When a car accident involves a commercial vehicle, such as a delivery truck or big rig, the consequences and legal complexities can differ from a crash involving only passenger cars for a number of reasons. The first is the size and weight of commercial vehicles. These big rigs are often much heavier than traditional cars, meaning that any collision with a passenger car is likely to result in serious damage and injuries. Consider these points:
- Greater impact force: Commercial vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 pounds fully loaded, compared to an average car weight of about 3,000 pounds. The physics of such disparities result in greater force transferred from the large truck to the smaller car. This increases the potential for significant damage and serious injuries for those in the car.
- Increased stopping distance: Heavier vehicles require a longer distance to come to a complete stop. If a commercial vehicle driver fails to maintain a safe following distance, the risk of a rear-end collision escalates.
This weight disparity is just one factor that makes these accidents so much different from a crash with a passenger vehicle. Another key consideration is the legal implications.
Navigating complex liability issues
Accidents involving commercial vehicles often include multiple parties, which can complicate liability issues. Liability will likely extend beyond the truck driver to include the trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, and others. It is also important to be aware of the potential impact of regulatory matters. Commercial drivers and companies must adhere to specific regulations, which can affect liability. For example, violations of hours-of-service regulations or maintenance requirements can shift fault to the driver or company.
Accidents involving commercial vehicles are more complex than those involving only passenger cars, with increased potential for severe damage and complex liability scenarios.