Three Ways an Accident with a Commercial Truck is Different

Texas Truck Accident

There are many ways commercial truck accidents are different than car crashes.  Some directly impact the driver and passengers who are injured.  Some differences, however, are more important to the lawyers who represent the injured.

At the Law Office of Raul A. Guajardo, P.L.L.C., we know truck accidents cause sometimes devastating injuries.  We have the experience necessary to investigate truck accident claims to the fullest extent.  Below are seven ways commercial truck accidents are different – and why you want an attorney skilled in handling these types of cases.

  1. Truckers Operate Under Different Rules

Unlike the driver of another car on the road, truck drivers have rules and regulations governing their driving.  For example, there is a limit on the number of hours a trucker is allowed to drive in a single day.  Separately, there is a limit on the number of miles a trucker can travel each day.  This is for everyone’s safety.  This limit is imposed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), part of the United States Department of Transportation.  Additionally, truck drivers must have a special license.  They are required to ensure truck maintenance. Finally, truckers must submit to annual inspections of their vehicle and equipment.

  1. Trucks are Heavier and Slower

The average car weighs around 5,000 pounds.  The average commercial truck, on the other hand, weighs up to 80,000 pounds.  Consider this: a car traveling 65 miles per hour requires about 316 feet to come to a complete stop.  A truck traveling 65 miles per hour, however, requires almost 525 feet to come to a complete stop.  Stopping distance increases even more when road conditions such as rain are present.  Additionally, when a truck has a heavy load, the truck needs even more space to come to a complete stop.

  1. Truck Accidents Result in More Serious Injuries

Because of the dramatically different size of trucks as compared to cars, as well as the significant weight differences, truck accidents result in more serious injuries, and increase the likelihood of fatalities.  Injuries can include the following:

  • Traumatic brain injury;
  • Skull fractures;
  • Spinal cord injuries;
  • Broken bones;
  • Amputations;
  • Internal injuries;
  • Crushing injuries;
  • Paralysis; as well as
  • Death.

If You Have Been Injured or Lost a Loved One in a Texas Truck Accident

If you have been injured in a commercial truck accident, or if you have lost a loved one in a truck crash, you need an experienced attorney on your side, fighting for you!  At the Law Office of Raul A. Guajardo, P.L.L.C., we have the experience you need to handle your commercial truck accident case.  Mr. Guajardo has handled hundreds of personal injury cases, including cases involving commercial trucks.  With over 20 years of experience, Mr. Guajardo can guide your case through the court system, while you focus on recovering from your injuries.  Contact us for a free consultation. 

Raúl A. Guajardo
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A Strong, Versatile Lawyer Serving McAllen, Texas
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