Semi truck accident settlements tend to be a lot higher than accidents involving passenger vehicles for a variety of reasons. There is actually not a hard and fast average settlement amount for these types of cases.
Accident Factors
As mentioned above, the dollar amount of a semi accident settlement depends on many different factors. A truck accident attorney can evaluate your case and estimate how much you should expect to receive in a settlement. Let’s take a closer look at the factors that are considered:
- Insurance coverage maximums and restrictions
- Whether or not multiple parties are involved who share liability or responsibility for damages
- How comparative negligence laws are applied
- Who will share the settlement if multiple victims are involved
- Insurance coverage maximums and restrictions
Compensatory Damage Settlements
Individuals who were injured in truck accidents caused by a truck driver or trucking company’s negligence can collect compensatory damages. A trucking accident lawyer Fredericksburg VA relies on can negotiate a settlement with the trucking company’s insurance company. Sometimes settlement amount can’t be agreed upon outside of court. In cases like these, it is necessary to take a truck accident case to trial.
Damages in a truck accident settlement include medical bills, lost wages, damage to personal property and pain and suffering.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages result when a party is found guilty of intentionally malicious behavior that harmed a victim. For example, if a truck driver ran a victim’s car off the road simply to injure or kill them and the victim got seriously injured, that truck driver could be liable for punitive damages.
If a trucking company forced a truck driver to work without necessary breaks and the truck driver hit and injured someone, the trucking company could be responsible for punitive damages.
Comparative Negligence
Comparative negligence laws may apply if the victim was responsible for the accident at all. The victim’s settlement amount could be reduced by whatever percentage they are found liable.
It may be in your best interest to hire a truck accident lawyer to assist with your case. A truck accident lawsuit can be quite complicated and it helps to have someone with experience on your side. He or she can improve your chances of getting a settlement you deserve. The majority of truck accident lawyers offer free initial consultations, so there is no risk to setting up a meeting with one.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from MartinWren, P.C. for their insight into the average semi truck case.
