Trucking Accidents vs. Car Accidents: Key Differences in Legal Claims

When it comes to vehicle accidents on Louisiana roads, collisions involving commercial trucks present unique challenges compared to standard passenger vehicle accidents. As a personal injury attorney who has handled countless trucking accident cases, I've seen firsthand how these distinctions significantly impact the legal process and potential compensation.

More Severe Injuries and Damages

The most obvious difference is the severity of damages. A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, compared to the average passenger car at about 4,000 pounds. This enormous weight disparity means truck accidents typically cause more catastrophic injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage and paralysis
• Multiple fractures and crush injuries
• Severe internal organ damage
• Fatal injuries

The medical costs, long-term care needs, and life impacts are correspondingly higher, making proper valuation of these claims essential.

Complex Liability Issues

In a typical car accident, liability usually rests with one or more drivers. Trucking accidents, however, may involve multiple responsible parties:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company (employer)
• The truck owner (if different from the company)
• The cargo loading company
• Truck manufacturers or maintenance providers
• Third-party leasing companies

Identifying all potentially liable parties is crucial for maximizing compensation and ensuring accountability.

Federal Regulations Add Complexity

Commercial trucking is heavily regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations govern:

• Hours of service and mandatory rest periods
• Driver qualification and training requirements
• Vehicle inspection and maintenance standards
• Cargo loading and securement rules
• Drug and alcohol testing protocols

Violations of these regulations can be powerful evidence of negligence, but understanding and properly applying these complex rules requires specialized legal knowledge.

More Extensive Evidence Collection

Trucking accident cases involve unique types of evidence not typically available in car accident cases:

• Electronic logging devices (ELDs) that track driving time
• "Black box" data recorders with speed, braking, and other metrics
• Driver qualification files and training records
• Post-accident drug and alcohol testing results
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Corporate safety policies and compliance history

This evidence can be critical but is often difficult to obtain without prompt legal intervention. Trucking companies may legally destroy certain records after specific time periods if not properly requested.

Insurance Complexities

Commercial trucks typically carry much higher insurance coverage than passenger vehicles—often $750,000 to $1,000,000 or more, compared to the Louisiana minimum of $15,000 per person for cars.

However, this higher coverage means insurance companies fight these claims aggressively, often sending investigators to the scene immediately and deploying teams of attorneys to minimize liability.

The Importance of Acting Quickly

The trucking company's response team may arrive at an accident scene within hours. They immediately begin collecting evidence and building their defense. To level the playing field, victims need equally prompt legal representation.

At Richards Law LLC, we immediately send preservation of evidence letters to prevent the destruction of crucial records and deploy our own investigators and experts to document the scene and collect time-sensitive evidence.

Expert Witnesses Are Essential

Successful trucking accident cases typically require specialized expert witnesses:

• Accident reconstructionists with commercial vehicle expertise
• Trucking safety compliance experts
• Medical specialists for catastrophic injuries
• Life care planners for long-term care needs
• Economic experts for future earnings losses

These experts help establish liability and accurately value the full extent of damages—both critical elements for maximizing compensation.

Conclusion

Trucking accident cases require a fundamentally different approach than standard car accidents. The stakes are higher, the legal issues more complex, and the opposition more formidable.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Louisiana, having an attorney with specific experience in commercial vehicle litigation can make a crucial difference in your case outcome. At Richards Law LLC, we have the expertise, resources, and determination to take on trucking companies and their insurers to secure the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your trucking accident case.