Truck Accidents vs. Car Accidents: Why 18-Wheeler Crashes Are More Complex
March 17, 2025 - Personal Injury
When it comes to motor vehicle accidents, not all collisions are created equal. While any crash can lead to serious injuries, truck accidents—especially those involving 18-wheelers—pose unique challenges that make them significantly more complex than typical car accidents. At Reyna Injury Lawyers, we specialize in helping victims of commercial truck crashes navigate the legal hurdles to secure the compensation they deserve. Here’s what makes truck accidents so different.
1. Severity of Injuries and Damage
The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks make collisions with passenger vehicles far more devastating. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, compared to an average car weighing around 3,000 pounds. This drastic weight difference means truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, such as:
The greater impact also leads to more severe property damage, increasing financial losses for victims.
2. More Parties Involved
Unlike typical car accidents that usually involve just two drivers, truck accidents often include multiple liable parties, such as:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The truck manufacturer (if faulty parts played a role)
- Cargo loaders (if improper loading contributed to the crash)
- Maintenance providers (if negligent repairs caused an accident)
Determining liability requires a thorough investigation, making truck accident claims far more complicated than car accident claims.
3. Federal and State Regulations
Trucking companies and their drivers are subject to strict federal and state regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established rules covering:
- Hours of service (to prevent driver fatigue)
- Weight limits
- Truck maintenance and inspections
- Drug and alcohol testing for drivers
A violation of any of these regulations can serve as critical evidence in proving negligence in a truck accident case. However, gathering this evidence often requires subpoenaing records, reviewing electronic logging devices (ELDs), and analyzing driver logs—all steps that demand legal expertise.
4. More Complex Insurance Policies
Commercial trucks carry much higher insurance coverage than personal vehicles, often with policies in the millions of dollars. While this may seem beneficial to victims seeking compensation, insurance companies and trucking companies aggressively defend against claims to minimize payouts. Their legal teams are well-equipped to challenge victims’ claims, making it essential to have an experienced truck accident attorney who can negotiate effectively.
5. Investigating and Proving Fault Is More Challenging
Establishing liability in a truck accident case is often more complex than in a car accident case. Trucking companies and their insurers will conduct their own investigations, often attempting to shift blame onto the victim. A thorough investigation may include:
- Reviewing dashcam footage (if available)
- Analyzing black box data (which records speed, braking, and other critical factors)
- Examining accident scene evidence, such as skid marks and road conditions
- Consulting accident reconstruction experts
With so many factors at play, building a strong case requires an experienced truck accident attorney who understands how to gather and interpret the necessary evidence.
Why You Need an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney
Because of the complexities involved in truck accident cases, it’s crucial to have an attorney who knows how to fight back against large trucking companies and their insurers. At Reyna Injury Lawyers, we have the experience and resources to take on these challenging cases. We work tirelessly to investigate the accident, identify liable parties, and maximize compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, don’t face the legal battle alone. Contact Reyna Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation, and let us help you get the justice you deserve.
