Basic Differences Between Truck And Car Accidents

Traffic accidents are scary, no matter what type of vehicles are involved. However, there are many differences between an accident involving commercial trucks and those involving traditional passenger vehicles. At Brown, Moore & Associates, PLLC, our truck accident attorneys in Charlotte have vast experience handling these cases, and we are dedicated to helping victims recover compensation.

Truck Accidents Tend To Be Much More Severe

During the latest reporting year in this state, the North Carolina Department of Transportation says that there were more than 281,000 total accidents reported. While the vast majority of these incidents involved traditional passenger vehicles, many thousands involved larger commercial trucks.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the federal regulatory body tasked with overseeing commercial truck activity, these vehicles can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds when fully loaded with cargo. This highlights the main difference between truck and car accidents – trucks are much heavier and larger than traditional passenger vehicles and can inflict much more damage and injuries in the event an accident occurs.

What About Liability For Large Truck Accidents?

Another major difference between truck accidents and car accidents revolves around liability. When an accident occurs with a large truck, it is often due to truck driver negligence or vehicle failure. In these cases, liability could fall on the truck driver or the trucking company. Even if the fault was placed entirely on the truck driver, the trucking company could still be “vicariously” liable for the incident.

This can lead to various complications when it comes to obtaining compensation. Truck companies often have aggressive insurance carriers on their side that will seek to limit how much money they payout in a settlement.

More Investigation Will Be Needed

Finally, an accident involving a large commercial truck will usually require more extensive investigation to prove liability. A skilled Charlotte truck accident attorney will need to obtain evidence from the crash scene, such as video and photo surveillance, eyewitness statements, and police reports. However, for truck accident cases, your attorney will also need to secure the truck driver’s driving record, the maintenance history of the truck, and the safety history of the trucking company.

Let Us Help You Through This

If you or somebody you care about has been injured in an accident with a commercial truck, you may need to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. At Brown, Moore & Associates, PLLC, we are going to investigate every aspect of your case and work to secure the compensation you are entitled to. This could include:

• Coverage of medical expenses related to the truck accident
• Lost income if you are unable to work
• Coverage of physical therapy in rehabilitation
• Pain and suffering damages
• Loss of enjoyment of life damages
• Possible punitive damages against a truck driver or trucking company

When you need a truck accident attorney in Charlotte, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling us at 800-948-0577. We are not afraid to take on trucking companies and their aggressive insurance carriers.