When you’ve been in an accident involving a truck, you may be confused about how exactly truck accident settlements and verdicts work.
Because car accidents involving trucks are often severe, trucks typically have commercial coverage of at least one million dollars. As 18-wheelers generally have many policies of insurance coverage, 18-wheeler accident settlements will typically take care of your medical expenses in addition to any non-economic damages.
Accepting a settlement instead of going to trial can lead to lower compensation. However, a trial is often much more stressful and time-consuming.
If you or a family member are suffering from the repercussions of a truck accident and are considering commercial truck accident settlements, this page will provide an overview of truck accident lawsuit settlements and verdicts.
What Is a Good Settlement Offer?
In the context of truck accident settlements, a “good” offer should adequately cover all current and anticipated future expenses and losses resulting from the accident.
This includes comprehensive compensation for medical treatments, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other non-economic damages such as emotional distress.
A good settlement should also consider any ongoing medical issues or permanent disabilities that have occurred as a result of the accident.
Evaluating whether an offer is sufficient involves a detailed comparison with typical settlement amounts for similar cases and a thorough consideration of the specific impacts of the accident on the victim’s life.
This ensures that the settlement reflects the full scope of what the victim has endured and will face.
Damages Recover From Truck Accident Settlements And Verdicts?
Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to recover a range of damages through settlements and verdicts that reflect the varied impacts of the accident. Here is an elaboration on the types of damages that can typically be recovered:
- Past, Present, and Future Medical Costs: Compensation should cover all medical expenses incurred immediately after the accident, ongoing treatment costs, and projected future medical care related to injuries sustained.
- Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity: Settlements should compensate for wages lost during the recovery period and, if the victim’s ability to earn has been permanently impacted, for the potential decrease in future earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: This includes compensation for both physical pain and emotional distress suffered as a result of the accident, acknowledging the non-quantifiable impact on the victim’s quality of life.
- Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: If the accident results in long-term or permanent disability or disfigurement, the victim may receive compensation for the profound changes to their lifestyle and additional costs for ongoing care or adaptations needed.
- Property Damage: This covers the cost of repairs or replacement for the victim’s vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the crash, ensuring they are not financially burdened by losses incurred from the accident.
Causes and Effects of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can result from many factors, each contributing to the risk and severity of collisions. Here are some of the primary causes and their consequences:
Causes of Truck Accidents:
- Driver Fatigue: Extended driving shifts without adequate rest leads to fatigue, significantly impairing a driver’s reaction time and decision-making.
- Distracted Driving: Activities like using phones, adjusting the radio, or eating while driving divert attention from the road, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug use diminishes a truck driver’s ability to drive safely, raising the chances of causing a collision.
- Reckless/Aggressive Driving: Practices such as speeding, unsafe lane changes, and other aggressive driving behaviors escalate the risk of serious accidents.
- Lack of Experience/Training: Inexperienced or poorly trained drivers are less adept at handling large vehicles, leading to preventable accidents.
- Mechanical Failures: Issues with brakes, tires, or other critical components can cause a driver to lose control of the truck.
- Cargo Issues: Improperly secured or overloaded cargo can make trucks unstable and prone to accidents.
- Poor Road Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, ongoing construction, or poorly maintained roads can make handling large trucks challenging.
Effects of Truck Accidents:
- Catastrophic Damage and High Fatality Rates: Commercial trucks’ significant size and weight often result in severe damage and higher fatalities when involved in accidents.
- Serious Injuries: Accidents with trucks frequently lead to severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and crush injuries.
Financial Costs: Victims often face substantial financial burdens from medical expenses, lost income, vehicle repairs, and other related costs.
How Long Does It Take To Settle a Truck Accident?
The timeline for settling a truck accident case can vary significantly, primarily influenced by the case’s complexity and the injuries’ severity. On average, settlements typically reach within 6 to 18 months.
However, more complicated cases, especially those involving serious injuries or disputes over fault, can extend the settlement process to 2-4 years or more.
The duration is also affected by the parties’ willingness to negotiate and the thoroughness of the investigation needed to gather all necessary evidence.
Both insurance companies and legal teams need time to accurately assess the damages and negotiate a fair settlement, which can prolong the timeline.
Factors Affecting Truck Accident Settlements and Verdicts
How the accident has affected you determines the actual settlement amounts of truck accidents. The range of factors that affect the commercial vehicle accident settlement comes in two categories: Economic and Non-economic.
- Economic Damages – Economic damages refer to monetary losses.
- Non-economic Damages – Non-economic damages are non-monetary losses such as emotional distress that have an estimated value.
Recommended Article: Roadway Safety – Semi-Truck Accidents
Considered Factors for Truck Accident Settlement Amounts
Due to the various factors affecting a settlement amount, the average settlement for a commercial vehicle accident is challenging to estimate. The average settlement for dump truck accidents will depend on the nature of the accident. Here are some factors that will help determine your truck accident lawsuit settlement amount.
Disabilities and Injuries
A truck accident may leave you with short-term injuries or permanent disabilities. The severity of your sustained injuries will affect your compensation.
Lost Wages and Income
After being involved in an accident, you might not be able to return to work. Your compensation will include your lost wages and income.
Medical Expenses
When determining your commercial truck accident settlement, insurance will review the cost of your medical treatments.
Timeline of Treatments
The timeline of your medical treatment and length of recovery will affect how much your compensation is.
Helpful Reading: Steps to Take When Involved in a Semi-Truck Crash
Damages Recovered From Truck Accident Settlements And Verdicts
You may be suffering financial losses if you’ve been injured in a truck accident. There are various damages you may recover from truck accident lawsuits settlements and verdicts, including:
- Past, Present, and Future Medical Costs – Whether you require present or future medical care, insurance may compensate you for your medical bills.
- Property Damage – In addition to any injuries, damages to your car or other property may be severe. You can recover compensation for any property damage involved in the accident.
- Pain and Suffering – Being involved in a truck accident can be traumatic. If you’ve suffered emotional or physical distress from an accident, you can seek compensation.
- Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity – A truck accident may leave you unable to attend work. You can recover your lost wages and obtain disability benefits if you’re disabled.
- Permanent Disability or Disfigurement – Depending on the nature of the accident, you may have permanent disabilities. You can recover compensation for your required medical care.
Helpful Reading: How do Concrete Trucks Cause Accidents
Common Injuries from Truck Accidents
Accidents involving trucks can result in severe damage to all cars involved. Common injuries from truck accidents include:
- Back and Neck Injuries – Though back and neck injuries can range from minor pain to debilitating injuries, these types of injuries can prevent the victim from returning to their everyday lifestyle.
- Head Injuries – Head injuries are some of the most severe injuries you can sustain from a truck accident, often causing loss of motor functions.
- Wrongful Death – Accidents involving trucks are more likely to cause fatalities than other cars, so contacting an experienced attorney will help file a wrongful death claim.
Helpful Reading: What is Considered a Commercial Vehicle
Reasons Why You Should Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer for Your Case
Hiring a truck accident lawyer can significantly influence the outcome of your case, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve. Here are detailed reasons why securing legal representation is crucial:
Expertise in Trucking Regulations
Truck accident lawyers possess specialized knowledge of state and federal trucking regulations, which can be intricate and vary widely. They understand how these laws apply to your case, such as hours-of-service regulations for drivers, which can prove crucial in establishing negligence.
Experience with Insurance Companies
An experienced truck accident attorney knows how insurance companies operate and can effectively negotiate with them on your behalf. They can prevent insurers from undervaluing or denying your claim, ensuring that your settlement reflects the true extent of your losses.
Accurate Damage Assessment
Determining the full scope of damages in a truck accident can be complex. A skilled lawyer will include all possible categories of compensation, from medical expenses and lost wages to pain and suffering and future care costs. They ensure no potential damage is overlooked, maximizing your compensation.
Litigation Readiness
While many truck accident claims settle out of court, some go to trial. A seasoned truck accident lawyer will prepare your case as if it is going to trial, gathering necessary evidence and crafting a compelling argument. This preparation can also enhance your leverage during settlement negotiations.
Contingency Fee Basis
Most truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. This arrangement allows you to pursue justice without any upfront costs, reducing your financial risk while ensuring your lawyer is motivated to secure the best possible outcome.
By covering these areas, a truck accident lawyer not only enhances your chances of receiving a fair settlement but also relieves the burden of navigating complex legal processes, allowing you to focus on recovery.
Truck Accidents Verdicts – Coluccio Law
At Coluccio Law, our truck accident lawyers have worked hard to represent several clients successfully. We have worked to get fair compensation from truck drivers, the trucking company, and the insurance company.
Here are some of our firm’s top truck accident settlements and verdicts:
- $2,940,000 – Kevin Coluccio successfully represented the surviving spouse of a woman hit and killed by a dump truck trailer.
- $2,500,000 – Kevin Coluccio represented the family of a truck driver who had experienced a vehicle crash due to a defective retread tire.
- $1,850,000 – Coluccio Law represented the family of a University of Washington professor killed when logs fell off a commercial logging truck and struck his vehicle.
Reach Out for Coluccio Law Today!
At Coluccio Law, our team of experienced lawyers has years of successfully representing clients in a range of personal injury cases. If you would like a free consultation or have questions regarding truck accident settlements and verdicts, call our knowledgeable team at (206) 826-8200 today!
Recommended Article: What is a T Bone Accident
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