Commercial semi-truck accidents and car crashes might seem similar — but there are many differences to note when it comes to filing a personal injury lawsuit. The injuries in a semi-truck accident are usually more severe and liability is much more complex. Additionally, trucking regulations can come into play that require specific knowledge of these laws. If you have been in a collision with a semi-truck, it is essential to have a skillful personal injury attorney by your side who understands the nuances of these claims.

Here are several ways semi-truck and car accidents are different:

Type of Injuries

While a victim can be seriously hurt in a car crash, the injuries in a semi-truck accident can be catastrophic because of the size and weight of the vehicle involved — a semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds fully loaded. Due to the force of impact, a victim might sustain traumatic brain injury, fractures, internal organ damage, spinal cord injuries, burns, amputation, or fatality. These types of injuries can require extensive medical treatment, physical rehabilitation, surgeries, and the use of medical equipment.

Causes of the Crash

Both car crashes and truck accidents can involve driver error, including distracted driving, speeding, disobeying traffic signals, and driving under the influence. But there are additional causes of accidents that are specific to trucks. These can include the following:

• Equipment failure
• Blind spots
• Inexperienced driving
• Negligent hiring
• Improper training
• Loading errors

While any motor vehicle driver can experience the effects of being tired, truck drivers are more prone to fatigue due to long hours on the road and irregular schedules. Critically, fatigue can lead to slower reaction time, inattention, and poor judgment. Although there are regulations that limit driving time and require rest breaks, some truck drivers may disregard these rules, increasing the risk of accidents.

Regulatory Violations

With semi-truck accidents, regulatory violations can play a role in determining liability. For example, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets standards for driving time, vehicle maintenance, and cargo loading. There are also licensing requirements that must be adhered to, in addition to drug and alcohol testing. Proving a regulatory violation can help strengthen an accident claim and make it easier to establish fault.

Compensation

The injuries suffered in truck accidents are often severe and can have a considerable impact on an individual's daily life and livelihood. Semi-truck accident injuries can lead to permanent disability, significant emotional distress, and make it difficult for a victim to earn a living. This means there may be a greater amount of damages at issue than in a regular car accident case.

Liability Issues

Liability can be much more complex in a commercial semi-truck accident than in a standard motor vehicle collision — and fault may be placed on more than one defendant. Although liability can be complicated in a regular car crash, truck accidents typically always involve multiple parties. Since truck drivers are generally employed by trucking companies, a victim would name not only the driver, but their employer in a personal injury action. Specifically, a victim may be able to make the argument that the driver’s employer failed to properly vet, train, or supervise their employee.

Depending on the facts of the case, other potential defendants in a truck accident lawsuit could include:

• A cargo loader — If the truck was overloaded or materials were not adequately secured, the company who loaded them may be to blame if loose cargo caused the accident.
• The truck or parts manufacturer — In some cases, truck accidents may be caused by defective parts designs or manufacturing defects. In these instances, the manufacturer may be held accountable.
• A government entity — In the event the accident was caused by a hazardous road condition, the municipality responsible for maintaining the road might be named in a lawsuit.
• Maintenance company — Sometimes, truck accidents can be caused by inadequate maintenance. If a maintenance company’s failure to properly upkeep the truck or make appropriate repairs contributed to the accident, they may be responsible for the crash.
• Truck leasing company – Truck carriers sometimes lease their vehicles. If the leasing company did not properly maintain or inspect the vehicle, it may be held liable for a crash caused as a result.

Truck accidents require careful investigation. If multiple parties are to blame for the collision, there could be several insurance companies involved. It is important to work with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney who can assist you with navigating the complexities of a semi-truck accident claim.

Contact an Experienced Washington Personal Injury Attorney

If you have been hurt in a semi-truck or car accident, it is crucial to have diligent representation to ensure your rights are protected. The Bellingham, Washington personal injury attorneys at Robinson & Kole provide trusted counsel to accident victims throughout Washington State and strive to secure the monetary recovery they deserve.

We welcome you to contact us for a free consultation by calling 360-671-8112 or by using our online contact form. Se habla Español.