What Are the Differences Between Car and Truck Accidents?
While there are many similarities between car and truck accidents, there are also a few key differences. Knowing these differences can help you pursue a personal injury case after being injured in a New Jersey truck accident.
Basic Differences Between Truck and Car Crashes
Some of the biggest differences between car and truck accidents include:
Size and Weight of Impact
Commercial trucks are much larger than passenger vehicles, so there’s often much more impact in an accident. If a commercial truck hits a passenger vehicle, there’s almost always expensive damage and injuries present. If a passenger vehicle hits another passenger vehicle, the extent of damages often depends on the speed at which each vehicle was traveling.
Damages
The damages from a commercial truck accident are often much more expensive than a traditional car accident. A passenger vehicle that’s involved in an accident with another passenger vehicle may be able to be repaired. If a commercial truck hits a passenger vehicle, it’s common for the vehicle to be totaled.
Injuries
The injuries from a commercial truck accident are often more severe than in an accident with two passenger vehicles, as well. While passengers can be severely injured in a two-car accident, there is also the chance of minimal injuries. If a commercial truck runs into a passenger vehicle, there’s a higher chance of severe injuries.
Passengers may be subject to head and neck injuries, whiplash, or broken bones in a passenger vehicle accident. In an accident that involves a commercial truck, it’s possible to have injuries like a traumatic brain injury or permanent disability.
Compensation Process
If you’re injured in an accident, and another driver is at fault, you may decide to seek compensation from their insurance provider to assist with your damages. This process may look a little different if you’re in an accident with a commercial truck driver.
Commercial drivers are subject to the same laws as passenger vehicles but may also have additional regulations. For example, truck drivers must carry commercial insurance. They must also follow Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, like the number of hours they can drive in between breaks.
This means there may be additional reasons they are negligent if they cause an accident. It’s also possible for other parties to be responsible when a commercial truck accident occurs, such as the driver’s employer.
Navigating a Truck Accident
It’s not always easy to navigate any type of accident. However, navigating a commercial truck accident can be more in-depth because of the higher value of damages and injuries involved. Additionally, finding out who is at fault may be more difficult since more potential parties are involved in a commercial truck accident.
It’s usually a good idea to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer when dealing with a commercial truck accident. If you were involved in a truck accident, you’ll likely have short and long-term medical bills. Your ability to earn a living may also be compromised. A lawyer can help you investigate the details of the case and determine who’s responsible. They can also help you fight for the compensation you need to recover.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Near You in Westfield NJ to Discuss Your Truck Accident Case
Were you or a loved one injured due to a truck accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Drazin and Warshaw, P.C. represent clients injured because of accidents in Westfield, Clark, Rahway, Linden, and throughout Ocean County, Monmouth County, Union County, and Middlesex County, New Jersey. Call (732) 576-8860 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 3315 Route 35, Hazlet, NJ 07730 as well as offices in Red Bank, Brick, and Westfield.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
