Why Are Truck Accident Cases Handled Differently Than Car Accidents in MA?
Published in Car Accidents on September 23, 2025
Reading Time: 3 minutes
It is not an uncommon occurrence to spot a semi-truck or tractor-trailer along various Massachusetts highways. Most of the time, they only cause a minor inconvenience or delay. However, if you or a loved one has been involved in an accident involving a large truck, you know how much it can affect your life.
According to the National Security Council Injury Facts data, large truck fatalities have increased by 43 percent in the last 10 years. Clearly, truck accidents continue to be a major concern for drivers across the United States, and Massachusetts is no exception.
Truck accident cases are handled differently from cases involving passenger vehicles. Why? In this article, we will consider some key differences between truck and car accidents and how an experienced truck accident lawyer can help your potential injury case.
Key Differences Between Truck and Car Accidents
Each car accident is unique and has its own set of circumstances. However, when an accident involves a large truck rather than a passenger vehicle, there are significant differences. The extent of the investigation, the amount of compensation, and the number of liable parties may all be different.
The extent of the investigation
Truck drivers and trucking companies are subject to different federal and state standards and regulations than passenger vehicles. Because of this, the extent and type of investigation that must be handled are different.
A thorough investigation for a truck accident case should include:
- Vehicle maintenance: Commercial trucks must undergo regular inspections and maintenance checks. Maintenance logs can be checked to verify whether critical components were functioning correctly. This might include things such as brakes, lights, and power steering.
- Load securement: Large trucks must follow certain weight limits and ensure the load is properly secured. If a truck is overloaded or improperly secured, this significantly increases the risk of an accident.
- Driver licensing: Truck drivers have different licensing requirements and specific driving limits and regulations. A truck accident lawyer should ensure that the trucking company and driver followed these laws.
- Vehicle data: Electronic data of the truck records crucial accident data, such as speed and brake usage. This data can be used to help prove liability after an accident.
- Truck logbook: Truck logs can be used to check whether the trucking company and driver complied with rules regarding the number of driving hours and rest hours required.
- Accident report: The police report about the accident can be a helpful piece of evidence in a truck accident case. It may include details that can prove damages and liability.
The amount of compensation
Trucks are much bigger and heavier than passenger vehicles. According to federal limits, a fully loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. In addition, many states have higher limits for interstate roads. This is significantly more than an SUV, such as a Honda CR-V which weighs a bit less than 4,000 pounds.
Due to their large size, truck accidents often lead to more serious injuries and sometimes fatalities. Of course, the more serious the injury, the higher the amount of compensation a person is entitled to receive.
Federal regulations require at least $750,000 of liability coverage for large trucks. Depending on the type of cargo they carry, the minimum may be higher. The higher a claim, the more an insurance company will try to avoid paying out.
This is why truck accident claims can be especially tricky and often require the insight of a personal injury lawyer experienced in truck accidents.
The number of liable parties
Many truck accidents have multiple potentially liable parties, including:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- A third-party maintenance company
- The company that owned or secured the cargo
It becomes increasingly complicated to navigate these situations with multiple liable parties involved. There may be several insurance companies, contracts, and policies that are at play, which makes negotiation more complex. It takes time and skill to understand how all of these factors relate to one another.
Call the Massachusetts Truck Accident Lawyers at Sweeney Merrigan
Although no two accidents are the same, truck accidents often require more extensive investigation, involve more liable parties, and result in higher compensation. That is why they are more complex to handle without experienced legal representation.
You can be sure that the trucking company and other involved parties have their own legal counsel on hand to fight for their interests. You need someone on your side who you can trust to fight for you and your family.
The truck accident attorneys at Sweeney Merrigan have been representing Massachusetts truck accident victims for decades. We are proud to cultivate real relationships with our clients and achieve outstanding outcomes for them. We want the opportunity to do the same for you.
A free case review can provide answers to your questions and give you the information you need to move forward with your potential case with confidence. Call us today or fill out our online form to learn more.