Why Semi-Truck Accidents Are Different from Regular Car Accidents (And Why Your Attorney Needs to Know)
Semi-truck accidents are among the most devastating motor vehicle collisions on California roads. While any car accident can cause serious injuries, crashes involving commercial trucks are far more complex — legally, medically, and financially.
If you were injured in a semi-truck accident in Indio, La Quinta, Coachella, Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Thermal, Mecca, El Centro, Cathedral City, Thousand Palms, or Rancho Mirage, it’s crucial to understand why your case requires a law firm with specific experience handling commercial trucking claims.
1. The Size and Weight of Commercial Trucks Cause More Severe Damage
A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. A typical passenger car weighs around 3,000 pounds. This massive difference means truck accidents often cause:
- Life-changing injuries
- Longer recovery times
- Higher medical costs
- More extensive property damage
Insurance companies know this — and they immediately start working to reduce what they owe.
2. Multiple Parties May Be Liable
Unlike a regular car accident where typically one or two drivers are involved, a truck accident can involve several responsible parties, including:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The truck owner (if different from the company)
- Maintenance contractors
- Trailer owners
- Cargo loading companies
- Manufacturers of defective truck parts
Your attorney needs to know how to identify all liable parties so you can pursue every source of compensation available.
3. Trucking Companies Have Powerful Insurance Providers
Trucking companies carry high-value insurance policies — sometimes millions of dollars in coverage. Because the stakes are so high, their insurance teams often:
- Send investigators to the crash scene within hours
- Try to shift blame onto the injured victim
- Delay, deny, or undervalue claims
- Pressure victims into quick settlements
This is why having an experienced attorney is critical. You need someone who knows how to push back.
4. Truck Accident Evidence Is More Complicated
Truck accident cases often involve specialized evidence that does not exist in a typical car accident, such as:
- Black box (ECM) data
- Driver logbooks
- Cargo loading records
- Maintenance and inspection reports
- Hours-of-service violations
- GPS and telematics data
Trucking companies may attempt to hide or destroy this information. Prompt legal action ensures the evidence is preserved.
5. Federal and State Trucking Laws Apply
Semi-truck accidents are governed by federal regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) as well as California state laws. These regulations cover:
- Driver rest requirements
- Truck maintenance schedules
- Load weight limits
- Drug and alcohol testing
- Commercial driver qualifications
An attorney unfamiliar with trucking laws may miss critical violations that could strengthen your case.
6. Injuries in Semi-Truck Accidents Are Often More Serious
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Severe burns
- Wrongful death
These types of injuries require a long-term approach to compensation — not just covering today’s medical bills but tomorrow’s needs as well.
7. You May Be Eligible for Higher Compensation
Because semi-truck accidents often cause significant and permanent harm, victims may be entitled to damages such as:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
An attorney experienced in trucking litigation understands how to calculate the full value of your case.
Speak With a California Truck Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one was injured in a semi-truck accident anywhere in the Coachella Valley or Imperial Valley, DG Law Group is here to help. Our experienced attorneys know how to take on trucking companies, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today:
Phone: (760) 863-1800
Visit our Contact Page
We proudly serve clients in Indio, La Quinta, Coachella, Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Thermal, Mecca, El Centro, Cathedral City, Thousand Palms, and Rancho Mirage.
