If you have not been involved in many personal injury cases, it might seem that a car accident and a truck accident would be handled in essentially the same manner. This is far from the truth. Keep reading to find out how these cases are handled differently, and then contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 to request a free legal consultation.
Truck Accidents Are Less Common But Generally More Serious
The main difference is that though there are tens of thousands of car accidents each year and fewer truck accidents when a truck accident does occur, it is much more likely to involve significant damage and injury. This is due to the size of trucks, the fact that they most often travel on highways so they are more likely to be traveling at fast speeds, and the fact that they weigh much more than a passenger vehicle.
Car Accidents and Truck Accidents Have Different Common Causes
Another difference is that determining the cause of car accidents and truck accidents can be more challenging than you might think. Most car accidents are actually fairly straightforward and relatively easy to prove. This is not the case with the average truck accident. For example, most car accidents are the result of driver error, while most truck accidents are caused by weather issues, maintenance mistakes, or faulty equipment.
The Defendants Are Often Very Different in Car Accidents and Truck Accidents
In one sense, the defendant for a truck accident and a car accident are likely identical: insurance companies. However, whom the insurance company represents is generally very different. While sometimes a particular employee might be at fault and liable, in most cases, if a truck accident occurs, then the trucking company will be the liable party. Their insurance policies that cover their drivers are generally much higher than an individual’s insurance policy.
On the other hand, if you are suing an individual in a car accident, their maximum car insurance payout might be significantly less than your actual costs. This can make it much easier to settle the case, while a trucking company’s attorneys are often reluctant to settle due to the high amount that could be recovered.
Either Way – Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Whether you were involved in a car accident or a truck accident, one thing is true: You need a personal injury attorney on your side. When you contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000, we can begin with a free legal consultation. During this process, we will go over the facts of the case, your injuries, the evidence, and other relevant information. We can then offer our best advice on how you can best move forward.
