How Trucking Accidents Differ From Car Accidents in California
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers | February 14, 2025 | Personal Injury
When it comes to vehicle accidents, not all collisions are created equal. Trucking accidents, due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles, can differ significantly from car accidents in terms of severity, legal complexity, and compensation. If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in San Diego, California, it’s essential to understand the key differences between these types of crashes and how they impact your legal rights.
The Scale of the Collision
One of the most obvious differences between trucking and car accidents is the scale of the collision. A commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, which is significantly more than the average passenger car, which weighs around 3,000 pounds. This size difference means that when a truck collides with a car or another vehicle, the consequences are often more devastating.
Because of the weight disparity, trucking accidents often result in catastrophic injuries. Common injuries include spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and internal injuries. In contrast, car accidents, while serious, tend to involve less severe injuries in comparison. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), large truck accidents are more likely to result in fatalities than passenger vehicle crashes. In California, where traffic is often dense, the potential for deadly accidents involving trucks is even higher.
Complex Liability Issues
Another significant difference between trucking accidents and car accidents lies in the complexity of liability. In a typical car accident, determining fault is usually straightforward—either the driver of the car was negligent or they were not. However, trucking accidents often involve multiple parties, making the legal process more complicated.
Like any driver, a truck driver can be at fault for an accident due to speeding, reckless driving, or failing to follow road regulations. However, truck drivers are also subject to strict federal regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which govern issues like rest hours, vehicle maintenance, and the transportation of hazardous materials.
In some cases, the trucking company that employs the driver may also share responsibility for the accident. If the company failed to maintain the truck, neglected to provide proper training to the driver, or pressured the driver to meet unrealistic deadlines, they could be held liable. This layer of responsibility is something that car accidents usually don’t involve.
Sometimes, third parties, such as truck manufacturers or maintenance providers, can also be partially responsible if the accident was caused by a mechanical failure or defective parts. This multi-party liability adds layers of complexity to a trucking accident claim compared to a car accident.
Insurance Coverage Differences
Another important distinction between trucking and car accidents is the insurance coverage involved. In a typical car accident, insurance from the at-fault driver is usually enough to cover damages. However, with trucking accidents, the situation is far more intricate.
Trucking companies are required by law to carry much higher liability insurance coverage than standard passenger vehicle insurance. In California, trucking companies must carry a minimum of $750,000 in insurance for non-hazardous loads and up to $5 million for hazardous materials. This higher coverage often leads to larger settlements in trucking accident cases.
Dealing with the insurance companies in trucking accident cases can also be much more complicated. Insurance adjusters often work to minimize the payout, and with the involvement of commercial insurers, the process can become time-consuming and frustrating. In car accident cases, insurance companies tend to settle faster and with less resistance.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Because trucking accidents are more complex, they often require more thorough investigations. Evidence such as the truck driver’s logs, the truck’s black box data (similar to an airplane’s flight recorder), and maintenance records are critical pieces of evidence that can help determine fault. Gathering and analyzing this evidence often requires specialized knowledge, which is why it’s crucial to work with a law firm that has experience handling trucking accidents.
In car accidents, evidence is usually limited to witness testimony, police reports, and vehicle damage. While still important, the scope of evidence is narrower compared to a trucking accident, which often involves multiple sources of potential fault.
Why You Need a Truck Accident Attorney
Trucking accident cases are far more complex than standard car accident claims due to the multiple parties involved, the size and impact of commercial trucks, and the specific regulations governing the trucking industry. Unlike typical car accidents, trucking companies have vast resources and dedicated legal teams working to minimize their liability, making it more challenging for victims to obtain fair compensation.
In San Diego, personal injury law firms with experience in trucking accidents can help level the playing field. These cases often take longer to resolve than standard car accident claims, but an experienced attorney will fight to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible, covering medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident, it’s crucial to seek legal representation. A knowledgeable attorney will thoroughly investigate your case, protect your rights, and navigate the legal complexities to help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact the Personal Injury Law Firm of Mission Personal Injury Lawyers Today To Get More Information
If you’ve been injured in San Diego or Chula Vista, please call Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer or contact us online.
We proudly serve San Diego County and throughout California.
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – San Diego Office
2515 Camino del Rio S Suite 350, San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 777-5555
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – Chula Vista Office
690 Otay Lakes Rd #130, Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 722-3032
We also serve the state of Texas. For legal assistance, contact our personal injury law office in El Paso today.
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – El Paso Office
201 E Main Suite 106, El Paso, Texas 79901
(915) 591-1000
