Why is a Semi-Truck Accident Different Than Other Accidents?

No two accidents are the same. A crash between two of your average 3,000-pound cars is significantly less complicated than one involving an 80,000-pound semi-truck. Due to the vast differences in the fields, commercial truck accidents require higher levels of knowledge and experience when filing a claim for injuries. The following are a few of the most significant variances between these two types of accident injury cases.

A typical 18-wheeler traveling down the highway often weighs 80,000 pounds, which is the current industry standard maximum weight. Astoundingly, the trucking industry continues to push for a legislation change. If approved, this change would allow these trucks to weigh up to 100,000 pounds. The combination of the massive weight and its overpowering size proves deadly when put against your daily driver.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) estimates that approximately 3,000 to 5,000 deaths each year in the United States occur because of truck driver errors. For accident survivors, common injuries include:

• Whiplash;
• Back and neck injuries;
• Loss of limb;
• Broken bones; and
• Traumatic Brain Injuries.

Due to the higher cost of the vehicle, the transported goods, and the potential damages, commercial truck insurance policies easily cost 50 times more than the one you have for your car. Although the insurance companies have the money to take care of the cost of the damage inflicted on your family, they fight even harder to keep their money in their pocket. Their best insurance adjusters pick apart the cases of victims, diminishing the needs of the families.

Since most truckers travel between states, they have particular safety protocols they must follow that are regulated by the FMCSA and the Department of Transportation. Operators have regulations on maintenance, licensing, qualifications, and annual inspections, all of which they must keep detailed records of in a log book. Trained experts hired by your attorney will sift through these logbooks looking for violations to improve your case.

Due to the high degree of variations between your typical car accident personal injury case and one involving a semi-truck, hiring an experienced California truck injury attorney is essential to level the playing field. Commercial truck companies act quickly to destroy evidence such as log books and downplay any potential injuries or fault. The proven attorneys at Cerri, Boskovich & Allard will immediately retain evidence from the trucking company, the driver, and his or her insurance company. Call us at (408) 289-1417 to schedule your free consultation and discover how we can help.

• The Large Truck Crash Causation Study - Analysis Brief