Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers | February 21, 2025 | Personal Injury
Trucking accidents are among the most severe and complex collisions on the road. Due to their size and weight, commercial trucks—often weighing up to 80,000 pounds—pose a higher risk of catastrophic injuries compared to passenger vehicles. In San Diego, California, the legal process surrounding trucking accidents is significantly more complicated than car accidents, with specific regulations and higher insurance requirements at play. If you or someone you know has been involved in a trucking accident, understanding these differences is crucial.
1. Severity of Injuries and Damages
The most significant difference between trucking accidents and car accidents is the extent of damage they cause. Due to their massive size and weight, commercial trucks can lead to catastrophic injuries, including spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and multiple fractures. Victims often require extensive medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation.
While car accidents can also result in serious injuries, they are generally less severe. California’s Vehicle Code Section 23153 addresses DUI offenses that can increase accident severity, but in trucking accidents, the sheer momentum and force of impact drastically raise the risk of life-altering harm.
2. Liability and Negligence
Liability in trucking accidents is far more complex than in standard car accidents. In a typical car crash, fault usually rests with the driver and their insurance provider. However, trucking accidents can involve multiple liable parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, and third-party maintenance providers.
California’s pure comparative fault rule allows fault to be shared among multiple parties. If a trucking company fails to maintain its fleet or violates safety regulations, both the driver and the company may be held accountable.
Additionally, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces strict regulations on truck drivers, covering hours of service, rest breaks, and vehicle maintenance. Violations of these rules can further increase liability for both the driver and the trucking company.
3. Insurance Requirements
Insurance coverage for trucking accidents is far more complex than for car accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates that commercial trucks carry at least $750,000 in liability insurance for non-hazardous cargo, but this amount can increase up to $5 million depending on the type of cargo (e.g., hazardous materials). Some companies may carry even higher coverage.
In contrast, California’s minimum coverage for passenger vehicles is generally much lower. With the higher stakes in trucking accidents, the legal process often involves multiple insurance companies and parties, making the case more complicated.
4. Regulatory Oversight
Trucking accidents are subject to both federal and state regulations. In California, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and California Highway Patrol (CHP) oversee trucking companies, ensuring they comply with safety inspections and vehicle maintenance standards.
Trucking companies are legally obligated to perform regular vehicle inspections. If an accident is caused by a failure to properly maintain a truck, both the driver and the company could face liability. Furthermore, drivers must adhere to regulations regarding driving hours to prevent drowsy driving, which is a common factor in truck accidents.
5. The Role of Expert Witnesses
In trucking accident cases, expert witnesses often play a vital role in determining fault and evaluating damages. Experts can provide insights on complex issues, such as the driver’s adherence to safety regulations, the mechanical condition of the truck, or how the accident occurred. While expert testimony is also used in car accidents, it’s typically less common due to the simpler nature of such cases.
Contact a Trucking Accident Lawyer For Help
Trucking accidents are far more complex than car accidents, with greater potential for severe injuries, more parties involved in liability, and more stringent regulations to navigate. Victims of trucking accidents in San Diego, California, should seek experienced legal counsel to understand their rights and pursue appropriate compensation.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident, the team at Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help you. With our expertise in trucking laws and personal injury cases, we can guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact the Personal Injury Lawyers of Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers in San Diego, CA, for Help Today
For more information, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today.
We proudly serve San Diego County and its surrounding areas:
Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers – San Diego Office
835 5th Avenue #302, San Diego, CA 92101
(858) 551-2090
Available 24/7
Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers – La Jolla Office
4660 La Jolla Village Dr. San Diego, CA 92122
(858) 585-9031
Available 24/7
