What to Know About Car Accidents With Food Trucks

Food trucks have become big business. In the years leading up to 2020, food trucks had already been a rapidly growing form of business and once the pandemic hit, they became a more important business opportunity as business owners needed ways to continue working and diners wanted ways to go out without risking COVID. Throughout the state of Michigan, you’ll find plenty of food truck rallies at popular destinations and other events where attendees can get a meal or snack from an on-site food truck. 

As popular as food trucks are, it’s important to remember that they are a mobile business, which means there’s the possibility of food truck accidents happening. 

Food Truck Accident Risks

Motor vehicle accidents are an inherent occupational risk for any job that involves driving and working on a food truck is no exception. But there are some food truck design factors that can increase the dangers of crashes. 

First, there’s the fact that food trucks are larger and heavier than standard passenger sedans and SUVs, making them more difficult to safely maneuver. They have larger blind spots, require longer braking times, and – because of their larger size and weight – can potentially cause larger amounts of damage. Unlike commercial truck drivers, who undergo significant amounts of training and obtain a commercial driver’s license to safely operate large semi trucks, food trucks are often driven by people who don’t have experience or training for driving large vehicles. 

There’s also the fact that food trucks are designed to support kitchens. Very often, propane is a key way of fueling cooking operations, but it’s extremely important to make sure the propane is handled very carefully and safely secured during travel. It’s very easy for propane tank connections to come loose and turn into fire hazards during a collision. 

On top of those factors, there’s also the fact that food truck events can be very long days for the people working on the truck. If a person is driving a food truck back after the end of a long day or heading out early in the morning to work an event, there’s a possibility for drowsy driving. 

How are Food Trucks Accidents & Car Accidents Different?

Since food trucks are commercial vehicles, insurance and liability can be different than they are for personal vehicles. If you’re injured during a collision with a food truck, it’s very important to contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible to make sure your case is handled correctly. When crashes involve vehicles being driven for commercial purposes, a lawyer will be able to help make sure the correct parties are being held accountable so that you get all of the compensation you’re entitled to. 

Contact a Michigan Car Accident Lawyer

Liability for car accident cases isn’t always cut and dry. When crashes cause serious injuries, you need someone on your side who can make sure your case is handled appropriately from the very beginning so that you can get the compensation you need and avoid missing important deadlines. At Goodwin & Scieszka, you’ll be able to get help from a lawyer experienced in Michigan car accident law. Contact us today to find out how we can help.

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