Truck accidents are often more catastrophic than passenger car accidents. Our experienced Greenville car accident lawyer at Bobby Jones Law explains car vs. semi accidents in Greenville, SC, and what victims can recover.
Why Are Semi-Truck Accidents So Much More Dangerous Than Standard Car Accidents?
Here are several reasons why truck accidents are more dangerous than car accidents:
The weight of the truck
According to JD Power, the average weight of an automobile is about 4,094 pounds, while a semi-truck weighs 30,000-35,000 pounds, unloaded.
When a crash occurs, impact energy is measured in kilojoules (kJ). The force of a crash is calculated using impact energy in kilojoules, the mass of the striking vehicle, and relative velocity. The more a vehicle weighs, the more energy is transferred upon impact. As a result, car vs. semi accidents are much more serious.
The height of the truck
The height of a truck compared to a passenger vehicle can contribute to catastrophic harm in an accident. A typical car is four to five feet tall. By comparison, the standard height of a semi-trailer is 13.5 to 14 feet. These truck dimensions can lead to underride accidents where the passenger vehicle is pushed under the truck, crushing it. One study found underride in 75% of fatal rear-end truck crashes involving passenger cars, minivans, SUVs, and light-duty pickup trucks.
The truck’s height can lead to a greater impact when it strikes a passenger vehicle or a pedestrian. That can result in more force on the torso and vital organs. This can lead to a more catastrophic injury.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Car vs. Semi Accident in South Carolina?
When it comes to the law, there is no difference between truck vs. car crashes in terms of who can be liable for an accident in South Carolina. Any party who acts negligently may be liable for an accident.
But with semi trucks, there may be more parties involved. A semi truck almost always involves commercial trucking, which means one and possibly several businesses may be involved.
One company may maintain the semi-truck and manage the driving operation, while another may prepare the load for shipping. Yet another company may be responsible for hiring, supervising, and training drivers. Any party whose actions contribute to the crash may be liable for a semi truck accident.
Investigating the underlying causes of the crash can be important for maximizing compensation. These causes may not be immediately obvious at the time of the crash.
Note: Passenger vehicles can also involve commercial driving, but may not involve the same number of entities or have the same commercial trucking insurance.
What Are the Most Catastrophic Injuries Caused by Car vs. Semi Accidents in Greenville?
Catastrophic injuries caused by car vs. semi accidents in Greenville may include:
- Concussion, traumatic brain injury, loss of consciousness, coma
- Broken bones
- Muscle strains, torn tendons, and ligaments
- Bruising, contusions
- Whiplash
- Burns
- Organ damage
In addition, complications, such as infection, may occur. Injuries may leave scars and disfigurement.
Study of truck driver crash injuries
A study published in the Arch Trauma Res studied truck driver crash injuries. Lower extremity injuries were the most common. Injuries to the head, neck, abdomen, pelvis, and legs were all reported in significant numbers.
Deaths from car vs. truck accidents
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 1% of large truck accidents reported to the police result in fatality. Twenty-three percent result in injury.
NSC reports that large truck crashes caused 5,340 deaths in the United States in 2024. Seventy percent% of fatalities are to occupants of other vehicles.
Why Do Car vs. Semi Accident Cases Require Immediate Investigation in SC?
An immediate investigation after a semi truck accident can preserve valuable evidence. Witnesses may be more willing to talk immediately after the collision, before they have time to coordinate their stories.
Your lawyer can demand that the trucking company preserve records. You can request the preservation of video, telematics, GPS, and event data recordings before this information is lost or overwritten. Plus, there may be valuable evidence, such as debris, at the scene.
The plaintiff in a car vs. semi accident must prove their right to compensation. Evidence that you preserve quickly can prove the case.
How Do Truck Accident Settlements Differ from Car Accident Settlements in Greenville?
Settlements in truck accidents may differ from car accidents in several key respects:
Fault and corporate entities
There may be grounds for fault that apply in a truck crash claim that are unlikely to apply in a passenger vehicle accident. For example, fault may be based on negligent driver hiring or improper fleet management. An investigation may be important for a claim.
Evidence to prove the case
A trucking accident may have evidence available that is unlikely to exist in a car accident. Examples are electronic logging devices and corporate management records. Gathering these records can help build the claim.
Number of parties involved
It’s common for truck accident claims to involve multiple defendants. Civil rules for shared fault among defendants may be relevant to the claim.
Settlement amount and insurance
Semi-truck accident claims are often high-dollar claims, so these trucking companies carry large insurance policies. Pursuing the case aggressively can help the victim maximize their award.
When Does a Fatal Car vs. Semi Accident Become a Wrongful Death Case in Greenville?
A semi truck accident becomes a wrongful death truck accident claim if death occurs as a result of the accident. The death must be caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another.
Why Car vs. Semi Accident Victims in Greenville Need Dedicated Legal Representation
Truck accidents are different from car accidents in several respects. Compensation can be significant, but the legal process can be complex. Trucking companies often aggressively fight claims with their attorneys, meaning victims need experienced legal representation to level the playing field.
Bobby Jones Law is a truck accident lawyer serving Greenville, SC. We understand car vs. semi accidents and represent injured victims and families.
Call or message us now.
