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How Is a Truck Accident Claim Different From a Car Accident Claim?
A truck accident claim vs car accident claim can involve many of the same basic issues, but truck crashes often require a broader investigation. Commercial trucks are larger, may be operated by businesses, and are subject to additional safety requirements that do not apply to ordinary passenger vehicles.
The differences can affect the evidence collected, the parties involved, and how an injury claim is evaluated. Understanding these differences can help you know what to expect after a truck accident in Chicago.
Key Takeaway
A truck accident claim may be more complex than a typical car accident claim because it can involve trucking companies, commercial vehicle records, maintenance records, driver logs, and other evidence. More than one party may also potentially be responsible for the crash.
How Is a Truck Accident Claim Different From a Car Accident Claim?
While both types of claims may involve proving who caused the crash and documenting the resulting injuries, truck accident claims can require additional investigation.
More Parties May Be Involved
A car accident claim may primarily involve the drivers and their insurance companies. A truck accident claim can involve the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle owner, maintenance provider, cargo loader, or manufacturer.
Determining who may be responsible requires looking at what caused the collision and each party’s role.
More Evidence May Need to Be Preserved
Truck accident investigations can involve more records than a typical car crash. These may include driver logs, inspection reports, maintenance records, electronic data, cargo records, and company documents.
A trucking company or another business may also hold some evidence, making timely preservation important.
Commercial Trucks Have Additional Safety Requirements
Commercial motor carriers and drivers must follow federal safety regulations. These rules address areas such as hours of service, vehicle inspections, and other aspects of commercial trucking.
A potential violation may become relevant if it contributed to the crash.
Truck Crashes Can Cause More Severe Injuries
Commercial trucks are significantly larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. A collision between the two can create substantial forces and may cause serious injuries to people in the smaller vehicle.
Medical records, treatment costs, lost income, and the impact of the injuries on daily life may all be relevant when evaluating a claim.
Insurance Coverage May Be More Complicated
A commercial truck may have different insurance coverage than a personal vehicle. Depending on the circumstances, more than one insurance policy or potentially responsible party may be involved.
Understanding which policies apply can be an important part of evaluating a truck accident claim.
What Evidence Is Important in a Truck Accident Claim?
Evidence can help establish what happened, who may be responsible, and the extent of the resulting injuries. Depending on the circumstances, this may include:
- Police reports and photographs from the accident scene
- Witness statements describing what they saw
- Driver records and logs showing the driver’s activity before the crash
- Inspection and maintenance records for the truck
- Electronic data from the commercial vehicle
- Cargo and loading records when the load may have contributed to the crash
- Medical records and bills documenting injuries and treatment
Because trucking companies or other businesses may hold some evidence, preserving relevant records after a collision can be important.
FAQs About Truck and Car Accident Claims
Is a truck accident claim worth more than a car accident claim?
Not necessarily. The value of an injury claim depends on injury severity, medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. Truck crashes can cause more serious injuries, but you must evaluate each claim based on its specific circumstances.
Why Are Truck Accident Claims More Complicated?
Truck accidents may involve multiple potentially responsible parties and additional evidence. Driver logs, maintenance records, inspection documents, cargo records, and commercial vehicle data may all be relevant to determining how the crash happened.
Can more than one party be responsible for a truck accident?
Yes. Depending on the cause of the crash, responsibility may involve the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle owner, maintenance provider, cargo loader, manufacturer, or another party. An investigation can help determine each party’s potential role.
Should I talk to a lawyer after a truck accident?
If you suffered injuries in a truck accident, talking with a Chicago truck accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options and what evidence you need to preserve.
Talk to a Chicago Truck Accident Lawyer
A truck accident claim vs. a car accident claim may involve different evidence, responsible parties, insurance issues, and investigation requirements. If you were injured in a truck accident in Chicago, a Chicago truck accident lawyer can review the circumstances and explain your legal options.
Legally Reviewed By
Attorney Jonathan Rosenfeld
Content legally reviewed by Jonathan Rosenfeld This page has been reviewed for legal accuracy by Jonathan Rosenfeld, a Chicago personal injury attorney with nearly 25 years of experience representing people injured in car, truck, motorcycle, pedestrian, and rideshare accidents. Jonathan has recovered more than $450 million in settlements and verdicts for injured clients and families in Chicago. He holds a 10/10 rating on Avvo, is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and has been repeatedly recognized by Super Lawyers. Jonathan leads the firm’s approach to holding insurance carriers and corporate defendants accountable for serious traffic injuries.