At Roberts, Basnuevo & Macias, P.A., we provide legal assistance to the Miami-Dade public when they suffer injuries in motor vehicle accidents. While car accidents and truck accidents share similarities, they differ significantly in terms of legal complexities, liability issues, and the severity of injuries. Understanding these differences is crucial when pursuing an injury claim.

Severity of Injuries

Truck accidents often result in more severe injuries compared to car accidents due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making collisions with passenger vehicles highly destructive. Victims may suffer catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, multiple fractures, and internal organ damage, leading to higher medical costs and longer recovery times.

Liability in Truck vs. Car Accidents

In a typical car accident, liability usually falls on one of the drivers involved. However, truck accidents often involve multiple parties, including:

• The Truck Driver – If reckless driving, fatigue, or impairment contributed to the accident.
• The Trucking Company – If improper hiring practices, lack of vehicle maintenance, or unrealistic schedules played a role.
• Cargo Loaders – If an overloaded or improperly secured load caused the crash.
• Manufacturers – If a vehicle defect contributed to the accident.

This makes truck accident claims more complex, requiring extensive investigations and legal knowledge to determine all liable parties.

Insurance Policies and Compensation

Insurance coverage differs significantly between car and truck accidents. Standard car insurance policies typically cover up to a few hundred thousand dollars, while commercial trucking policies often have coverage in the millions. While this means truck accident victims may have access to higher compensation, insurance companies also fight harder to minimize payouts.

Regulatory Differences



Trucking companies and drivers must follow strict federal and state regulations, including:

• Hours of Service Rules – To prevent driver fatigue, federal laws limit the number of hours a truck driver can operate without rest.
• Vehicle Maintenance Standards – Regular inspections and repairs are required to keep trucks safe.
• Weight Limits and Load Securement – Violations can increase the risk of accidents.

When a truck accident occurs, violations of these regulations can be used as evidence of negligence in an injury claim.

Legal Challenges and the Importance of Legal Representation

Due to the complexities of truck accident cases, legal representation is crucial. Insurance adjusters and trucking companies will attempt to minimize liability, making it difficult for victims to recover full compensation. At Roberts, Basnuevo & Macias, P.A., we have the experience to handle truck accident claims, identify responsible parties, and negotiate with insurers to maximize compensation.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck or car accident in Miami-Dade, contact us for a consultation. We are committed to helping accident victims recover the compensation they deserve.