The Difference Between Truck and Car Accident Claims in Arizona
Whether truck or car, motor vehicle crashes lead to life-changing injuries. Although truck accidents might be less frequent compared to car crashes, they are often more fatal due to factors such as driver fatigue and mechanical failures.
Truck accidents also add more complexity due to the involvement of multiple parties, which can turn the compensation process into a complex puzzle. Also, in Arizona, the nature of the vehicles involved can influence the whole crash scenario. Hence it’s crucial to stay informed about the truck and car accident differences to pursue rightful recovery of your injuries and losses.
How Truck Accidents Compare to Car Accidents?
Learning about truck and car accidents can bring a lot of difference in how you proceed with claims and legal options once dealing with an accident. Trucks are typically heavier, so accidents often lead to severe damage and injuries than car crashes. Consulting an Arizona truck accident attorney will help you understand those differences clearly and your legal rights to move forward for injuries and loss recovery. Here are a few differences between truck and car accidents for a little bit of clarity.
1) Severe Accidental Injuries – Truck accidents lead to more severe injuries than car accidents. Trucks can be as heavy as up to 20 times more than passenger vehicles. With a larger impact area, truck collisions may cause a lot of harm to victims.
2) Higher medical costs – The medical costs associated with a truck accident are often more than those from a car accident. Based on the severity of injuries, there will be extended hospital stays, special medical procedures, and a need for rehabilitation or in-home care.
3) On-road regulations – Truck drivers and their companies are governed by strict state and federal regulations that passenger vehicles are not liable to follow. A truck’s load size, driving hours, safety standards, and a violation all fall under such laws and can affect liability and compensation.
4) Insurance Complexities – Insurance formalities involving trucks are more complex. But, herein, claim limits are higher compared to standard car insurance. Truck drivers can insure policies up to $1 million or more. The specifics can vary based on vehicle ownership and company size. However, higher coverage also means challenging legal battles with insurers and trucking companies.
5) Multiple Parties Involvement – Unlike car accidents, where the driver is held liable, truck accidents can involve multiple liable parties. It could include the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle owner, and maintenance technicians. A thorough investigation is required to identify and hold all responsible parties accountable.
Who Can Be Held Accountable in an Arizona Truck Accident?
1) The Driver
In most motor vehicle collisions, the driver is considered primarily at fault. If the truck driver was impaired, distracted, tired, or negligent, this could hold them responsible for the accident.
2) Company Liability
Trucking companies must oversee drivers’ safety, ensuring they follow regulations and have the necessary training and experience. The company must enforce these standards. Otherwise, it will be liable for the crash, even if it happens because of the employee’s negligent actions.
3) Manufacturer’s Fault
Trucks are complex machines with many critical components that require regular check-ups. If there is a defect in a part, such as the brakes or steering, causing an accident, the manufacturer of the truck or the specific component may be liable under product liability laws.
4) Maintenance Oversight
Given the heavy use of trucks, regular maintenance is crucial. If an accident occurs due to a malfunction due to the mechanic’s negligence, the maintenance provider may be held responsible.
5) Cargo Handling Issues
Proper loading and securing cargo are essential for truck safety as they can impact the driver’s steering. An improperly loaded cargo can shift or fall off, causing an accident. In this case, the company that loaded the cargo could be liable for the damages.
Can Other Parties Be Held Responsible in a Car Accident Lawsuit?
Following most car accidents, you typically take legal action only against the driver responsible. Yet, there are circumstances where additional parties could also be held accountable. For instance, if a faulty vehicle part caused the accident, the manufacturer is to blame for it. Similar is the case with inadequate road maintenance or improper vehicle repair, where you can pursue claims against the government for poor road conditions or a mechanic for inappropriate work.
What Steps to Take After a Motor Vehicle Accident?
After a motor vehicle accident, immediately call for police and medical help to the scene.
If your situation allows, collect the other driver’s name, and insurance details, and document the scene with photos and eyewitness contacts.
Don’t ignore your injuries. Seek medical check-ups and get the required tests and scans done. Keep all medical records and proof of lost income.
Avoid discussing the accident with insurers and handle your legal and insurance matters. Hire an attorney to handle all this for you.
Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney TodayWhether dealing with a truck or car accident, the complexities can be daunting. Consulting with an experienced attorney is essential. A skilled lawyer will guide you through the legal maze, protect your rights, and strive to maximize your compensation with care and integrity. If you need to explore your legal options or begin your claim, get professional assistance to achieve a successful outcome.
