Truck accidents are different than standard-sized passenger vehicles in many different ways. If you have been injured in an accident that involved a commercial truck, it is imperative that you hire an accident law firm that understands these differences and how it can impact the outcome of your case.

This article discusses the five major differences between truck accidents and other types of motor vehicle accidents.

1. The Severity of Your Injuries

A commercial truck is generally much larger and heavier than other types of standard-sized passenger vehicles, even when the truck is not loaded with cargo. As such, injuries caused by accidents that involve commercial trucks are typically more devastating and often involve life-altering injuries or even death.

2. The Complexity of Investigating the Accident

Immediately gathering evidence after any type of automobile accident is important – especially for accidents involving commercial trucks. If you or your truck accident attorney fails to quickly gather the necessary evidence to prove your case, it is likely to become lost or destroyed. Evidence that should be preserved after a truck accident includes:

• Photographs
• Trucking company files
• Trucking maintenance and inspection records
• Insurance information
• Device records
• Accident records
• Records relating to the truck driver

3. Multiple Parties May Be Responsible for the Accident

Accidents that involve trucks often are also different because multiple parties may be responsible for your injuries. Parties that may ultimately be responsible in a truck accident include:

• The trucker
• The owner of the truck or trailer
• The trucking company that employed the trucker
• The individuals and/or companies that loaded and secured the cargo the truck was carrying at the time of the accident
• Freight shippers
• The manufacturer of the truck or its parts
• Various contractors

4. State and Federal Regulations

The trucking industry is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA regulates certain commercial motor vehicle activities, including hours of service. These regulations are designed to help keep roads safe. Individual states may also set their own rules and regulations that the trucking companies have to follow.

5. Insurance Issues

New Jersey is a no-fault insurance state. Although this makes it easier for accident victims to recover medical expenses from their own insurance companies, it can also limit their rights to file a lawsuit. However, this no-fault insurance limit does not apply to motor accident vehicles involving commercial trucks. In other words, if you were injured in an accident caused by a commercial truck driver, you have a right to file suit to recover monetary compensation.

Call a New Jersey Truck Accident Attorney!

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident that involved a truck, it is imperative that you immediately consult with an attorney who specifically handles these types of accidents. For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation with an experienced car accident attorney in New Jersey.