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Why truck accidents are usually more serious than car crashes

Missouri residents are often surprised to know that there are major differences between accidents that involve cars and ones that involve trucks. A tractor-trailer crash is usually more serious for all vehicles involved in the incident.

Trucks usually have larger insurance policies when compared to smaller vehicles because of the additional risks associated with them. In fact, these policies can be up to 50 times larger than average car policies. A trucking policy is likely to be over $1 million, which makes the stakes quite high for the insurance company.

Due to the size and weight of trucks, trucking accidents usually cause a lot of property damage. In many cases, cars that are hit by trucks are usually completely totaled. The injuries are also more likely to be severe or completely debilitating. So medical costs associated with trucking accidents are also higher, sometimes requiring short-term or permanent disability.

Truck owners and drivers have different standards of care in comparison to smaller vehicles and are also guided by different laws under the Federal Motor Safety Administration and Department of Transportation. This includes regular inspections, limitations on how much drivers can work and maintaining a trucking log.

Expensive wrongful death suits are also more common with trucking accidents. According to estimates from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there are at least 3,000 deaths each year involving trucks. Due to the size and weight of trucks, collisions with these larger vehicles more often result in death.

Individuals who are involved in an accident involving a truck may benefit from consulting with a personal injury lawyer. An attorney could assemble a civil claim based on the police investigation, camera footage and witness accounts. Lawyers could represent their clients in court and advise them on issues that are relevant to truck accidents, including the state’s statute of limitations.