The Difference Between Truck and Car Accident Lawsuits in Tennessee

Any traffic accident is a scary event. You never expect it to happen, and when it does, it’s an event that usually changes your life. You might be left with severe injuries, including paralysis, as well as emotional trauma. However, accidents involving semi-trucks differ significantly from those involving regular passenger cars, especially if you’re a passenger in a car accident. These truck vs car accident cases often involve greater damage, more complex liability issues, and stricter regulations.

Truck vs. Car Accidents – Why the Difference Matters

When a truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are usually far more devastating than when two passenger vehicles collide. That’s because the differences between car accidents and truck accidents go beyond size. Your legal case can be significantly impacted depending on the details of the accident. Some of the significant differences that affect a legal case are:

• Regulatory Differences – A commercial truck driver must follow rules and regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations heavily govern things like driver hours, maintenance schedules, and cargo securement. In addition, the driver must still abide by state traffic laws. A passenger car typically only needs to follow state traffic laws.
• Liability Complexities—Truck accidents can involve multiple liable parties, including the driver, the trucking company, and the manufacturers. When fault is determined, it is not necessarily just the driver who is responsible. In some cases, the truck driver may not be found at fault at all. In a passenger car accident, the liable party is the driver.
• Disappearing Evidence – Truck companies have legal teams working quickly to protect them. Yes, that means essential pieces of evidence like driver’s logs and black box data can disappear. A passenger car accident doesn’t usually come with all the extra evidence to throw out.

The reason it’s essential to understand these differences because they can directly impact your compensation. The details of a passenger car accident are usually cut and dry, even though each case is still unique. Regarding a semi-truck accident, you must work harder to investigate the situation. Suing the wrong party could mean you lose your ability to win and seek compensation.

Physical Differences That Impact Accident Severity

Beyond the legal matters, the physical differences between a semi-truck and a passenger car can significantly impact the situation. These can affect the legal outcome of your case, such as the amount of compensation you are due, but they can also affect your life with severe consequences. That’s why it’s essential to understand how to maximize compensation by documenting everything, seeking proper medical care, and working with an experienced attorney who can advocate for your full recovery.

When it comes to the physical impacts, the main things to keep in mind are:

• Size and Weight Differences – Once it’s fully loaded, a semi-truck can weigh up to eighty thousand pounds, while an average passenger car weighs around three thousand pounds. This is a massive difference in weight, meaning that a collision with a truck could result in exponentially more damage and severe injuries.
• Braking Distances and Blind Spots – It’s also important to remember that a truck driver has more things to consider when interacting with traffic than a passenger car does. Because of their size and weight, trucks require more time and space to brake, and they have more blind spots because of their size. This makes it harder for them to see the traffic around them.

If you’re on the road with a semi-truck, it’s a good idea to be extra cautious, especially when it comes to things you can control, like staying out of their blind spots. However, when a tragedy happens, regardless of what you do, and a semi-truck collides with you, it’s essential to seek medical attention right away and take care of your physical injuries. Remember, not every injury shows up immediately.

Please read more about Common Truck Accidents Injuries here: What Are the Most Common Truck Accident Injuries?

Insurance and Compensation Considerations

There are still more differences to remember after a semi-truck collides with you. These considerations lie in insurance and compensation differences. These are equally important to understand, as they can affect your case. The main differences to consider are:

• Insurance Policy Limits – Trucking companies need to carry higher insurance policy limits because of the potential for more severe damage and more parties being held liable than just the driver. This means that accident victims might be able to claim significantly higher compensation than victims of a passenger car accident.
• Claims Process – Filing a claim after a truck accident can be a nightmare. You’ll have to deal with multiple insurance policies and corporate legal teams. Passenger car accidents are generally more straightforward.

It’s often easy to feel overwhelmed and lost in the claims process, which can deter victims from fighting for everything they are entitled to. When added together, however, all of these differences can mean you have the potential to receive a high amount of compensation to take care of your expenses, injuries, and all the effects the accident has on your life. Don’t get lost in the weeds of all the differences. Find a skilled accident attorney in Tennessee who can help you fight for everything you deserve. 

How Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC Helps Truck and Car Accident Victims in Tennessee

At Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC, we know that each case is different, and we pay attention to the details to fight for what you deserve. We understand the state traffic laws and the added details of federal regulations regarding truck accidents. With us, you will see:

• Attorneys experienced in Tennessee law, so you don’t have to worry about the details
• Personalized attention so you can relax and focus on healing
• Proven track record with a reputation for securing favorable settlements for our clients
• Prompt action so things like disappearing evidence aren’t a problem

If you’ve been in an accident with a semi-truck in Tennessee or a passenger car, don’t fight for justice alone; our team is here to support you. Any insurance company will do its best to take advantage of you. Instead, contactGatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC today at (901) 526-2126 for a free consultation. Let us help you sort through your case’s details and unique differences to maximize your compensation.