Accidents involving semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles really are in a category all their own. These types of collisions can be incredibly severe, causing destructive and costly damages as well as debilitating and sometimes fatal injuries. Even at low speeds they can be life-threatening. But destruction and devastation are not the only ways they differ from other motor vehicle accidents. There are complex legal and liability differences at place as well.

Truck Accidents vs Car Accidents

Here are the main ways tractor-trailer crashes are so different from other car accidents and why it’s important that you have an attorney who’s experienced with semi-truck cases on your side.

Severity of Injuries & Damages

Common injuries from accidents involving semi-trucks include traumatic brain injuries, broken or crushed bones, internal injuries, back and spine injuries, and even death. At low speeds, other vehicles involved are often totaled. The reason they can be so much more destructive is because of their size, weight and ground clearance compared to other vehicles on the road.

• A semi-truck is 20 to 30 times bigger than a standard car.
• Fully loaded it can weigh up to 80,000 pounds whereas the average car weighs about 4,000 pounds.
• The height differences between car bumpers and tractor-trailer undercarriages can lead to devastating and often fatal underride collisions.

Since these accidents and injuries are usually more severe, there’s more at stake. If injured in a trucking accident you could be facing higher medical bills, longer recovery and more time lost from work. You’ll want an attorney on your side who will advocate for you and help you navigate the insurance and personal injury claim process.

Complexity of Liability & Claims

If you are injured in a car accident, there are usually only two people who could be held liable for your damages or injuries – the other driver and the owner of the vehicle. That, however, is not the case with commercial trucking accidents, which makes figuring out liability and filing claims that much harder.

• Multiple parties could be liable, including the truck driver, truck company, maintenance worker, vehicle manufacturer, cargo loaders, and a range of others, if the accident occurred as a result of their negligence.
• It is also possible that the city, county or state could be liable if a defective or improperly designed roadway contributed to the accident.

With multiple factors, parties and insurance companies involved, truck accidents can be far more complicated. They can take longer to investigate and can be harder to prove. With multiple legal teams and each insurance company downplaying their role, denying responsibility or shifting blame, you need your own experienced legal team fighting for your rights. One that’s familiar with semi-truck accidents and is prepared to assemble the evidence to prove your case.

Legal Differences

In the state of Minnesota, truck accidents are different than small vehicle accidents from a legal perspective. The trucking industry is regulated by a strict set of federal and state laws regarding driving hours, vehicle maintenance, cargo securement, and more. These regulations along with other safety standards truck drivers are required to meet provide the basis for establishing fault on the part of the trucking company and the semi driver. Often, these traffic accidents are caused by:

• Driver negligence
• Lack of alertness and fatigue
• Overloaded freight
• High speeds

In these types of truck accidents, federal law, Minnesota state law and the Minneapolis accident attorneys at Brazil Sweeney Law Group are on your side. We treat semi-truck accident cases differently than other automobile accident cases. We will advocate for your rights to get you the compensation you deserve. Reach out today for a free, no-obligation consultation.