Differences Between a Car Accident & a Truck Accident Case

Car crashes and truck crashes can both cause significant injuries to Arizona drivers, but there are some distinct differences between these accidents. It’s essential to be aware of these differences if you’re involved in a crash, as they can make a big difference when it comes to recovering compensation for your injuries and losses.

The Arizona motor vehicle accident lawyers at Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C., have more than 50 years of combined experience handling personal injury claims. By hiring our firm and utilizing our knowledge and experience, you can help give yourself the best chance of recovering full and fair compensation for your injuries.

Contact any of our Arizona offices today for an initial consultation.

What Are the Main Differences Between an Arizona Car and a Truck Accident Case?

Several vital differences distinguish many car accidents from truck accidents, such as:

• Truck accidents frequently cause more severe injuries. Because semi-trucks and other heavy commercial vehicles can be more than 20 times heavier than passenger cars, as well as much longer and taller, they hit with much more force than cars when accidents happen. In turn, this means trucks usually cause more severe injuries than cars.
• Truck accidents usually result in higher medical bills. The medical costs you incur in a car accident are generally proportional to the severity of your injuries. Because truck accidents tend to cause more intense injuries than car accidents, the medical bills from a truck accident are often much higher.
• Trucks have different rules and regulations. Commercial trucks and truck drivers are subject to state and federal regulations that passenger cars and drivers are not, which can affect liability for an accident and the compensation available.
• Insurance works differently for commercial trucks and truck drivers. Most car insurance policies are broadly similar, at least within the same state, but that’s not necessarily the case for trucks and truck drivers. Depending on whether the truck driver owns their vehicle or leases it from a carrier, they may carry different levels of insurance. Truck insurance policies typically have much higher limits than standard auto policies – often $1 million or more. With so much money on the line, you can count on a tough fight from insurers and trucking companies.
• There are more parties to sue in a truck accident. In a car accident, usually the only party you can sue is the driver who hit you. In a truck accident claim, however, there could be multiple parties who are liable for your injuries.

Who Can You Sue in an Arizona Truck Accident Case?

Several parties could potentially be liable for a truck accident, including:

• The truck driver – With any motor vehicle accident, the driver is the first party to look at when determining fault. If the truck driver was impaired by drugs or alcohol, distracted, fatigued due to driving too long without a break, or otherwise negligent, they could be found liable for the accident.
• The trucking company – Trucking companies are supposed to monitor their drivers to make sure they are being safe and ensure that their drivers have the required experience and training to handle their vehicles safely. If the company fails in any of these duties, it could be liable for a crash. Employers are also vicariously liable for their employee’s negligence.
• The truck manufacturer – Trucks rely on thousands of intricate parts to get to their destination safely. A failure in a critical component, such as the truck’s steering or brakes, could cause an accident. In such cases, the manufacturer of the truck or the part in question could be liable in a product liability claim.
• Maintenance and repair providers – Because of their size and weight, trucks require frequent maintenance. If mechanics and repair shops are lax in their duties, key components could fail, leading to a devastating accident.
• Cargo loaders – Cargo must be loaded and secured properly on a truck’s trailer to make sure the truck is safe on the road. If cargo is not loaded and secured correctly, it could shift and affect the truck’s stability, or it could come loose and fly off the trailer.

Who Can Be Sued in an Arizona Car Accident Case?

In most cases, the only party you can sue after a car accident is the driver who hit you. However, depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be able to hold other parties liable for your injuries.

For example, if a road defect causes an accident, you may be able to sue the government agency that’s responsible for the road’s upkeep. If a defective part on a vehicle played a role in the accident, you may be able to hold the manufacturer liable.

Do Cars or Trucks Get Into More Accidents?

Many more cars than trucks are on the roads, both nationwide and in Arizona, so car accidents occur more frequently than truck accidents.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports 499,415 truck accidents in a single recent year, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports 6.7 million car accidents. Similarly, the Arizona Department of Transportation reports 217,104 passenger vehicles involved in accidents that year, compared with only 2,247 semi-trucks.

However, trucks tend to cause more significant injuries and fatalities per accident because of their size and weight. In Arizona, for example, out of the 2,247 semi-trucks involved in crashes, 58 trucks were involved in fatal accidents or about 2.6 percent of all semi-trucks involved in accidents that year. That compares with 997 passenger vehicles involved in deadly crashes out of the 217,104 passenger vehicles involved in all accidents that year or roughly 0.46 percent of all passenger vehicles.

What Should You Do If You Are in a Motor-Vehicle Accident in Arizona?

Here are the key steps to take if you’re involved in a car accident or truck accident in Arizona:

• Call 911 to bring police and emergency medical personnel to the crash scene.
• Get the name and insurance information from the other driver, whether it’s a car or truck driver.
• Document the crash scene as best you can by taking pictures and getting the names of any eyewitnesses.
• Seek emergency medical treatment. If an ambulance doesn’t take you to the hospital, see your own doctor as soon as possible.
• Hold on to all your medical records, as well as any proof of lost income as a result of the accident.
• Don’t say anything about the accident or your injuries on social media or to any insurance companies.
• Hire an attorney as soon as possible so they can review your legal options and deal with the insurance companies on your behalf.

Contact an Arizona Accident Attorney Today

The Arizona car and truck accident lawyers at Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C., are ready to put our knowledge and experience to work for you. Contact us today for an initial consultation.

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About the Author

Zachary Mushkatel

Zachary Mushkatel discovered his affinity for the law by chance. As a political science major at the University of Arizona, he first aspired to become a professor. But an unexpected invitation to participate on a mock trial team at the university encouraged him to turn his competitive spirit and drive…