Differences Between Car and Truck Accidents

Large commercial trucks can be found on state roads, interstate highways, and in certain areas, local roadways throughout Florida. They go by a few different names: 18 wheelers, tractor trailers, and semi trucks. All of these vehicles need different clearances and can fall prey to different roadway hazards than cars and other passenger vehicles.

If you are involved in a collision with a tractor trailer, you can suffer a serious injury. Educate yourself about the differences between truck accidents and car accidents before you are involved in this type of collision.

Trucks are Substantially Larger, Heavier, and More Dangerous

A tractor trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. In comparison, the average car weighs a little over 4,000 pounds. When a car and a commercial truck collide, the car’s driver and passengers are far more likely to be injured or killed by the impact because of this weight disparity. The weight difference is the root of other differences between these vehicle types that can impact crash victims’ likelihood of being injured as well, such as the power of a truck compared to the power of a car and how the weight distribution of a commercial truck requires different driving and handling techniques, which can make them more susceptible to certain roadway hazards.

Certain Types of Accident are Unique to Trucks

Some types of accident can occur no matter which types of vehicle are involved, like head-on collisions and T-bone accidents. Others only affect certain types of vehicle. Large trucks are at risk of jackknifing, a position that can occur when the driver loses control of the trailer portion of the vehicle and it swerves close to the tractor, closing like a pocket knife. Trucks are also at risk of rolling over due to an imbalance in their trailers or improperly packed cargo.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim After a Truck Accident Can be a Different Process than Filing One After a Car Accident

In most Florida vehicle accident cases, the victim can file a personal injury protection (PIP) claim with his or her insurance provider to cover his or her medical bills. But there are limits to this protection and in cases where the victim suffers a severe injury, he or she can file a personal injury claim with the negligent party.

The insurance provider with which to file a personal injury claim depends on how the truck driver is employed. He or she might be an employee of a large company, in which case an injured victim may file a claim with the driver’s employer. Many truck drivers are owner operators who carry their own motor carrier insurance policies. After a collision with this type of driver, a victim can file a personal injury claim with the driver’s motor carrier provider.

Draper Law Office is Here to Help you Pursue your Accident Claim

If you were injured in a truck accident, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you determine the most effective way to move forward with your claim. Contact Draper Law Office today at 866-767-4711 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with us. We can determine whether you have grounds for a PIP or personal injury claim and work with you to seek the money you deserve.