The Difference Between Truck and Car Accident Lawsuits in Tennessee

Any kind of 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. Semi-trucks fill Tennessee’s roads, so drivers must understand the differences to fight for their rights effectively.

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 with each other. Because of the differences between the two types of accidents, 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 come with multiple liable parties. This can include 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 driver of the truck may not be found at fault at all. In a passenger car accident, the liable party is typically just 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 is that 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 have to work a little harder to investigate the whole situation. Suing the wrong party could mean you lose your ability to win 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 have an effect on 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. 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. This is a massive difference in weight, and it means 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.

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 when it comes to accidents involving trucks. 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 or a passenger car, don’t fight for justice alone. Any insurance company will do their best to take advantage of you. Instead, contact Gatti, 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.