Key Differences Between Car and Truck Accident Claims in Benton

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Knowing what kind of accident claim you're dealing with is crucial when motor vehicle accidents occur on Benton's roadways. The impact of a commercial truck accident differs dramatically from that of your typical car crash. 

Accidents involving motor vehicles can have disastrous results. According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 1.2 million were injured in car crashes during 2020. For commercial truck collisions, The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s data shows 114,000 injury crashes in 2019.

While any motor vehicle accident can cause serious harm, large truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries. A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. The average passenger vehicle weighs 4,000 pounds. There are other unique aspects of the personal injury claims process as well.

Car and Truck Accident

The Complex Nature of Commercial Vehicle Claims

Car accident claims typically involve straightforward negotiations between two drivers and their insurance companies. The process focuses mainly on determining fault and documenting injuries. Commercial truck collisions, however, bring many additional complexities into play.

Truck accident claims require extensive investigation into:

  • Federal safety regulations
  • Trucking company policies
  • Multiple insurance policies

The process involves gathering evidence from numerous sources. Truck accident claims often require expert testimony to establish liability. An experienced accident attorney can help make sense of all the requirements in your truck accident case.

Types of Personal Injuries in Benton Motor Vehicle Accidents

Benton, AR, residents know that Interstate 30 can be dangerous. Accidents on such roads can lead to injury and sometimes fatality. Any motor vehicle accident can be life-changing, but truck collisions often cause the most severe injuries.

Common truck accident injuries

The massive force in commercial truck collisions often leads to injuries requiring long-term care. 

Victims may suffer:

Common car accident injuries

Car crashes can result in less severe trauma compared to truck collisions. With proper medical treatment, car accident injuries may heal within weeks or months. 

Potential injuries include:

  • Whiplash
  • Soft-tissue injuries, which represent the most common car crash injuries
  • Concussions
  • Broken bone injuries that can heal without surgery
  • Cuts, bruises, and sprains

Many victims experience temporary anxiety or stress that improves with time and support. Professional counseling may help victims process the experience and regain confidence behind the wheel.

Dealing With Multiple Liable Parties in Motor Vehicle Claims

The personal injury claims process can be confusing for anyone, especially if you don't have a vehicle accident attorney on your side. At Minton Law, we've seen our fair share of motor vehicle accident claims and want to let you know what to expect.

Complex liability in Benton, Arkansas truck accidents

Commercial truck collisions often have multiple parties involved, including the parties listed below:

  • The trucking company’s actions and those of its driver play just one part in the liability puzzle
  • The trucking company holds responsibility for hiring, training, and supervising its drivers properly
  • Truck maintenance providers must properly service and repair these massive vehicles
  • The cargo loading company bears responsibility for securing loads correctly
  • The parts manufacturers may share liability if defective components contributed to the crash

Each of these parties carries separate insurance coverage with different policy limits. This web of coverage creates complex negotiations requiring experienced accident attorneys. A truck accident lawyer is invaluable when it comes to determining the exact contribution of each party to the accident.

Straightforward car accident liability

Car crash claims usually involve simpler liability determination. Most personal injury cases focus on the actions of two private drivers. Their personal auto insurance policies provide the primary source of compensation.

Sometimes motor vehicle manufacturers or maintenance shops may share some responsibility. However, these additional parties become involved less often than in truck accident cases.

Differences in Evidence Collection

Depending on the specifics of the crash, many types of evidence may be gathered in motor vehicle accidents. Let's examine the differences between gathering evidence in cars and trucks.

Essential truck injury case evidence

Collecting evidence after a truck accident requires swift action to preserve critical documentation. Commercial truck accidents often leave a huge mess on the road. Cleaning this up as soon as possible is often a priority. This means investigators have to work quickly to gather evidence.

Some crucial pieces of evidence collected after a truck collision include:

  • Driver qualification files
  • Training records
  • Hours of service
  • Black box data
  • Accident scene photographs
  • Maintenance and inspection records
  • Drug and alcohol testing results
  • Company safety policies and procedures
  • Communications between the driver and dispatcher

Standard car accident evidence

Car crash cases typically need simpler forms of evidence. 

Potential evidence may include:

  • Police reports
  • Photographs
  • Witness statements
  • Medical records
  • Insurance information

This straightforward evidence-gathering process usually moves more quickly than truck incident investigations.

Commercial Safety Standards in Benton, Arkansas

All cars are governed by standard traffic regulations. However, commercial trucks also have to follow federal safety regulations.

Federal trucking regulations

The trucking industry must follow extensive federal safety regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict requirements for the following:

  • Driver qualifications and training
  • Regular drug and alcohol testing
  • Hours of service rules
  • Vehicle maintenance standards
  • Cargo loading and securing regulations

Basic traffic safety rules

Car accidents typically involve only standard traffic laws and regulations. All drivers must follow the basic rules of the road, which include:

  • Speed limits
  • Traffic signals
  • Right-of-way rules

Vehicle maintenance focuses on basic safety equipment like brakes and lights. Driver licensing requirements remain simple compared to commercial standards. This simpler regulatory environment makes car crash cases more straightforward.

Expert Support in Benton, AR Accident Cases

Depending on the severityof a crash, expert testimony may be required. Having experts prove that the other party is at fault can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Extensive expert needs in truck cases

Truck accident claims cases often require testimony from multiple expert witnesses, which could be:

  • Accident reconstruction specialists
  • Transportation safety experts
  • Medical professionals
  • Economic experts
  • Life care planning specialists

Limited expert needs in car cases

Car accident cases may benefit from expert testimony but typically require fewer specialists. 

Your motor vehicle accident lawyer may contact the following expert witnesses:

  • Basic reconstruction to establish fault
  • Medical experts who can explain specific injuries and treatment needs
  • Economic analysts who can clarify the financial impacts of sustained injuries
  • Life care planners, which rarely come into play except in severe cases

Contact a Benton, AR Personal Injury Attorney

Car crash claims and truck accident claims are quite different. You need to know that, in either case, you don't have to handle the process alone. Minton Law’s accident lawyers have the experience and resources necessary to handle both types of cases. Our team can ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

We understand the unique challenges faced by motor vehicle accident victims in Benton, Saline County, and throughout Arkansas. Our firm is committed to aggressively pursuing your claim.

Contact Minton Law today to schedule your free consultation. Discuss your case with an experienced personal injury attorney and understand your legal options. Our team serves clients throughout Little Rock - Pulaski County, Benton - Saline County, and Conway - Faulkner County, Arkansas. Let us put our experience to work for you, protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.

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