Trucking accidents and car accidents may seem similar at first glance, but in Oklahoma, the legal and practical differences between them are significant. Collisions involving commercial trucks often result in more severe injuries, complex liability issues, and stricter federal and state regulations compared to standard car crashes. If you’ve been in a truck accident, understanding these differences can help you navigate the legal process.
Severity of Injuries and Property Damage
One of the biggest differences between trucking and car accidents is the severity of the damage:
- Size – A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, whereas an average passenger vehicle weighs around 4,000 pounds. The force of impact from a truck is significantly greater.
- High Fatality Risk – Due to their massive size, trucks can cause devastating injuries such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), broken bones, or even fatalities.
- Multi-Vehicle Collisions – Trucks often jackknife, roll over, or cause chain-reaction crashes, leading to multi-car pile-ups.
For example, a rear-end collision between two cars at low speed might result in minor injuries. However, if a semi-truck rear-ends a car, it could crush the vehicle, causing life-threatening injuries or fatalities. A personal injury attorney can help if you’ve been injured in a collision.
Complex Liability Issues
Determining who is at fault in a truck accident is far more complex than in a standard car accident. Unlike a car crash where one driver is typically responsible, trucking accidents can involve multiple liable parties, such as:
- The Truck Driver – If the driver was speeding, fatigued, distracted, or driving under the influence, they could be responsible.
- The Trucking Company – Employers can be liable for hiring unqualified drivers, failing to train employees, or encouraging unsafe driving practices.
- The Truck Manufacturer – If the accident was due to brake failure, tire blowouts, or defective parts, the manufacturer could be liable under product liability laws.
- Cargo Loaders – Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo can shift, causing trucks to tip over or lose control. The company responsible for loading the truck may be liable.
- Maintenance Providers – If the accident was due to poor vehicle maintenance, the company responsible for servicing the truck may share liability.
Federal and State Regulations for Trucks
Commercial trucks are subject to strict federal and Oklahoma state regulations that do not apply to regular vehicles, such as:
- Hours-of-Service Rules – Drivers cannot exceed a certain number of driving hours without rest. Violating these rules can lead to driver fatigue, a major cause of accidents.
- Weight and Load Limits – Trucks must comply with weight restrictions to prevent rollovers or loss of control.
- Drug and Alcohol Testing – Truck drivers must undergo routine drug and alcohol testing.
- Maintenance Requirements – Trucking companies must regularly inspect and repair vehicles to ensure safety.
These laws are enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT).
Insurance Coverage Differences
Trucking accidents often involve higher insurance policy limits than regular car accidents. Oklahoma law requires passenger vehicle drivers to carry a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in liability insurance. However, commercial truck insurance policies often range from $750,000 to several million dollars, depending on the type of cargo and risk factors.
Due to the severe nature of trucking accidents, victims may also receive higher compensation than in regular car accidents
Oklahoma City Injury Attorneys
Trucking accidents in Oklahoma differ significantly from standard car accidents due to greater severity, complex liability issues, strict regulations, and larger insurance policies. Victims of truck accidents must act quickly to gather evidence and protect their rights.
If you or a loved one were injured in a truck accident, our team at Kania Law – OKC Attorneys can help. Call us today at 405-367-8710 or ask a question online.
