Car Carrier Truck Accidents

Car carrier truck accidents are complex and often involve serious risks. Car carriers transport passenger cars on trailers, moving multiple vehicles at once. Due to their weight and size, these large trucks can cause significant harm in a crash. Accidents may lead to severe injuries, property damage, and costly medical bills for those involved.

Accidents involving car carriers differ from other crashes because they present unique dangers, such as improperly secured vehicles, limited visibility, and a higher risk of rollover. Understanding these risks is crucial, so we will first explain what a car carrier is, then discuss common accident causes, potential injuries, and relevant legal considerations.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car carrier accident, it’s essential to know your options. At Davidoff Law, we help clients pursue compensation and seek justice.

What Is a Car Carrier?

A car carrier, also known as a car hauler, is a large truck transporting multiple cars and passenger vehicles from one location to another. Dealerships often use car carriers to move cars for sale. These carriers have two levels on a long trailer, which holds the cars in place during transport.

While car carriers are designed to load and unload vehicles safely, their design poses significant challenges when operating on the road. The truck’s height, weight, and limited maneuverability increase accident risks. Car carriers require extra space and care to operate safely.

Driving near these trucks demands caution. Improperly loaded vehicles or sudden stops can cause a crash, and the large size of car carriers puts them at a higher risk on busy roads.

Common Causes of Car Carrier Truck Accidents

Car carrier accidents happen for many reasons. Here are some common causes:

Driver fatigue

Long hours make truck drivers tired, which reduces focus. Fatigue can lead to serious mistakes on the road.

Improper loading

Vehicles that aren’t properly secured can shift during transit, making the carrier unstable and causing an accident.

Mechanical failures

Issues like brake failures or tire blowouts increase the risk of crashes. Regular maintenance of trailers and trucks is essential.

Blind spots

Car carriers have large blind spots. Passenger vehicles can go unseen if they are too close to the truck.

Rear-end collisions

Due to their weight, car carriers need more time to stop. Driving too close could result in rear-end collisions.

Types of Injuries in Car Carrier Truck Accidents

Car carrier accidents can lead to serious injuries. Here are some of the most common injuries.

Severe Head and Brain Injuries

Head injuries are serious and can affect a person’s life permanently. In a car carrier accident, the force of impact can cause traumatic brain injuries. These injuries may result in memory loss, mood changes, or difficulty with daily tasks.

Victims may need long-term medical care to recover. Medical bills can be high for treatments, therapy, and medications. Head and brain injuries are often life-changing for the injured person and their family.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Spinal cord injuries are severe. These types of injuries can result in permanent complications. In car carrier accidents, victims may suffer spinal damage due to the force of the crash. Spinal injuries can result in paralysis, limiting movement and independence.

Recovery from these injuries often requires extensive medical care. Medical bills can include surgeries, rehabilitation, and specialized equipment.

For those severely injured, adapting to a new way of life can be challenging. Compensation can help cover these costs and support ongoing care.

Broken Bones and Multiple Fractures

Broken bones are common in car carrier accidents. The result of a crash with a large truck can cause multiple fractures. These injuries often require surgeries and long recovery periods.

Broken arms, legs, or ribs can limit mobility and daily activities. Fractures may also need physical therapy for complete healing. Medical bills for these treatments can add up quickly, causing financial strain.

Those with broken bones from car carrier accidents may pursue compensation. This support can help cover medical expenses and lost wages during recovery.

Crush Injuries

Crush injuries are among the most severe in car carrier accidents. When a heavy truck collides with smaller passenger vehicles, the force can crush metal and cause serious harm. Crush injuries often affect bones, muscles, and organs, leading to life-threatening conditions.

Victims may require immediate surgery and extended medical care. These injuries can cause permanent disabilities, affecting the victim’s quality of life. Medical bills for crush injuries are often high due to emergency surgeries and follow-up treatments.

Legal options are available if you’ve suffered a crush injury in a collision. An experienced attorney at Davidoff Law can help you get fair compensation for your losses and injuries.

Mental Health Issues

Car carrier accidents don’t just cause physical injuries. Many victims face mental health issues after an accident. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety are common. These issues can make it hard to return to daily life or even get behind the wheel again.

Mental health treatment can involve therapy, counseling, and sometimes medication. The costs for these treatments can add up, placing extra financial stress on the victim. Victims injured in such accidents may be able to pursue compensation for mental health support. Addressing these emotional effects is essential for a full recovery.

Legal Liability in Car Carrier Truck Accidents

Legal liability in car carrier truck accidents can involve multiple parties. Here are the main sources of potential liability.

Driver Liability for Negligent Driving

Car carrier drivers have a duty to drive safely. If a driver acts carelessly, they may be liable for an accident. Negligent actions include speeding, ignoring traffic rules, or driving while distracted. Such actions increase the crash risk and can harm other motorists.

Victims of driver negligence may be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation for their injuries. Compensation from a lawsuit can help cover medical expenses and lost wages. An attorney can review your case to determine if the driver is liable.

Liability of the Trucking Company for Oversight Failures

Trucking companies must ensure safety. This includes training drivers and maintaining vehicles. If a company ignores these responsibilities, it can lead to accidents.

Oversight failures may involve poor hiring practices or a lack of driver training. Some companies may also skip necessary maintenance on trailers and trucks. The trucking company can be held liable when these failures cause a car carrier accident.

Victims may pursue compensation from the company for injuries, medical bills, and property damage. An attorney experienced in car carrier accidents can help you hold the company accountable.

Potential Liability if Cars Were Improperly Secured

If cars are not properly secured on the carrier, they can shift or fall during transport. This can lead to serious accidents, injuring other motorists and causing property damage. Liability can be complicated in these situations, with the transport company potentially sharing some blame.

In some cases, dealerships or owners may be responsible if they were supposed to oversee the transport process. Failure to secure passenger cars correctly puts everyone at risk.

Victims injured in such cases may seek compensation from the vehicle owner. Legal assistance can help identify all liable parties for a fair claim.

How Much Is Your Case Worth?

The value of a car carrier truck accident case can range from $10,000 to several million dollars, depending on the severity of injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Cases involving severe or long-term injuries are often worth more.

Victims can pursue compensation for medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. In some cases, additional damages may apply if there is extreme negligence. Each case is unique, so it’s essential to consult experienced truck accident attorneys.

Davidoff Law can help estimate your case’s worth and guide you through the process. Our team works to maximize the compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Manhattan Truck Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a car carrier or tractor-trailer, Davidoff Law is here to help.

Our Manhattan truck accident lawyer knows these cases' unique dangers and their serious effect. Accidents involving car carriers and tractor-trailers often happen for the same reasons as other large truck accidents, such as driver negligence or mechanical issues.

We’ll review your case during a free consultation, answer questions, and discuss possible compensation. Trucking accidents are complex, but you don’t have to face them alone. Contact us today to start your case and pursue the justice you deserve.