Why Semi Truck Accidents Are Different From Other Car Accidents
Car accidents involving semi trucks are usually more damaging than car accidents involving smaller cars. Here are some of the reasons for the severity of these accidents:
They Cause More Damage and Injuries
In a given car accident, the momentum of the vehicles involved is one of the determinants of the extent of the injuries and vehicle damages. Now, momentum is a factor of velocity and mass (weight); an increase in either of those increases the momentum and with it the severity of the injuries and damages. Semi trucks are definitely heavier than regular cars, which is one reason they cause more serious accidents. In fact, the risk of fatalities is higher for accidents involving semi trucks compared to accidents involving family vehicles.
Expect higher medical bills, longer sick days, as well as higher vehicle repair costs if your car has been crashed by a semi-truck. In short, these accidents result in higher damages than other forms of car accidents.
They Are Subject To Different Regulations
The government understands that big automobiles, such as semi trucks, are inherently more dangerous than smaller vehicles such as family sedans. Apart from the size and weight of these trucks, they are also more difficult to control on the road. For this reason, the laws and regulations governing the operations of semi trucks are different from those of other cars. These laws and regulations see to it that the trucks are properly maintained, driven by the right people, and inspected as required by the law.
Therefore, in case you have been involved in an accident with a semi truck, the determination of liability may be different from that of an accident involving smaller cars only. For example, the driver of the semi truck may be found liable for the accident because they violated a regulation that doesn't apply to family cars.
Their Insurance Limits Tend To Be Higher
Both the government and insurance companies know that semi trucks cause more serious damages and injuries than smaller cars. For this reason, insurance coverage limits for commercial tend to be higher than those for private cars. It is also more likely for a private driver to lack insurance coverage than a commercial driver. This decreases the risk that you may be awarded a bigger settlement than the truck owners can afford.
Considering these special issues, it makes sense that car accidents involving semi trucks should be handled by accident lawyers experienced in the same. If you have been injured in a crash involving a semi truck, consult a truck accident lawyer to help you process the claim.
Contact a law office like D Chadwick Calvert Law Office for more information and assistance.
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