Are truck accident cases treated differently than those for accidents involving only automobiles?

A:

In some ways, yes. There are special training and licensing requirements of truck drivers and special Vehicle Code sections that apply to these drivers and their trucking companies. Commercial vehicle drivers are allowed to drive a limited number of hours per day and are subject to drug and alcohol tests at random intervals.

Trucking companies that operate semi-trucks or engage in interstate commerce have additional responsibilities to perform background checks on prospective drivers. They must also periodically evaluate their employees. Liability in an accident can also be established if there were violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation Act.