Does Size Matter? Car Accident v. Semi-Truck Accident Injury Claims
October 23, 2025
New Mexico Car and Truck Accident Lawyers
New Mexico is no stranger to high accident statistics. As a matter of fact, New Mexico often finds itself in the top 10 states of most dangerous roads and worst truck accident statistics. New Mexicans know that vehicle accidents aren’t uncommon, but accidents that involve large trucks can be some of the most memorable with the amount of destruction and intensity associated with them. While any accident can have lasting effects on injury victims, it’s important to understand the difference between car accident injuries and semi-truck accident injuries.
In The Article
What is the Difference Between Car Accident and Semi-Truck Accident Injuries
Although car accidents and truck accidents can have the same types of injuries, truck accidents tend to have more extensive and more catastrophic injuries per incident. This happens for several reasons.
First, large trucks are more difficult to slow down, especially if they are carrying full loads. It takes more energy to stop a larger vehicle than it does to stop a sedan, so if a semi-truck driver sees cars stopped in traffic ahead, they will need more room and more time when attempting to stop. If they’re going downhill or down a mountain, stopping can be even more difficult.
Additionally, big trucks tend to cause more damage. Because they are extremely large vehicles, even low-speed collisions can cause more damage to vehicles and property than smaller cars. More damage to a vehicle means more opportunity for injury for the passengers of that vehicle.
In cases where a truck rolls or jackknifes, more damage can be caused as they can hit even more vehicles. For example, if a semi-truck is headed down the highway and sees a traffic jam close by, they might slam on the breaks, causing the truck to jackknife. If this occurs, the truck is more likely to hit more vehicles, causing even more damage and potential injuries.
Large trucks don’t have the capability to maneuver the way smaller cars can. For example, if there is a large obstruction in the road (tire, bumper, large animal, etc.), a car may be able to swerve into another lane to avoid hitting the vehicle. A semi-truck would need more road and more warning to be able to avoid hitting the obstruction. Additionally, if a truck driver jerks the wheel to avoid hitting a large obstruction, it could affect the balance of the truck, causing it to tip, roll, or jackknife.
Another unavoidable risk that semi-truck drivers face on the roads is wind conditions. Large trucks that aren’t carrying any freight are in danger of tipping or losing balance in extreme straight-line wind conditions. This can be incredibly dangerous for other vehicles on the road.
If a truck is in an accident and carrying dangerous or hazardous materials, additional problems are posed. While some substances and chemicals are illegal to transport in small cars, large trucks may cause additional injury and danger should there be a spill of these substances. This can cause highways or portions of highways to shut down until the spill is cleaned up properly.
How Do the Differences Between Car and Truck Accident Injuries Affect Claims?
All vehicles must have liability insurance in New Mexico. This type of insurance covers the at-fault driver should the victim be injured, or property has been damaged. The minimum insurance requirements for standard vehicles in New Mexico is $25,000 per person with a maximum of $50,000 per accident and $10,000 for property damage.
In most personal injury settlements that are clear-cut, the victim can end up receiving policy limits. However, in large-truck accidents, the minimum coverage is a little different. Because big trucks tend to cause more damage and more catastrophic injuries, there are different minimum coverage rules for truck companies and private truck owners.
Federal law requires trucks to hold policies with a minimum of $750,000 in coverage for damages. This can help secure financial safety for trucking companies and ensure that injury victims are able to recover properly. In addition to federal minimums, New Mexico insurance companies offer excess liability coverage for large trucks. This is helpful for when the liability coverage doesn’t cover the medical expenses or needs of the injury victims. This coverage can be in the millions of dollars.
Therefore, when it comes to personal injury claims in New Mexico, policy limits could potentially allow for more coverage and a fuller recovery than the coverage amounts of smaller vehicles.
How Can a Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer in New Mexico Help?
Semi-trucks are an essential part of New Mexico’s economy. Truck drivers are an essential part of ensuring our goods are transferred within the state and to other states. However, getting into an accident with a semi-truck can be devastating. When this happens, contacting a semi-truck lawyer in New Mexico, like Ron Bell, can help you get the recovery you deserve. Call us today for your free case evaluation.