Why These Collisions Require a Different Approach
Not all vehicle accidents are created equal. While car crashes can cause serious injuries, truck accidents often involve greater damage, more complex investigations, and higher stakes. At Pyramid Legal, we’ve seen firsthand how the differences between car and truck accidents can impact victims’ rights, recovery, and compensation. If you’ve been involved in a collision with a commercial truck, understanding these differences can make all the difference in your case.
1. Severity of Injuries and Damage
Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded—20 to 30 times heavier than the average passenger car. That sheer size and weight mean accidents often cause:
Severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and multiple fractures
Greater property destruction
Longer recovery times and higher medical costs
2. Different Regulations Apply
Truck drivers and trucking companies are subject to federal and state regulations that don’t apply to ordinary drivers. These include:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules
Hours-of-service limits to prevent fatigue
Maintenance and inspection requirements
Commercial driver licensing standards
Violations of these rules can significantly strengthen an injury claim.
3. Liability Is More Complex
In a car accident, liability often rests with one or more drivers. In truck accidents, potential liable parties include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The cargo loading company
- Maintenance contractors
- Parts or tire manufacturers
Multiple parties mean multiple insurance companies—and a greater need for skilled legal representation.
4. Evidence Collection Is Different
Truck accidents often require specialized evidence beyond police reports and eyewitness accounts, such as:
Black box (electronic logging device) data
Maintenance and inspection logs
Driver employment and training records
Cargo weight and loading reports
This evidence is often in the possession of the trucking company and must be obtained quickly before it’s lost or altered.
5. Insurance Policies Are Larger—and So Are the Stakes
Because the potential for damage is so great, trucking companies typically carry larger insurance policies—sometimes in the millions. While this can mean higher compensation for victims, it also means insurers will fight harder to limit payouts.
Why Working With Pyramid Legal Matters
Our team at Pyramid Legal understands the unique challenges of truck accident cases. We know where to find critical evidence, how to prove violations of trucking regulations, and how to stand up to powerful insurance companies. Our goal is simple: secure the full and fair compensation you deserve for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Learn more about our Truck Accident Representation and Car Accident Services to understand your legal options.
Final Thoughts: The Sooner You Act, the Better Your Case
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, time is critical. Evidence can disappear, and trucking companies will begin building their defense immediately. Don’t wait—contact Pyramid Legal today for a free consultation and let us start protecting your rights.
