What Are the Differences Between Truck and Car Accidents in Texas?
March 21st, 2022
Being involved in any sort of auto accident can cause substantial physical and emotional trauma. Although there are many common factors between truck and car accidents, there are also many differences between the two types of crashes.
Your Austin truck accident lawyer at Ramos James Law, PLLC, recommends motorists learn the difference between the two types of accidents to better understand their own circumstances should they be involved in one.
Truck Accident Statistic in Texas
Truck drivers are essential to our economy, transporting goods and materials across our state and nation. However, being involved in a collision with a truck can cause catastrophic damage to your vehicle and health.
These statistics from 2010 prove the seriousness of truck accidents:
- There were over 115,000 truck accidents in the United States
- About 12,600 of those accidents took place on Texas roadways
- There were almost 400 fatalities
- These accidents led to 6,500 severe injuries
Unfortunately, truck accidents continue to happen in Texas at a frightening rate and with calamitous consequences. If you have been involved in an accident with a truck, contact your Austin attorney to see if you can start a claim against the driver or company.
Key Differences Between Truck and Car Accidents
Below we have listed the three principal differences between truck and passenger car accidents:
1. Truck Drivers And Their Companies Must Follow Safety Regulations
Truck drivers have specific laws targeted to them on top of obeying the standard road rules. Some safety regulations truck drivers have to follow, while other drivers do not, include the following:
- Amount of hours driven
- Weight of the vehicle
- Truck inspections by the driver and company
- Maintenance requirements
- CDL licensing requirements
- Drug testing
- Background checks
A truck driver or company that fails to follow these regulations may be subject to negligence.
2. The Gravity of the Personal Injury
It doesn’t take a physicist to foresee the devastating results a truck collision can have on a passenger car. A truck’s weight can easily be double the weight of a passenger vehicle. Because of the size difference, drivers and passengers of a car involved in a truck accident can face severe injuries:
- Broken bones
- Injuries to their back and neck
- Burns
- Death
3. Dealing With Trucking Companies and Their Insurance is Complicated
Most truck companies are prepared for any and all types of situations that can occur with their employees. The companies are aware of the severity of accidents their drivers can potentially cause, so their insurance companies are prepared to investigate and fight at any given moment.
This is why you must act fast, if you can, and follow the steps on what to do after a truck accident to begin building your claim with your Austin truck accident lawyer.