A collision is never simple, but when a commercial truck is involved, the legal landscape shifts when compared to typical motor vehicle incidents. Understanding how the law treats each type of accident can help you if you need to file a negligence claim.
The expanded liability web
In a typical car accident, liability usually falls on one or both drivers. Truck crashes, however, tend to involve a wider range of parties, including:
- The trucker can be responsible for distracted or fatigued driving.
- The trucking company could be liable for negligent hiring, poor training or pressure to meet unrealistic deadlines.
- The cargo loading company might be at fault if improperly secured freight contributed to the crash.
- The vehicle manufacturer or a maintenance provider could share liability if defective parts or poor repairs played a role.
This broader scope of liability is one of the most important distinctions between the two types of accidents. Depending on the circumstances, it is possible to include several, or even all, of these commercial parties in your claim.
The stricter regulatory bar
Passenger vehicles follow state traffic laws, but commercial trucks must meet an added layer of federal oversight. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets and enforces regulations that cover everything from driver rest periods to cargo securement. Importantly, California imposes its own rules as well.
For example, federal rules limit interstate truckers to 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour window, while California permits certain intrastate commercial drivers to operate for up to 12 hours within a 16-hour window. Drivers must also use electronic logging devices to document their compliance.
The extensive evidence trail
Car accident claims generally rely on police reports, witness statements, photos and medical records. Truck crashes, on the other hand, involve a much larger body of evidence such as:
- Electronic logging device data showing whether the trucker followed legal hours
- Black box recordings revealing the vehicle’s speed, braking and engine performance before the crash
- Maintenance logs and inspection records indicating whether the vehicle was properly maintained and safe to drive
Trucking companies are required to retain many of these records, but the data can be lost or overwritten if it is not preserved quickly. Legal counsel could issue a formal preservation letter, which would require the trucking company to secure and retain this critical evidence.
The tighter filing window
In California, both truck and car accidents follow the state’s personal injury statute of limitations. You have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit for injuries and three years for property damage.
Truck crashes can also involve federal laws or multiple insurance companies which add steps
and paperwork. Because of this, truck accident claims often take much longer to investigate and
prepare. Contacting experienced counsel early can help with evidence gathering and
preservation.