By Mashum Mollah
Disclaimer: If you’ve been in car and truck accidents, the following information doesn’t constitute actual legal advice regarding the subject matter. It can only be considered as a general guide as to the legal nature of the topic. To have a better grasp of the legal aspect of car and truck accidents, do speak to an experienced lawyer who can help you with your case.
Read more: Key Things To Remember Legally When Involved In A Car Accident
When you or your loved one has been involved in a vehicle accident on the road, the results may be devastating. However, it’s essential to understand that cases involving truck accidents can be different from car accident cases. To know what to do when these mishaps happen, below are the key things to remember legally between car and truck accidents:
What Are The Factors To Consider In Car And Truck Accidents?
If you’re dealing with any of the types of truck accidents, you have to keep in mind that the aftermath of the collision may not be the same as that of a car accident. For instance, accident fatalities, vehicle damages, and the injuries incurred by the parties involved may appear to be more complicated in truck accidents. If you’re involved in a truck crash, here are the factors to consider:
1. Amount of Insurance Claims:
When it comes to truck accidents, several insurance policies may be in place. In this situation, you have to take note of the trucking company’s insurance, the insurance of the truck itself and the insurance of the truck owners.
2. The Extent of Injuries:
In truck accidents, the injuries sustained are more severe and traumatic. These injuries may even require a longer medical treatment
3. Driving Files and Records:
Driving files and records may be used as pieces of evidence when a truck accident claim has been initiated. These files may also include the driver’s training files, driving history, vehicle inspections and even communication logs.
4. Trucking Company:
Unlike in car accidents, the trucking company may be held liable for the damages caused by the truck accidents.
5. Size of the Vehicle:
Commercial trucks are bigger and heavier than the average personal vehicles. That’s why truck accidents can result in extensive injuries and property damages.
How Car Accident Cases Differ From Truck Accident Cases?
Although car and truck accidents usually result in injuries, these two involve different legal concerns. Car accident cases are easier to prosecute than truck accident cases. For that reason alone, let’s see the difference between car and truck accident cases:
- Car and truck accident cases involve different laws.
- Car and truck accident liabilities are determined differently.
- Cases involving car accidents are handled by car accident attorneys and truck accident lawyers for truck collisions.
- Compensation for damages is totally different between car and truck accidents.
- Documentation and evidence are more detailed in truck crashes.
- Driving trucks are different from driving cars.
- Evidence used in truck accident cases should be well-kept.
- Insurance matters are more complex in truck accident cases.
- Investigation for truck accidents cases involves a distinct process.
- Parties in truck accident cases may include other third parties such as the trucking company, the truck manufacturer, the renter and the lessor.
- Training of truck drivers is more intense and thorough.
- Truck accident cases usually deal and study different causes.
- Truck accident lawsuits are more sensitive, costly and time-consuming.
- Rules governing car drivers may be different from truck drivers.
- Vehicles in truck collision cases are larger and more sophisticated.
- Ways these cases are legally handled in court are not similar.
What To Do In The Case Of Car and Truck Accidents?
Even though car and truck accidents differ in so many ways, dealing with the situation at the time of the accident may still be the same. When you’re involved in a car or truck accident, the following may help you go through it easier:
1. Relax and Stay Calm:
It’s understood that emotions are high during a crash. However, staying calm as much as possible can also be a good way of facing an accident. This is effective especially when there are circumstances where the other driver is bad-tempered.
2. Ask for Medical Assistance:
When you know that someone has been injured in the collision, call for emergency medical assistance. Wait for the medical team to arrive so that the injured persons are given proper medication.
3. Call the Police:
Whether it’s a car or truck accident, calling the police is important especially when there are injured people.
The presence of police officers in the accident scene can help determine who’s at fault and liable for the accident. That way, recovery of compensation by the injured party will be easier. You also have to bear in mind that police reports can be used as evidence in accident claims.
4. Don’t say anything about the accident:
Refrain from discussing any specific detail about the accident to anyone except the police. Don’t say anything about who’s at fault and let the police investigate the matter.
5. Document what happened:
Don’t forget to record all relevant information about the accident including taking photographs of the scene. Take time to get the information about the crash, the parties involved, the witnesses (if applicable) and the police officers.
6. Contact A Licensed Lawyer:
When things aren’t going through well in a car or truck accident, contact and consult the situation with an experienced attorney. Your lawyer can give the appropriate legal advice as to what to do in cases like these. They’ll determine whether there’s still a need for filing a lawsuit against the driver at fault.
If you or your loved one is a victim of a collision, it’s important that you take note of the above key things to remember legally between car and truck accidents. However, if you’re still unsure of what to do, approach a qualified lawyer for a consultation.
