures that the necessary legal steps—like sending a spoliation letter—are taken to preserve vital evidence.
- LITIGATION IS MORE LIKELY
Due to the high value of these claims and the number of parties involved, truck accident cases are more likely to result in litigation. Most trucking companies and their insurers disagree about responsibility which can cause negotiations to get stuck. Preparing a case for trial is a major undertaking that requires time, resources, and legal skill.
An experienced personal injury attorney can guide you through this process, building a compelling case backed by evidence and expert testimony. Whether your case settles out of court or proceeds to trial, you’ll need a strong advocate on your side.
CONCLUSION
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, don’t assume it’s just another traffic collision. These cases are more technical, more adversarial, and more challenging to win. The consequences of a truck crash can be life-changing, and the path to fair compensation is often uphill.
A qualified personal injury lawyer can level the playing field. By investigating the accident thoroughly, identifying all responsible parties, handling negotiations, and if necessary, going to court, an attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.