Tractor Trailer Accident VS Car Accident

Some of the most dangerous types of motor vehicle accidents are tractor trailer accidents. Truck accident lawyers in North Carolina see more than their fair share of these types of cases every year.

The injuries in these types of crashes are very serious. Sadly, many truck accident victims don’t survive their injuries. This is why they’re so much more devastating than your typical car accident.

Truck drivers are trained to be careful. They’re supposed to always be mindful of every move they make on the road. They drive humungous, powerful machines. They have a responsibility to be careful or people die.

Some of the major differences between tractor trailer accidents and car accidents have to do with the following things:

  • Types and severity of injuries
  • Main causes of accidents
  • Responsible parties and defendants

Your truck accident lawyer in North Carolina knows the difference in these types of crashes. They will fight to make sure, in either case, that you get the compensation you deserve.

Truck Accidents Cause Very Serious Injuries

Truck accident victims tend to suffer much more serious injuries than car accident victims. Sure, there are some very serious, even fatal, car crashes. But, on average, truck accidents are a bit more serious.

Passenger vehicles simply don’t stand a chance when hit by a huge tractor trailer. There isn’t enough metal in the world to protect the driver when he’s hit by a large truck. This is even more true when on the highway.

When trucks are traveling at fast speeds, any impact suffered in a crash will be devastating. This is why so many truck accident victims don’t survive. Tractor trailer crashes have more fatalities per accident than any other type of motor vehicle accident.

This means that truck accident victims usually require surgery and physical therapy following their accident. Many are never able to work again. This causes the damages in these cases to be much higher than they are for car accidents.

The Causes of Tractor Trailer Crashes and Car Accidents Are Different

Most motor vehicle accidents are caused by similar things. People make mistakes while behind the wheel. The main causes of car accidents tend to be the same as those for truck accidents. Some of these causes include:

  • Speeding
  • Distracted driving
  • Drunk driving
  • Careless or reckless driving

However, there are several causes of tractor trailer accidents that we don’t see with car accidents. Truckers carry large loads of cargo from one end of the country to the other. Between this and the sheer size of these machines, there are bound to be more risks.

Some of the main causes of tractor trailer accidents include:

  • Lack of training: If someone isn’t trained properly, there’s a good chance they’ll get into an accident.
  • Mechanical Failure: This can be caused by anything from bad brakes to issues with the wheels.
  • Oversized Trucks: If a driver isn’t accustomed to handling a large truck, they’ll be prone to make mistakes.
  • Driver Inexperience: Some drivers are new to the job. Early in their career, they’re liable to make many fateful mistakes.
  • Fatigue: Truck drivers work a lot of hours. When they get overtired, they make careless mistakes.
  • Overloaded Trucks: If they’re trying to transport more cargo than what is safe, they can get into serious accidents.

Your North Carolina truck accident lawyer will work hard to prove causation.

Who is Responsible for Your Accident?

If you get into a car accident, your lawyer will try to prove the other driver was at fault. You’ll have to file your claim against the other driver’s insurance company. Hopefully, your claim will be paid. If not, your North Carolina car accident lawyer will file a lawsuit against the other driver.

With a tractor trailer accident, there could be more than one party at fault. Some of these parties may include:

  • The driver – He was the person directly responsible for your accident.
  • The company he works for: The driver’s employer carries auto insurance to cover your injuries.
  • The company he’s carrying product for – If they overloaded truck or loaded dangerous products that caused extensive injuries, they may be held liable.
  • The garage or mechanic who services the truck – If the crash was due to mechanical failure, they may need to be named in the suit.
  • Manufacturer or the truck or its parts – If there was a defect in a truck part that caused the accident, they could be liable.

Contact Harman Law online today or call us at (704) 286-0947. They can review your case and let you know what it may be worth.

Schedule your free initial consultation today.

FAQs

Why are tractor trailer accidents typically more serious than regular car accidents in North Carolina?
Tractor trailer accidents tend to cause far more severe injuries than car accidents because passenger vehicles simply cannot withstand the force of a collision with a large commercial truck. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles means that crashes, especially at highway speeds, often result in fatalities or injuries requiring surgery and long-term physical therapy. In many cases, truck accident victims in North Carolina are left permanently unable to return to work.
What are the most common causes of tractor trailer accidents that differ from typical car accidents?
While both types of accidents share common causes like speeding and distracted driving, tractor trailer accidents have unique contributing factors such as driver fatigue, lack of proper training, mechanical failure, and overloaded or oversized trucks. North Carolina truck accident lawyers frequently investigate these specific causes when building a case. Proving one or more of these factors can be critical to establishing liability and securing compensation.
Who can be held responsible for a tractor trailer accident in North Carolina?
Unlike a standard car accident where liability typically falls on the other driver, a tractor trailer accident may involve multiple responsible parties, including the truck driver and the company that employs them. The trucking company may carry commercial auto insurance that covers damages resulting from their driver’s negligence. A North Carolina truck accident lawyer can help identify all liable parties to ensure you pursue the maximum compensation available.
How do the damages in a tractor trailer accident case compare to those in a car accident case?
Damages in tractor trailer accident cases are generally much higher than in standard car accident cases due to the severity of the injuries involved. Victims often face extensive medical bills, long-term rehabilitation costs, and lost wages if they are unable to return to work. A North Carolina truck accident attorney will work to account for all of these losses when seeking compensation on your behalf.
Do I need a different type of lawyer for a tractor trailer accident than I would for a car accident in North Carolina?
While any personal injury attorney can technically handle motor vehicle cases, tractor trailer accidents involve complex legal and regulatory issues that make working with an experienced North Carolina truck accident lawyer strongly advisable. These cases often require investigation into federal trucking regulations, driver logs, and the practices of the employing company, which goes well beyond what is typically involved in a car accident claim. Having a lawyer familiar with these specific factors can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.