A crash of any kind can leave you shaken, injured, and overwhelmed. Whether it involved another car or a commercial truck, you may still be dealing with pain, medical appointments, and the stress of figuring out your next steps.
If you’re looking to understand the difference between car and truck accidents, you’re not alone. Many people find themselves searching for answers after they or someone they love gets hurt in a crash involving a big rig, delivery truck, or semi. These accidents often involve more severe injuries, more parties, and a more complex claims process.
At The Beliz Law Firm, we understand how confusing this can feel. For nearly two decades, we’ve guided injured Californians through both car and truck accident claims, helping clients protect their rights every step of the way.
Below, our Long Beach truck accident lawyers break down the key differences between a truck crash vs. a car crash so you know what to expect and how to move forward.
What Is the Difference Between Car and Truck Accidents?
Car and truck accidents share some common ground. In both, injured people may seek compensation when another party’s negligence causes harm. However, several important differences can impact how a claim unfolds and what is required to prove liability.
Truck Crash vs. Car Crash: Size and Weight Differences
One of the most apparent differences between car and truck accidents is the size and weight of the vehicles involved. Passenger cars are relatively light compared to commercial trucks, which are designed to haul cargo over long distances.
A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh many times more than a typical passenger vehicle. This weight affects how long it takes a truck to stop, its handling in turns, and the force involved in a collision. When a truck and a car collide, the smaller vehicle usually bears the brunt of the impact.
This does not mean car accidents are minor. High-speed or multi-vehicle car crashes can be devastating. But the physics of a truck crash often leads to more severe property damage and a higher risk of serious injuries for those in the smaller vehicle.
Injury Severity and Types of Harm
Both car and truck accidents can cause life-changing injuries. Broken bones, concussions, spinal injuries, and internal trauma can occur in either type of crash. However, due in part to the size and weight differences, injuries in truck accidents can sometimes lead to catastrophic harm such as traumatic brain injuries, severe burns, amputations, or permanent disability.
At the same time, it is important to recognize that a car accident can cause equally devastating harm, especially at high speeds or when vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians or motorcyclists, are involved.
From a claims standpoint, more serious injuries typically result in increased medical care, longer recovery times, and higher lost income. This can make it more complicated to evaluate long-term needs and calculate fair compensation in both car and truck cases.
Identifying the Responsible Parties
In many car accident cases, the at-fault party is another driver, or possibly a vehicle manufacturer or repair shop, if a defect or poor maintenance contributed to the accident. Sometimes a business may be involved, such as in a rideshare crash or when someone is driving for work.
In commercial truck cases, it is more common for several different parties to share responsibility. Potentially liable parties can include:
- The truck driver,
- The trucking company that employs the driver,
- The company that loaded or secured the cargo,
- A maintenance or repair provider, and
- A manufacturer of defective parts or equipment.
Each of these parties may have separate insurance coverage and separate legal teams. Determining who is responsible, and to what extent, often requires a detailed investigation into driver logs, company policies, cargo loading practices, and maintenance records.
Due to the complexity of identifying liable parties, it is advisable to consult with a Long Beach personal injury lawyer who handles both car and truck cases as soon as possible.
Special Regulations for Commercial Trucks
Another key difference between car and truck accidents is the regulatory framework that applies to them. Passenger car drivers must follow California traffic laws, including speed limits, DUI laws, and road rules.
Commercial truck drivers and trucking companies must follow these same laws, as well as additional federal and state regulations that govern commercial driving. These can include:
- Limits on how many hours a driver can be on duty or behind the wheel,
- Requirements for rest breaks,
- Standards for training and licensing,
- Rules for inspecting and maintaining vehicles, and
- Regulations on cargo weight and securement.
When a truck accident occurs, one important question is whether any of these regulations were violated. For example, a fatigued truck driver who exceeded hours-of-service limits, or a company that skipped required inspections, may be found negligent.
In a car accident, the focus is more often on traffic law violations such as speeding, running a red light, or following too closely.
How These Differences Affect Your Claim
Understanding the differences between car and truck accidents helps explain why some cases feel more complicated than others. More severe injuries, more potentially responsible parties, more regulations, and more involved investigations can all impact:
- How long your claim takes,
- How much evidence must be gathered,
- How negotiations unfold, and
- How your damages are calculated.
It is essential to document the crash, follow your doctor’s recommendations, and avoid rushing into quick settlements before you know the full extent of your injuries.
The legal deadline for filing a lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the accident, regardless of whether the accident involves a car or a truck. In certain cases, such as those involving government entities, a shorter timeline may apply, so it’s essential to obtain case-specific advice.
Contact a Long Beach Personal Injury Lawyer at The Beliz Law Firm
Understanding the differences between car and truck accidents is crucial. Whether your crash involved another driver or a commercial truck, having someone who knows how to navigate both types of cases can make the recovery process far less overwhelming.
At The Beliz Law Firm, we offer:
- Personal, one-on-one communication with your attorney;
- A practice focused solely on personal injury law;
- Small firm attention with big firm results; and
- Local representation from a firm that lives and works in the Long Beach community.
If you were hurt in a car or truck accident in California, you do not have to figure this out alone. Contact The Beliz Law Firm or complete our online form to schedule a complimentary consultation.
We can review your situation, explain your options, and help you take the next step toward recovery.