How Trucking Accidents Differ From Car Accidents

Any time two vehicles collide, the results can be catastrophic, but commercial truck accidents can be especially terrifying for all involved. Making matters worse is that seeking justice as a trucking accident victim can be more complicated than a traditional personal injury claim. There may be several parties involved, as well as various state and federal trucking regulations at play. 

Here’s a closer look at how trucking accidents differ from car crashes so you know what to expect on the road ahead. 

Injuries May Be More Severe

Any vehicle crash can leave you facing catastrophic injuries, but the likelihood of suffering such severe and permanent injuries may be higher in a trucking accident due to the size and weight of the vehicles. 

Some potential injuries may include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Internal organ damage
  • Broken bones

All of these may require extensive medical treatment and cause you to face long-term permanent disabilities. As such, it’s important to consider the long-term consequences of your crash, especially when pursuing compensation. 

There Are More Parties Involved

In a car accident, liability typically falls upon one of the drivers of the vehicles involved. 

Commercial truck accidents, however, are far more complicated due to the number of interested parties involved, which may include the following:

  • The truck driver
  • The trucking company
  • Maintenance providers
  • Cargo loaders
  • Insurance companies 

For example, if a commercial truck is overturned because it is overloaded, the cargo company may be partially to blame for the crash. Likewise, if a trucking company negligently employed a driver with an abysmal safety record, you may be able to file a lawsuit against that organization. 

Commercial Drivers Are Subject To Strict Regulations

Commercial truck drivers are regulated at both the state and federal levels. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the regulatory body responsible for setting and enforcing regulations for commercial drivers throughout the country. And one of its most notable regulations involves hours of service (HOS) limits

Drivers who operate property-carrying vehicles cannot drive for more than 11 hours in a single day, and they must take at least ten consecutive hours off duty after reaching the limit. Property-carrying drivers are also required to take a 30-minute driving break after they have driven for eight cumulative hours. 

As for drivers who operate passenger-carrying vehicles, they cannot drive more than ten hours in a day and must take eight consecutive hours off duty after reaching that threshold. 

Both passenger-carrying and property-carrying drivers are subject to a 60/70 hour limit rule. In other words, they cannot drive after accumulating 60 or 70 hours on duty in a consecutive period of seven or eight days, respectively.

If you file a personal injury claim against a commercial truck driver, your attorney may be able to support your fight for compensation if they can prove that the driver violated these regulations. 

Fatigue Can Play A Factor

Driver fatigue can play a role in any type of crash. However, if a commercial truck driver becomes fatigued and their reaction time suffers, the results could be catastrophic for you and your loved ones.

Unfortunately, 65% of truck drivers report that they “often or sometimes” feel drowsy while operating their commercial vehicles. Fatigue seems to be more prevalent among commercial drivers due to the hours they work and the amount of time they spend behind the wheel. When a person drives a commercial motor vehicle 60 to 70 hours per week, complacency can set in. 

How You Can Navigate The Aftermath Of A Trucking Accident

If you or a loved one have been injured in a trucking accident, it’s important to consider the unique factors that could impact your recovery process and personal injury claim. By understanding these distinctions, you can hold responsible parties accountable and fight for justice.

Contact the Pinellas County Truck Accidents Law Firm Of Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers for Help

For more information, please contact the Clearwater and St. Petersburg truck accidents law firm of Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We serve Pinellas County and its surrounding areas:

Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater
1875 N Belcher Rd. STE 201,
Clearwater, FL 33765

(727) 796-8282

Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Petersburg
2560 1st Ave S,
St. Petersburg, FL 33712

(727) 349-1728