Why Truck Accident Claims Are More Complex Than Car Accidents

If you’ve been injured in a traffic collision involving a commercial truck, you may be surprised to learn that these cases are far more complicated than typical car accidents. While both types of crashes can cause serious harm, truck accident claims often involve additional legal, technical, and procedural challenges that make pursuing compensation more difficult without experienced legal representation. Understanding why these cases are so complex is an important step toward protecting your rights and getting the financial recovery you need.

One key factor is the involvement of multiple parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, and vehicle manufacturers. Each may have their own insurance policies and legal strategies. Additionally, trucking companies often have experienced attorneys, making it challenging for injured victims. The regulations governing the industry add complexity, requiring a solid understanding of state and federal laws. Working with a knowledgeable attorney can greatly improve your chances of receiving fair compensation.

The Size and Severity of Truck Accidents

A standard passenger vehicle weighs around 3,000 to 4,000 pounds. By contrast, a fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. This massive size difference often leads to:

• Catastrophic injuries
• Wider areas of damage
• Multiple impacted vehicles
• Higher chances of fatal outcomes

Because of the severity of the impact, injuries in truck accidents are usually more serious, which leads to more expensive medical treatment, longer recovery times, and larger compensation claims.

More Parties May Be Involved

In a car accident, liability usually falls on one of the drivers. But in a truck accident, multiple parties may share responsibility, including:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The company that owns or leases the truck
• The cargo loading company
• A maintenance or repair provider
• The truck or parts manufacturer
• A government entity (if unsafe road conditions were involved)

Each of these parties may have its own insurance providers and legal teams. This creates a web of liability that must be carefully untangled, requiring deep investigation and a strong legal strategy.

Federal and State Regulations Apply

Unlike everyday drivers, commercial truck drivers and their employers are subject to strict federal and state regulations, including:

• Hours-of-service limits to prevent fatigue
• Drug and alcohol testing requirements
• Vehicle maintenance and inspection schedules
• Licensing and training mandates
• Load and weight restrictions

These rules are enforced by agencies like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Hawaii Department of Transportation. If a driver or company violated any of these laws, they may be held legally responsible for the accident.

However, proving these violations requires access to records such as driver logs, black box data, maintenance reports, and more. An experienced truck accident lawyer will know how to obtain and interpret this evidence.

Trucking Companies Act Fast to Minimize Liability

Large trucking companies and their insurers often deploy legal teams and investigators immediately after an accident. Their goal is to limit their financial exposure, sometimes by shifting blame or offering fast, lowball settlements before you fully understand your injuries.

This puts injured victims at a disadvantage, especially those who are still recovering, without legal representation, or are unfamiliar with their rights. Having your own truck accident lawyer (or even legal team) ensures you’re not pressured into making decisions that hurt your long-term recovery.

Severe Injuries Mean Higher Stakes

Truck accidents often result in life-altering injuries, such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Broken bones and internal damage
• Burns or disfigurement
• Emotional trauma and PTSD

The cost of care for these injuries can be enormous, sometimes exceeding hundreds of thousands of dollars over a lifetime. Additionally, victims may be unable to return to work or live independently, which significantly impacts their quality of life.

With so much at stake, insurance companies are more likely to fight hard to minimize payouts. That’s why having an experienced lawyer who understands the full value of your claim is essential.

Evidence Collection Is More Complex

Truck accident cases often require extensive investigation and specialized knowledge. Key evidence may include:

• Electronic logging device (ELD) data
• Driver qualification and training records
• Maintenance and repair logs
• Freight and cargo loading documents
• GPS and black box data
• Dashcam footage
• Toxicology reports (if substance use is suspected)

Preserving and analyzing this information is time-sensitive. A knowledgeable truck accident attorney will act quickly to issue legal holds and secure critical records before they can be lost or destroyed.

We Understand What You’re Going Through

Suffering an injury in a truck accident can leave you overwhelmed, confused, and unsure of what to do next. Medical bills may be piling up. You might be unable to work or care for your family. And the legal system may feel intimidating.

At Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner, we’ve helped many families across Hawaii navigate the aftermath of serious truck crashes. We know how hard this time can be, and we’re here to help you through it.

You Deserve a Legal Team That Knows Trucking Law

Our team has the knowledge, experience, and resources to take on the complexities of truck accident litigation. We understand both state and federal transportation laws, know how to deal with aggressive trucking companies, and work with respected experts to build strong cases.

We have a long track record of successful outcomes for clients in serious injury cases, and we’re ready to help you pursue the compensation you need to move forward.

Call for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Hawaii, don’t try to handle the situation alone. Trucking companies and insurers will be protecting their interests; you deserve someone who’s protecting yours.

Call Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner today at 808-746-7729 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and help you take the next step toward recovery.