What Makes a Commercial Vehicle Accident Different? | Texas Attorneys

Millions of 18 wheelers traverse El Paso’s highways each year. Because of this heavy commercial vehicle traffic, it’s no surprise that trucking accidents are a serious problem facing our city. If you’ve been involved in a trucking wreck, you may be wondering, “What makes a commercial vehicle accident different?”

Fortunately, our experts at Carabin Shaw are here to give you the answers you’re looking for. Read on to learn about the dangers of El Paso commercial vehicle accidents, find out how to choose the right El Paso semi truck accident lawyers, and more.

1. Commercial Vehicles are Huge, and Extremely Heavy.

Commercial trucks are actually thirty times heavier than the average passenger vehicle. Eighteen wheelers can legally weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, and that’s just the legal limit. Their larger mass means they have greater momentum than passenger vehicles—and can cause far greater devastation.

Because of the massive size discrepancy between huge commercial trucks and passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles cause devastating injuries when they collide with small cars. Studies have found that 77% of injuries and 86% of deaths in commercial vehicle wrecks involve drivers and passengers in the non-commercial vehicle. And because commercial trucks are so massive, it’s no surprise that trucking accidents are generally more serious than other car crashes, with higher fatality and injury rates than other wrecks.

2. Commercial Vehicle Drivers are Subject to Different Laws and Regulations Than Ordinary Drivers.

Truck drivers have to abide by many laws and regulations that ordinary drivers are not required to follow. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has strict regulations that apply solely to transportation companies and commercial vehicle drivers. These regulations include rules about hours of service, maintenance requirements, regular drug and alcohol testing, cell phone usage, insurance requirements, and more.

3. Trucking Accidents are Litigated Differently Than Other Car Accidents.

Because of the federal trucking regulations mentioned above, trucking accidents are litigated differently than other car accidents. Car accident litigation is governed almost entirely by state law; however, trucking accidents always involve both state and federal laws. So if you’ve been in a trucking accident, you need a lawyer who is familiar with the laws and regulations that govern truckers.

4. Truck Drivers Have More Extensive Legal Resources Than Ordinary Drivers.

Because trucking companies are often multimillion-dollar corporations and because trucking accident settlements can cost millions, trucking companies employ massive legal teams whose job is to keep the companies from paying out costly settlements. Because of this, it is much harder to get a fair insurance settlement after a trucking accident than it is after a car accident. That’s why you need to consult a trucking accident attorney as soon as possible after your commercial vehicle accident.

At Carabin Shaw, our talented El Paso accident attorneys have 200 years of combined legal experience and have been successfully handling El Paso commercial vehicle accidents for more than two decades. Our lawyers are passionate about defending the rights of accident victims, and we want to help you get the compensation you deserve following your wreck. We’re so passionate about our clients that our law firm was named by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys as one of the top ten best Texas personal injury firms in 2018 based on client satisfaction.

Best of all, our attorneys offer all prospective clients a no cost, no obligation consultation so you can determine whether we’re the right firm for you. To receive a free consultation with one of our experienced El Paso semi truck accident lawyers, call our El Paso office today at 915-779-2301. Don’t wait—call us today and find out how we can help you.