Posted in Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law,Truck Wreck on November 21, 2014
How Are Truck Accidents Different from Car Accidents?
Although truck accidents may seem similar to car accidents, they can be very different from a legal and medical standpoint. Not only do trucks outweigh cars by a significant amount, but they also are rarely owned and operated by a single individual. That means filing a claim for compensation can be a complex process that involves dealing with multiple insurance companies and layers of red tape.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Cookeville truck accident lawyers are familiar with the trucking industry, and we know what it takes to build strong claims for people who were injured in truck accidents. No matter what type of truck caused your accident, get in touch with our legal team, and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
5 Major Differences between Truck and Car Accidents
Big commercial trucks carrying trailers full of cargo can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while many cars weigh just 2,000 to 3,000 pounds. That weight difference means trucks can cause serious and even life-threatening accidents just by clipping or nudging nearby cars. In addition, trucks are also much more difficult to stop and turn, meaning drivers are required to pay close attention to the road at all times.
Because of their unique length and size, truck drivers have several blind spots around their cabins and trailers. The areas directly to the front, back, and sides of trucks are often impossible for drivers to see. While it’s important for other motorists to avoid those areas, it’s also the responsibility of truck drivers to make sure those areas are clear of other vehicles at all times before accelerating, braking, or changing lanes.
Trucks use specialized components that need frequent maintenance and upkeep. Truck drivers and trucking companies are responsible for making sure the equipment on their trucks is well-maintained and free from defects, broken parts, or malfunctioning components that could cause serious accidents on highways and interstates.
In addition to the standard laws and rules of the road, truck drivers also must obey laws specific to the trucking industry. These laws cover everything from driving habits and rest periods to weight limits and maintenance intervals. Truck drivers are required to abide by these trucking industry regulations to protect their own safety and the safety of the drivers around them.
Unlike car accidents where the driver is often the only liable party, truck accidents can involve several parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, truck owner, and truck manufacturer. It can be difficult to determine who is at fault for a truck accident without the assistance of an experienced Cookeville truck accident attorney.
The legal team at Matt Hardin Law knows the ins-and-outs of truck accident regulations, liability, and insurance coverage, and we can use our knowledge and experience to help you get compensation for your truck-accident related expenses.
Don’t wait another day to get help with your medical bills and lost wages. Contact us by dialing (615) 200-1111 or fill out a free online form to speak with our Cookeville truck accident lawyers today.
