What is the average truck accident settlement?

How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?

There’s no set “average” amount for truck accident settlements. The compensation received by victims varies widely and is influenced by the details of the crash, such as the severity of injuries, the victim’s contribution to the accident, and the insurance coverage limits.

Regarding big rigs, Texas tops the list of states with the highest number of large truck trucking accidents. A 2020 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration report shows Texas having 14,456 trucking accidents, 7,728 injuries, and 513 fatalities. Five hundred thousand truck-related accidents occur yearly in the United States. Some may wonder how much are most truck accident settlements. Read on.

This is just over 1,369 accidents per day, 57 every hour, and almost one accident every minute nationally. Truck accident settlements in those cases vary significantly. From no damages to millions of dollars depending on many factors.

For over 35 years, Baumgartner Law Firm has been fighting for maximum compensation for victims involved in semi-truck accidents in Houston and throughout Texas. We don’t want you to settle for average; our truck accident lawyers in Houston, Texas, want to maximize your compensation!

Hire a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to help prove your case and maximize your truck accident settlement compensation.

What Factors Determine Damages in a Truck Accident Settlement

Various crucial factors determine the extent of damages in a truck accident case and the minimum truck settlement. These factors encompass the severity of the injuries sustained, the subsequent medical expenses incurred, the impact on the victim’s normal daily life, the level of pain and suffering endured, and the extent of damage to the victim’s property, particularly the motor vehicle involved.

Additionally, the average settlement for a semi truck accident relies on the negligence exhibited by the truck driver, such as their attentiveness during the accident, adherence to traffic laws, and whether they were driving recklessly. The more responsibility attributed to the driver due to their lack of attention or violation of laws, the greater their liability in the accident will be.

How Much Will You Get Paid if an 18-wheeler Hits You?

Here Are Some Examples of Truck Accident Settlements at Baumgartner Law Firm

There have been numerous other truck accident lawsuit settlements at Baumgartner Law Firm, and it is essential to understand that each case is unique, making it difficult to determine an average settlement amount. However, we can provide some examples of our past settlements to give you an idea of what other settlement amounts have been awarded in truck accident cases.

$4.3 Million

For instance, in a recent incident handled by Baumgartner Law Firm involving an 18-wheeler accident in Houston, Texas, a man was killed when he hit a big truck that was backing across the roadway to make a delivery. The defendants blamed the deceased for not paying attention and speeding. The case was settled for $4.3 million with a fee of 1/3 and expenses of $19,000.

$5 Million

In another 18-wheeler accident, our client was a truck driver who lost control of his vehicle and jackknifed across the highway, killing two innocent people. The driver sustained serious spine injuries. We sued the employer, the maintenance company, and others. Our case settled for $5 million with a 40% fee and expenses of $102,000. It is noteworthy that the truck accident attorneys for the family of the two innocent victims settled their wrongful death truck accident claims for a lot less than we got the commercial truck accident driver who caused the wreck.

$250 Thousand

Our client was hit in a blindside truck crash. The 18-wheeler moved over into his lane and struck his vehicle. Fortunately, the crash was not severe, and our client escaped with only a shoulder injury, which healed fairly quickly. The case was settled with attorneys fees at 1/3 and expenses under $5,000.

These examples demonstrate the vast range of potential outcomes in truck accident settlements. However, it is essential to remember that every case is unique, and various factors, such as the severity of injuries, the extent of property damage, and liability issues, the venue for the case, will all play a significant role in determining the final settlement amount.

How Fault of the Truck Driver and the Severity of the Victim’s Injuries Impact Settlements?

Truck accident settlements are greatly influenced by two key factors: the extent of fault attributed to the truck driver and the severity of the victim’s injuries. The combination of these factors determines the potential range of damages that can be awarded in such cases.

Regarding fault, if the truck driver is found to be only partially responsible for the accident, the potential damages and awarded compensation may be reduced proportionally. On the other hand, if the truck driver is deemed highly negligent or reckless, the potential for substantial and even punitive damages increases. Courts consider various elements such as adherence to traffic laws, driver behavior, and any potential violation of safety regulations when determining the truck driver’s fault.

The severity of the victim’s injuries also plays a significant role in assessing damages. Courts consider the immediate and long-term physical health and emotional consequences the victim suffers. This includes the severity of injuries, the duration of necessary medical treatment, pain and suffering endured, and any resulting disability or impairment. The more severe the injuries, the higher the potential damages awarded.

Considering these several factors above, the range of truck accident settlements can vary dramatically. In cases where the victim has suffered minimal injuries and the truck driver is found to be only partially at fault, the damages awarded may be minimal or, in some instances, nonexistent. However, in cases where the victim has sustained severe injuries, and the truck driver is determined to have displayed extreme negligence or recklessness, settlements can potentially reach huge amounts.

It is important to note that each truck accident case is unique, and settlements are heavily influenced by the specific circumstances and evidence presented. Engaging the services of experienced legal professionals will contribute to a comprehensive evaluation of your case and aid in determining the potential amount of damages that may be awarded.

What is the Average Settlement Amount for an 18-Wheeler Accident?

The average amount for an 18-wheeler accident settlement cannot be determined as it varies significantly due to numerous factors. The damages in such cases depend on two main elements: the degree of fault of the truck driver and the severity of the victim’s injuries.

Consequently, the range of settlements can vary greatly. In instances where the truck driver is found to be extremely negligent and the victim has suffered severe injuries and damages, settlement amounts can exceed millions.

However, it is important to understand that each case is unique, and no standard average truck accident settlement amount applies to all 18-wheeler accident cases. Therefore, seeking an average truck accident claim settlement amount would provide little meaningful insight.

Common Questions After Being Hurt in an 18-Wheeler Accident

18-wheeler lawsuit settlements can be substantial. We have won numerous multi-million dollar truck accident cases at Baumgartner Law Firm.

Baumgartner Law Firm has been obtaining record compensation for over three decades- put our award-winning truck accident lawyers in Houston on your team. Here are some common questions about truck accident cases.

What Laws in Texas May Apply to a Truck Accident?

Statute of Limitations: The clock is always ticking regarding the timely filing of a claim for an accident that caused personal injury. In most cases, the Texas statute of limitations is two years from the day of the incident. The sooner we file your 18-wheeler accident lawsuit, the better.

One exception to this rule applies to those claims involving an injury to a minor.

The 2-year window does not begin on the child’s injury claim until the child turns 18. Additionally, claims against a government entity (or employee), like the city of Houston, must be initiated much sooner.

Comparative Negligence: in a situation where the plaintiff’s actions contributed to the incident, compensation is reduced in proportion to the percentage of fault.  The 51% Bar Rule prohibits the plaintiff from collecting any financial compensation if found to be more than 50% at fault. Contributory fault in Texas is a part of past personal injury and fatal accident cases.

You can expect the defense to try to shift the blame in your case. Our trucking accident claims attorneys are skilled at countering the tactics of the defense. We have been helping truck crash victims for over three decades and have not lost a case.

FMCSR, or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, provides comprehensive regulation of commercial trucks, tractor-trailers, truck drivers, and trucking companies. Texas also has laws regulating truck drivers, tow trucks, and trucking companies. Violations of these rules provide powerful evidence for a personal injury trial lawyer.

What are the Causes of Semi Crashes?

Truck accident statistics show fatal big rig accidents occur in Texas more often than in any other state. Often, it is not until after a truck accident investigation that all the facts about the cause of the crash are known. Common causes of tractor-trailer accidents usually involve driver error.

How to Find the Best Lawyers for Truck Accidents?

Look for legal representation from a preeminent-rated truck accident attorney with decades of experience and a record of success. Always look for a local area trucking and experienced truck accident lawyer first.

The Importance of Documenting Your 18-Wheeler Accident

If you have the chance, take photos of the accident scene. You may want to document the other driver’s license plate number or even snap a photo of the driver if you can do so safely. This simple step can help you prove the other driver’s presence at the car accident scene and make it easier for you to establish who caused the accident.

You may also want to take pictures of the damage to the two vehicles and any scene features that may have contributed to the accident: a blind curve that prevented the other driver from seeing you. Other causes of big rig accidents include:

• Lack of sufficient training
• Impaired drivers
• Overloaded cargo
• Unbalanced cargo
• Equipment failure
• Unqualified drivers
• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Fatigued drivers
• Road rage
• Over the hours of driving
• Driver error
• Wide turns
• Failure to yield
• Blind spot accidents
• Drunk Drivers

Truck Accident Settlements Start with Proving Fault

To get a semi truck settlement in a commercial vehicle accident, you must first be prepared to prove fault. An average semi truck accident settlement is difficult to determine, in part because liability in a crash will vary depending on the facts of the case.

To prove fault, you must demonstrate that the defendant’s negligent, reckless, or intentional conduct caused your accident.

If the liability is clear, your settlement may be higher than the average trucking accident settlement for similar injuies.

Our personal injury lawyers in Houston take only injury cases. We know how to prove the fault and liability of a truck driver and trucking company, specifically in collisions with 18-wheelers or semi-trucks. Call the best car accident lawyer in Houston if you have been injured in an auto accident with another car. If you have been hit by a big truck, find the best truck accident lawyer and personal injury lawyer near me.

We handle all types of commercial truck accident cases. Hit by an Amazon van? We can help!

How to Calculate a Truck Accident Settlement?

We do the math. People ask, “How much is an average semi-truck settlement”?

In theory, financial recovery from vehicle damage and injury sustained in a big rig truck accident should be calculated as follows:

• The sum of the replacement cost of personal property lost in the accident + actual medical expenses incurred to date + projected future medical expenses + compensation for pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, and impairment + wages lost due to accident + verifiable loss of future salary.
• Minus the percentage of comparative fault assigned to the plaintiff.

However, it is important to note that determining the average amount for an 18-wheeler accident settlement is not straightforward. Each truck accident case is unique, with varying degrees of fault on the truck driver’s part and varying levels of injury sustained by the victim. Therefore, there is no definitive average settlement amount that can be provided.

The extent of damages in a truck accident settlement depends on multiple factors, such as the level of negligence displayed by the truck driver and the severity of the victim’s injuries. These variables can greatly influence the final settlement amount, ranging from no damages being awarded to often being many millions in cases involving severe injuries or wrongful death.

It is crucial to understand that no two truck accident cases are identical, making an average settlement amount of limited value. To gain a more accurate assessment of your specific situation, it is advisable to seek a free case evaluation from a reputable truck accident lawyer with extensive experience in handling such cases.

With over 35 years of experience, our firm offers free consultations to provide the necessary guidance. To schedule a consultation, please call us at (281) 587-1111 or click here to request a consultation. Remember, the complexity and uniqueness of each truck accident case make it essential to consult a knowledgeable legal professional to obtain an accurate estimate of your potential settlement amount.

What are the Possible Damages in a Collision with an 18-Wheeler?

We are a personal injury law firm with over three decades of experience and are extremely proud of our winning track record of success. Our founder is nationally recognized as among the best personal injury lawyers in the USA. We are undefeated in truck accident cases, and we invite you to check out our results page for recent results in cases we won.

In a truck accident case, determining damages involves carefully evaluating various factors. When seeking compensation after a trucking accident, it is crucial to understand the types of damages you may be entitled to receive. In Texas, personal injury damages are divided into two groups: economic damages and non-economic damages.

1. Physical Injury: The extent of your physical injuries is crucial in determining the damages you can receive. It is essential to have your injuries confirmed by a medical expert, such as a doctor, who can provide a detailed assessment of the nature and severity of your injuries.

2. Medical Cost: When calculating the damages, your medical bills and expenses directly related to the trucking accident are considered. It is important to differentiate these expenses from any prior or subsequent injuries.

3. Pain and Suffering: The compensation for pain and suffering is usually one of the largest damages awarded in an injury truck accident. The extent of mental anguish, physical limitations, disfigurement, loss of consortium, and the loss of a loved one are factors that contribute to determining the compensation for pain and suffering.

4. Lost Income: If your injuries caused you to miss work, the lost wages can be factored into the damages from the trucking accident. This includes the time taken to recover and any missed work due to medical appointments or treatments. It is crucial to provide evidence for any lost wages.

5. Future Income: In case the truck accident results in a permanent loss of movement, brain injury, or an inability to perform your job as before, compensation can be awarded for the loss of future earnings. Even if you had plans for the future that are impacted by the accident, they can be considered if they can be proved and estimated.

With our three-decade of experience and an impeccable record of success, we understand the intricacies of determining damages in truck accident cases. Our founder is regarded as one of the top personal injury lawyers in the country. We have achieved remarkable results in truck accident cases.  

Explore our results page to see recent cases we have won. We are here to guide you through the process, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

Physical damage and emotional trauma
Severe and often catastrophic injuries occur in an altercation between a large truck and a passenger car. Some of the more common physical injuries in 18-wheeler crashes are:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Neck and spinal cord damage
• Damage to internal organs
• Compound fractures
• Shoulder injury

How We Can Help With Your Truck Accident Settlement

We are a personal injury law firm with over three decades of experience and are extremely proud of our winning track record of success. Our founder is nationally recognized as among the best personal injury lawyers in the USA. We are undefeated in truck accident cases, wrongful death cases, and daycare negligence, and we invite you to check out our results page for recent results in cases we won.

In addition to our extensive experience and impressive results, we understand the importance of obtaining a fair settlement for our clients involved in 18-wheeler truck accidents. Our team of dedicated truck accident lawyers is well-versed in these cases’ complexities and their unique challenges.

When you hire us, we will work tirelessly to maximize your compensation. We will thoroughly investigate the accident, gather evidence, and consult with experts to build a strong case on your behalf. Our goal is to ensure that you receive the settlement you deserve for your pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, and any other damages you have suffered due to the accident.

We understand that being involved in a truck accident can be a traumatic experience, and we are here to guide you through the legal process with compassion and expertise. Our team is committed to fighting for your rights and holding the responsible parties accountable for their actions.

If you are looking for the best personal injury lawyers in Houston specializing in truck accident cases, look no further. With our unparalleled experience and dedication to our clients, we have what it takes to help you obtain the settlement you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you get the justice and compensation you are entitled to.

Our Houston Personal Injury Law Firm Practice Areas

At Baumgartner Law Firm, our personal injury attorney in Harris County, TX, helps clients throughout Texas maximize their damages to get the compensation they deserve. We have recovered millions of dollars from semi-truck accident lawsuits and represented thousands of accident victims.

Since 1985, our personal injury law firm has limited the practice to serious injury cases and produced exceptional results in the following areas:

• Auto & Car Accidents
• Construction Site Accidents
• Truck & 18-Wheeler Accidents
• Daycare Negligence & Child Injury
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Drunk Driving Accidents
• Dram Shop Lawsuits
• Wrongful Death

Our founder attorney, Greg Baumgartner, has over 35 years of experience and has been peer-reviewed preeminent for decades.

Contact Baumgartner Law Firm About Your 18-wheeler Accident.

Following a semi-truck accident, the legal process can be confusing and complicated for injured parties, and pursuing litigation may be intimidating. Third parties involved can further complicate matters. When your family member is involved in the aftermath of a big rig accident, you need a law firm with experience and proven results. We have won multi-million-dollar settlements for truck accident victims for over three decades. We have never lost a truck accident injury or wrongful death case!

Key factors in truck accident lawsuits are proven liability and the victim’s damages. Don’t settle for an average truck accident settlement- call Baumgartner Law Firm.

We have recovered millions for many families hurt in an accident with an 18-wheeler in Houston and across Texas.

Don’t delay. Choose to protect your rights and the future of your family. Call our exceptional trucking accident attorneys in Houston, TX, at (281) 587-1111.

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