What is the Average Settlement for a Semi-Truck Accident Case?
Big rigs weigh a lot more than regular vehicles. That is why people are often seriously injured when they get into an accident with a big rig. Even if a person collides with a big rig at a slow speed, a person can still be seriously injured. Additionally, these accidents can result in a lot of property damage. If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident with a commercial truck, big rig or 18 wheeler, it is important that you retain the services of an experienced truck accident attorney. They will be able to assist you in these very complex types of cases.
Because of the amount of damage that can be done by a big rig, the settlements are often larger than the ones for car accidents. This is usually the main question a accident victim will ask their attorney, “How much is my truck accident case worth?” A good lawyer will be able to provide a ballpark figure, but each accident is different, so therefore the results may be different. There are several factors that will determine how much your truck accident case is worth.
1.) Who is at Fault?
Liability will have to be established for any settlement is awarded. If the truck driver is at fault for the accident, then the insurance company will likely award a higher settlement. However, there are several factors that will have to be taken into consideration when establishing fault.
For example, the truck driver may have hit the person in the car. However, if someone else cut the truck driver off, then they may not be held liable. The injured party may also have contributed to the crash.
2.) Property Damage
In most cases, when a big rig collides with another vehicle, the smaller vehicle is totaled. This means that the car is damaged to the point where repairing it is not worth it. The cost of repairing the vehicle is often more than what the car is worth.
If a vehicle is damaged, then the insurance company will pay for the damages. However, if the vehicle has been totaled, then the insurance company may not award you enough to pay for the damages. They are only obligated to pay you the fair market value of your car.
3.) Injuries and Medical Expenses
Your injuries and medical expenses are two of the biggest factors that will determine how big your settlement is. People who are injured in an accident often suffer serious injuries. You may be able to get awarded for the following expenses.
- Doctors appointments
- Medicine
- Ambulance rides
- Emergency room visits
- Loss of income because of your injury and disability
- Loss of future income
- Future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
Pain and suffering is a difficult piece to place a value on. This is where an experienced attorney can assist you in providing common results from similar cases, and they can also assist you in fighting against difficult insurance companies, who are only focused on paying you the lowest amount.
4.) Insurance Coverage
The amount of coverage that the other party has will determine the size of your settlement. Commercial trucking companies are required to have more insurance. However, insurance companies are often reluctant to pay people what they really deserve.
Insurance companies profit by under-paying people. They also try to extend the amount of time that it takes to settle. They hope that you get frustrated and take a settlement that is less than what you owe.
Commercial trucking companies are typically required to have $750,000 or more in coverage. It can be difficult for you to determine how much your case is really worth. That is why it is a good idea for you to hire a truck accident attorney.
A truck accident attorney will make sure that your legal rights are protected. They will also help make sure that the insurance company gives you a fair compensation. If you want to speak to an attorney, then you can call one of the following numbers for a free consultation.
Arlington (817) 522-4451
Dallas (972) 362-6848
Fort Worth (817) 764-1375
Plano (972) 354-4602
Cedar Hill (972) 338-9427
McKinney (469) 522-3688
Lewisville (972) 354-4605
Frisco (972) 725-7681
Grapevine (817) 835-8677
Irving (972) 354-4610
Keller (817) 204-0904
Garland (214) 572-2251
Denton (940) 222-4060
Addison (972) 564-8108
You can also contact us online by using our quick contact form.
