What Makes Truck Accidents More Dangerous Than Car Accidents?

Truck accidents are often far more dangerous than typical car crashes due to the size, weight, and force involved. Whether it’s a pickup truck, work truck, box truck, or delivery vehicle, these accidents can cause severe injuries, extensive property damage, and even fatalities. Unlike collisions between two cars, truck accidents create a greater impact, leading to longer recovery times, higher medical costs, and more complex legal claims. Insurance companies often try to downplay injuries or shift blame, making it crucial to have an experienced Rockford truck accident lawyer on your side. At MacCloskey Kesler & Associates, we have spent over 26 years fighting for accident victims, ensuring they receive the maximum compensation possible. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, contact us today for a free consultation.

Why Are Truck Accidents So Dangerous?

Although semi-trucks pose obvious dangers due to their massive size, non-commercial trucks also present significant risks in crashes. A pickup truck, cargo van, or heavy-duty work vehicle is far larger than a standard sedan or SUV, often leading to disproportionate damage and injuries in a collision.

Several factors make truck accidents more dangerous and legally complex than car accidents:

1. Size & Weight Differences

A full-sized pickup truck or work vehicle can weigh twice as much as a passenger car. This means:

• Greater force at impact, leading to more severe injuries.
• Longer stopping distances, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions.
• Higher center of gravity, making rollovers more likely.

2. Increased Injury Severity

Truck accident victims are more likely to suffer from:

• Head trauma and concussions
• Spinal cord injuries
• Multiple fractures
• Internal organ damage
• Long-term disabilities

Because these injuries often require extended medical treatment, legal claims for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering are often more substantial.

3. Commercial & Fleet Vehicles Add Legal Complexity

Many pickup trucks, work trucks, and utility vehicles are owned by businesses, making liability more complicated. Employers may be responsible if:

• The driver was performing job-related duties.
• The company failed to maintain the vehicle properly.
• The driver was inadequately trained.

This can open the door for corporate insurance policies and additional legal options beyond just the driver’s personal liability.

4. Rollovers & Multi-Vehicle Collisions

Trucks, especially lifted or heavy-duty pickups, have a higher center of gravity, increasing the risk of rollovers. This often leads to:

• Multi-vehicle pileups.
• Secondary collisions involving pedestrians or cyclists.
• Severe structural damage to smaller vehicles.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck crashes can happen under many circumstances, but the most common causes include:

• Speeding & Reckless Driving – Larger vehicles require more stopping distance, making high speeds especially dangerous.
• Distracted Driving – Texting, eating, or adjusting in-car systems increases crash risks.
• Driver Fatigue – Pickup and work truck drivers often work long shifts, leading to delayed reaction times.
• Overloaded or Improperly Secured Cargo – Loose equipment or construction materials can shift weight unexpectedly, causing loss of control.
• Mechanical Failures – Poorly maintained trucks with worn-out brakes, faulty steering, or tire blowouts can create hazardous road conditions.
• Aggressive Driving – Larger vehicles tend to be driven more aggressively, particularly in high-traffic areas.

A thorough accident investigation is often required to determine fault and liability, especially if the driver was working at the time of the crash.

Who Is Responsible for a Truck Accident?

Unlike standard car accidents, truck accidents can involve multiple liable parties, such as:

• The Driver – If the crash resulted from speeding, distracted driving, or negligence.
• The Truck Owner or Employer – If the truck was a work vehicle and the company failed to ensure safety.
• A Third-Party Repair or Maintenance Provider – If improper repairs or lack of maintenance played a role.
• The Manufacturer – If a defect in the vehicle or its parts contributed to the accident.

Because truck accident claims often involve higher insurance policy limits than personal car crashes, insurance companies work aggressively to reduce payouts. Having a lawyer who understands the tactics used by insurers is essential to protecting your claim.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Truck accident victims are often entitled to compensation for damages beyond what’s typical in a car accident due to the severity of injuries and financial losses. Compensation may include:

• Medical Bills – Emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, and long-term treatment.
• Lost Wages – Compensation for missed work and reduced earning potential.
• Pain & Suffering – Emotional distress and decreased quality of life.
• Property Damage – Repairs or replacement of your vehicle.
• Wrongful Death – Compensation for families who lost a loved one in a fatal truck crash.

Because insurance adjusters try to minimize payouts, it’s critical to have a lawyer who knows how to negotiate full compensation based on medical reports, accident reconstructions, and legal precedent.

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

If you’ve been in a Rockford-area truck accident, here’s what you should do to protect your health and legal rights:

1. Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, injuries can appear days later.
2. Call Law Enforcement – A police report can serve as valuable evidence.
3. Document the Scene – Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
4. Get Witness Contact Information – Bystanders can provide key details.
5. Avoid Speaking to the Insurance Company – They may use your words against you.
6. Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer – The sooner you secure legal representation, the stronger your case.

Why Choose MacCloskey Kesler & Associates?

At MacCloskey Kesler & Associates, we have been helping truck accident victims in Rockford and Northern Illinois for over 26 years. Our firm provides:

• Proven Success in Truck Accident Cases
• Personalized Legal Strategies for Complex Truck Claims
• Aggressive Negotiation with Insurance Companies
• No Fees Unless We Win

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pickup truck, work truck, or delivery truck accident, we are ready to fight for you.

View all of our 5-star reviews and why our clients have said for over two decades that they trust MacCloskey Kesler & Associates.

“I was injured at work and didn’t know where to turn. MacCloskey Kesler & Associates guided me through the entire process and ensured I was fairly compensated.” – Maria L.