The Difference Between Truck Accidents and Car Accidents in California
Truck and car accidents may seem similar at first glance, but there are significant differences between them. The size, weight, regulations, and potential consequences of truck crashes make them far more complex than typical car accidents.
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in California, it’s crucial to understand these differences and how they may impact your claim. Below, we break down the key distinctions between truck and car accidents in California and what you need to know if you’ve been injured in a collision.
1. Size and Weight Differences Between Trucks and Cars
One of the most notable differences between truck accidents and car accidents is the sheer size and weight of the vehicles involved.
- Commercial trucks: A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds (40 tons) and reach lengths of 70 to 80 feet. Due to their size, big rigs require 40% more time to stop and need wider turning radiuses than passenger cars.
- Passenger vehicles: The average car weighs between 3,500 and 4,500 pounds, making it significantly smaller and lighter. This weight difference can result in catastrophic injuries for car occupants in a truck collision.
2. Power and Performance Differences
Trucks also differ from passenger vehicles in terms of power and performance.
- Cars typically have:
- 100 to 200 horsepower
- 100 to 200 pounds of torque
- Semi-trucks, on the other hand, have:
- 400 to 600 horsepower
- 1,000 to 2,000 pounds of torque
Because of this immense power difference, trucks take much longer to accelerate and decelerate, increasing the risk of accidents in stop-and-go traffic.
3. Strict Federal and State Regulations for Truck Drivers
Unlike regular motorists, truck drivers must comply with both federal and California state trucking regulations, which aim to reduce accidents caused by fatigue, impaired driving, or mechanical failures.
Some key regulations include:
- Hours of Service (HOS) Rules: Drivers are limited to 12 hours of driving per day after 10 consecutive hours off duty to prevent fatigue-related crashes.
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Requirements: Truck drivers must obtain a specialized CDL, complete training, and pass strict background checks.
- Alcohol and Drug Testing: The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for commercial drivers is 0.04%, compared to 0.08% for regular drivers.
Violating these regulations can make a truck driver – or their employer – liable for damages in a crash.
4. Equipment and Maintenance Issues
Unlike passenger vehicles, commercial trucks require constant maintenance and are subject to strict safety regulations. Common equipment-related causes of truck accidents include:
- Brake Failures: Due to their weight, trucks rely heavily on well-maintained brakes. Worn-out or defective brakes can lead to devastating crashes.
- Tire Blowouts: Semi-trucks have multiple axles and dual tires, increasing the risk of blowouts, which can cause a truck to veer out of control.
- Jackknife Accidents: If a trailer swings forward, it can create a deadly jackknife accident, where the trailer folds at an acute angle to the truck’s cab.
5. The Severity of Injuries in Truck Accidents vs. Car Accidents
Due to the massive size and weight of trucks, collisions between a semi-truck and a passenger vehicle often result in life-altering injuries or fatalities.
Common severe injuries in truck accidents include:
✅ Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
✅ Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
✅ Amputations
✅ Internal organ damage
✅ Severe burns and disfigurement
By contrast, car accidents often involve whiplash, minor fractures, or soft tissue injuries, which are generally less life-threatening than truck accident injuries.
6. Liability Differences: Trucking Companies vs. Individual Drivers
Determining who is at fault in a truck accident is more complex than in a car crash because multiple parties could be liable, including:
- The truck driver (if they were speeding, distracted, or fatigued)
- The trucking company (if they failed to maintain the truck or forced the driver to exceed legal work hours)
- The truck manufacturer (if a defective part caused the crash)
- A third-party maintenance provider (if they improperly serviced the truck)
Car accidents, on the other hand, typically involve one or more drivers who are personally responsible for the crash.
7. The Importance of Preserving Evidence in Truck Accident Cases
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in California, gathering evidence as soon as possible is critical. Unlike car accidents, trucking companies often have legal teams working quickly to minimize their liability.
Key evidence that can strengthen your claim includes:
📌 Black box data (records speed, braking, and hours of operation)
📌 Dashcam or surveillance footage
📌 Driver logs and employment records
📌 Truck maintenance history
A skilled California truck accident lawyer can help preserve this evidence and build a strong case for maximum compensation.
Injured in a Truck Accident? Contact a California Truck Accident Lawyer Today
When a massive commercial truck collides with a car, the consequences can be devastating. Victims may face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and permanent disabilities.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in California, don’t wait to seek legal help. Trucking companies and their insurers will do everything they can to reduce or deny your claim.
Call California truck accident attorney Michael Beliz today for a FREE consultation!