Cars and large trucks perform differently
An average vehicle weighs about 5,000 pounds; a large truck can weigh 80,000 pounds or more. Big trucks are not able to stop in the same margins as a small vehicle. In addition, large trucks take up more road space when they need to make turns and require more gears to operate. Big trucks can also be more likely to cause car accidents during bad weather because they are difficult to manipulate.
Trucks have more restrictions
Different laws apply to large trucks because they are so much larger and weigh more than personal vehicles. Some trucks are not allowed to travel on the same roads and bridges as regular cars, and they may have reduced speed limits in certain areas. Many trucks have to be weighed to be sure their loads do not exceed limits, and large trucks often need to have permits to be on the road. If a truck driver or their company violates any of these road restrictions, they could be held liable in an accident.
More than one person could be faulted for an accident
When claims are filed against large trucks in accidents with small cars, the truck driver, the trucking company and even the company that manufactures the product being delivered could be held responsible for the accident. In cases like these, the insurance filing can be incredibly complicated. For this reason, it may be helpful for accident victims to seek the advice of an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney to help make sense of the insurance claims process.
