When a truck collides with a car, the devastation is rarely “just another accident.”
When a large truck and a passenger vehicle collide, the results are rarely minor. Commercial trucks can weigh 20 times more than the average car, and the force they generate in a crash often leaves victims with life-changing injuries. That difference in severity is one of the main reasons why settlements in truck accident cases are often much higher than in car accident claims.
The size of the settlement is not just about numbers on a page. It reflects the very real physical, emotional, and financial impact on people’s lives. Here’s why truck accidents tend to lead to larger payouts and why it matters for those trying to recover after a crash.
How are truck accidents different from car accidents?
The most obvious difference is size and weight. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while a typical car weighs just 3,000 to 4,000 pounds. That weight creates a significantly greater force on impact, which typically results in more severe damage and injuries.
- Longer stopping distances make it harder for drivers to avoid collisions.
- Wide blind spots can hide nearby vehicles.
- High rollover risk exists in certain conditions, particularly when cargo is shifting.
Even at lower speeds, these factors make truck crashes far more destructive than most car accidents.
Why do truck accidents cause more serious injuries?
When a truck hits a car, the smaller vehicle often takes the brunt of the impact. The people inside can suffer catastrophic injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Severe fractures or amputations
- Burns from fuel fires or hazardous cargo spills
These injuries can require surgeries, months of rehabilitation, and in many cases, lifelong medical care. The cost of treatment alone can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars. On top of that, victims often face lost wages, limited mobility, and emotional trauma that all factor into a higher settlement value.
How does liability in truck accidents impact settlements?
Truck accident cases are rarely straightforward. While a car crash usually involves two drivers, a truck accident can involve several potentially responsible parties, such as:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- Cargo loading contractors
- Vehicle maintenance providers
- Parts or vehicle manufacturers
Because more than one party may be legally liable, multiple insurance policies are often available. That increases the potential settlement amount, but it also complicates the legal process. Each party may attempt to shift blame, and a careful investigation is required to determine who should pay and how much.
How do trucking regulations affect a case?
The trucking industry is heavily regulated at both the federal and state levels. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets rules for:
- The maximum hours a driver can be on the road before resting
- Routine vehicle inspections and maintenance
- Cargo weight limits and securement
- Drug and alcohol testing
If a trucking company or driver violates these rules, it can be strong evidence of negligence. Proving such violations can significantly increase the likelihood of a larger settlement, as it demonstrates a failure to meet required safety standards.
Why do trucks have higher insurance coverage than cars?
Federal law requires interstate trucking companies to carry much higher minimum liability coverage than passenger vehicles. For most trucks, the minimum is $750,000; however, it can be significantly higher for those hauling hazardous materials. By comparison, many car owners carry just $25,000 to $50,000 in liability coverage.
This difference means that when someone is badly hurt in a truck accident, there is often more insurance money available to cover medical bills, lost income, and other damages.
What types of damages can make truck settlements so high?
Truck accident victims often claim both economic and non-economic damages. The more severe the injury and the greater the life impact, the higher the settlement can be. Economic damages include:
- Emergency care, surgeries, and hospital stays
- Rehabilitation and long-term medical needs
- Lost wages and reduced future earning potential
- Vehicle and property damage
Non-economic damages cover the personal impact of a truck accident, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship for a spouse or partner
How do trucking companies fight claims?
Trucking companies often respond to truck accidents quickly, sometimes by sending investigators to the scene within hours. They may:
- Dispute over who caused the crash
- Offer quick settlements that are lower than the case is worth
- Delay negotiations to pressure victims into accepting less
This aggressive defense is why having an experienced lawyer can make such a difference. An Indiana truck accident attorney can gather key evidence, such as electronic logging device data, driver records, and maintenance reports, before it is lost or destroyed.
Why does quick action matter after a truck accident?
Evidence in truck accidents can vanish quickly. Federal rules permit companies to destroy certain records after a short period, unless they're preserved for potential claims. Acting quickly ensures that logbooks, inspection reports, and black box data are secured before they’re lost. An experienced truck accident attorney can send a spoliation letter to demand the preservation of evidence, conduct interviews with witnesses while their memories are fresh, and collaborate with accident reconstruction experts to strengthen the case.
Protect your rights after a truck accident in Indiana
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you may be facing some of the most challenging days of your life. The medical bills can be overwhelming, you may be unable to work, and the trucking company’s insurance provider will be looking for ways to reduce what they pay you. The Indiana truck accident lawyers at Glaser & Ebbs understand the devastating impact these crashes can have. We’ve helped clients throughout Indiana recover the compensation they deserve after suffering serious injuries in truck accidents.
With more than 100 years of combined legal experience and a track record of winning substantial settlements and verdicts, we know how to take on large trucking companies and their insurance providers. We handle everything from investigating the crash to negotiating aggressively on your behalf. Our work is also conducted on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and no legal fees unless we successfully resolve your case and recover compensation on your behalf.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and get to work protecting your rights so you can focus on your recovery.
“They are very helpful, very professional, and polite. They made sure I understood everything that would happen in my case from the beginning to the end.” - T.D., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐