Accidents involving large commercial trucks and smaller passenger vehicles are common on U.S. roads. That’s the general takeaway from several studies, including one from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It revealed that an estimated 494,000 large trucks are involved in collisions on U.S. roads every year. In fact the state of Oklahoma alone saw more than 1300 serious truck accidents in 2021.
The Key Differences Between Car and Truck Accidents
While passenger vehicles and large commercial trucks can both cause injuries, property damage, and even loss of life, they differ in many ways. There is a considerable difference in the size and weight of commercial trucks compared to the average car, pickup truck, or SUV. The average passenger vehicle weighs between 3,000 and 4,000 pounds. By comparison, the average fully loaded commercial truck, which is several times larger than the average passenger vehicle, can weigh upwards of 80,000 pounds. Factoring in size and weight alone, the causes, consequences, and even legal implications can differ considerably when it comes to car and truck accidents. Of course, the differences do not end there.
Collision Force
When moving at a medium to high rate of speed, the combined size and weight of commercial trucks allow them to generate enough force to cause catastrophic damage when they collide with smaller vehicles. Such collisions often result in fatal or near-fatal injuries to drivers and occupants in those smaller vehicles. That same size and weight also make commercial trucks more likely to cause multi-vehicle pile-ups whenever they are involved in an accident, which can result in more property damage, injuries, and even fatalities. Because they are comparatively much smaller, passenger vehicles are involved in fewer accidents that result in severe and life-threatening injuries, extensive property damage, or loss of life.
Injuries Sustained
While truck and passenger vehicles can both result in injuries, the injuries associated with truck-involved accidents are usually more severe. Studies show that traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, internal bleeding, organ damage, and severe burns are common injuries associated with truck-involved accidents. Injuries that stem from accidents involving cars, small trucks, or SUVs, meanwhile, typically include whiplash, broken bones, soft tissue injuries, head injuries or concussions, cuts, and bruises. While these can be extremely painful, they are seldom life-threatening.
Liability and Legal Consequences: Truck vs. Car Accidents
When it comes to assigning liability in accidents involving passenger vehicles, the process is pretty straightforward. One or more drivers will be held liable, and a personal injury lawsuit or out-of-court settlement will ensure the victim in the accident receives compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, damaged property, pain and suffering, and so on.
Accidents involving trucks are not so straightforward when it comes to assigning liability. That’s because the individual operating the vehicle might not be solely responsible for causing an accident. If the trucking company that hired the driver was negligent in hiring, training, or supervising the driver, or encouraged unsafe driving practices, that trucking company can also be held liable. The same applies to cargo loaders if improperly loaded freight contributes to a truck-involved accident.
Manufacturers and maintenance companies can also be held liable in truck accident cases. That’s generally the case when a defective part sold or installed by a manufacturer results in a trucking accident or when the company tasked with maintaining the truck fails to inspect and repair critical components. Such failures could result in the following:
- Brake system failure
- Engine or transmission failure
- Hitch failure
- Steering and suspension problems
- Tire blowouts
In summary, truck and car accidents are both devastating. However, accidents involving large commercial trucks are far worse. If you were involved in an accident with a large commercial truck and need help filing a compensation claim or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit, consider speaking with a truck accident attorney today.
