When it comes to vehicle accidents, not all claims are created equal. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident claim, you might assume the process is similar to filing a claim for a regular car accident—but that’s far from the truth. Trucks aren’t just vehicles; they’re mobile businesses, and that distinction makes a world of difference when it comes to handling claims.
Here’s a look at how truck accident claims differ from regular auto claims and why truckers need to take extra steps to protect their livelihoods.
Trucks Are Commercial Vehicles, Not Just Transportation
For most drivers, a car accident claim involves repairing or replacing a personal vehicle. But for truckers, their rig isn’t just a way to get from point A to point B—it’s their business. This means a truck accident claim isn’t just about vehicle damage; it also involves lost income, business disruptions, and operational costs.
If a truck is out of commission due to an accident, it can lead to missed deliveries, lost contracts, and financial strain. That’s why downtime claims are a critical part of truck accident cases—something that doesn’t come into play in a standard auto claim.
Liability Can Be Complicated
In a regular car accident, determining liability usually involves just two parties—the drivers involved. In a truck accident claim, multiple parties could be responsible, including:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- A broker or shipper
- A maintenance or repair provider
- A manufacturer (if faulty parts contributed to the accident)
Because trucking operations involve multiple entities, insurers often try to shift blame between different parties to minimize payouts. This makes proving liability much more complex than in a standard auto claim.
Insurance Policies Are Bigger and More Complex
Regular auto insurance policies typically cover a limited amount of damages. Commercial trucking insurance, on the other hand, is much more comprehensive and expensive because of the higher risks involved.
A standard auto policy might have coverage limits of $50,000 to $100,000, while a commercial trucking policy could provide $750,000 to $1 million or more in liability coverage. Because of these higher limits, insurance companies will fight truck accident claims much harder than regular auto claims to avoid large payouts.
Downtime Losses Are a Major Factor in Truck Accident Claims
When a personal vehicle is damaged, the owner might rent a car or use another form of transportation while waiting for repairs. But for a trucker who can’t rent a damaged rig means their business isn’t making any money. Every day that a truck is off the road means lost revenue.
A truck accident claim includes downtime damages, which compensate for:
- Lost loads
- Canceled contracts
- Fixed business expenses (like truck payments, insurance, and permits)
- Lost income for the driver or owner-operator
Downtime losses can be significant, and insurance companies often push back against these claims, making it essential for truckers to properly document their losses.
Truck Accident Claims Take Longer to Settle
Regular auto claims are often resolved quickly—sometimes within a few weeks. Your truck accident claim, however, can drag on for months due to:
- Complex liability investigations
- Larger financial stakes
- Disputes over downtime losses and business impact
- Involvement of multiple insurance companies
Because of these factors, trucking claims require patience and persistence. Many truckers find that having legal representation helps speed up the process and ensures they receive fair compensation.
Repair Costs and Timelines Are More Critical
While a personal vehicle can be repaired relatively quickly, truck repairs can be expensive and time-consuming due to:
- Specialized parts and labor
- DOT compliance requirements
- Limited availability of replacement trucks
- Supply chain delays for major components
Since truckers rely on their rigs for income, getting back on the road as soon as possible is a top priority. The longer a truck sits in a repair shop, the more financial strain it puts on the driver or trucking company.
Protect Your Business After a Truck Accident
A truck accident claim is much more than a simple vehicle damage claim—it’s a business claim. Truckers must be prepared to fight for compensation that covers not just repairs but also downtime losses, lost revenue, and ongoing expenses.
If you’ve been in a truck accident, don’t settle for an insurance company’s first offer. Work with a legal team that understands the trucking industry and can help you recover the compensation you deserve.Need help with your truck accident claim? Contact our office at (904) 278-7688 for a free consultation or fill out this form. We know trucking, and we know how to fight for you.