Oftentimes, truck accidents result in increased damage because of the size and weight of commercial trucks. That can result in more severe and permanent injuries to the other drivers. Truck accident cases are usually more complex as they involve many liable parties, trucking regulations, and serious injuries. Each case is unique and the settlement you receive for your case could be quite different from the average amount. That is why it is important to contact an experienced truck accident law firm like Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP to have your cases fully evaluated.
Definition and Types of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents involve large vehicles such as delivery trucks, commercial vehicles, and 18-wheelers. The most common types of truck accidents include jackknife accidents, rollover accidents, rear-end collisions, and accidents from failing to yield the right of way. However, truck accidents can occur in various forms and circumstances. The type of accident can also play a role in the average settlement amount. For example, a rollover collision has a higher likelihood of causing fatalities, severe injuries, and extensive property damage. It may lead to higher settlement amounts compared to a relatively minor collision with minimal injuries.
Typical Range of Settlement Amounts for Truck Accidents
The average settlement for truck accidents depends on several factors, including the location and damage. The amount can vary from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars.
If the accident results in minor injuries, then you can expect the settlement to be less than $100,000. However, if there were severe injuries, such as spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries, then the amount is more likely to be hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars.
Accidents that involve a wrongful death can even be higher depending on the pre-death injuries. The average also depends on the type of truck accident and facts regarding liability.
Factors Influencing Truck Accident Settlements
The biggest factor that influences a truck accident settlement is the severity of the injuries of the people involved in the accident. The most devastating injuries and disabilities often require long-term care, which can be expensive. Such injuries can also result in a major loss of income and earning capacity for the victims, and this is reflected in the high settlement amounts in such cases.
Another key factor is the degree of liability established in the case. There could be multiple parties liable for the accident. If the victim was partially at fault for the accident, their compensation could be lowered based on their percentage of fault in the accident. For example, a driver in a passenger car is speeding and doesn’t yield while a truck is making a turn. In this scenario, the car driver may be partially responsible for the accident. Even if the truck is making an illegal turn, the other driver’s speeding means they could be partially at fault.
Truck accident settlements also depend on how strongly you negotiate with the opposing parties. Many victims make the mistake of accepting an unreasonably low offer, not fully realizing the full extent of their damages. In some cases, victims accept an early offer to get some financial assistance to help them manage the financial stress of suffering an accident. However, you should always consult an attorney before accepting any settlement offer.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Truck Accident
In order to document what happened and preserve the evidence, you should take certain steps. Your immediate priority should be ensuring the safety of yourself and others involved in the accident. Call 911 so emergency responders can provide medical assistance to anyone injured and law enforcement can document the accident. Such documentation or records can play a key role in your injury claim or lawsuit.
While you are at the accident scene and are in stable condition, you can start gathering evidence such as photos or videos of the crash site, road conditions, injuries, traffic signs, and anything else that could be relevant to your case.
Exchange information with other parties involved in the accident. Make sure you have the contact information and insurance details of all parties involved in the accident. You also need to notify your insurance company about the accident, but don’t share any unnecessary information. The insurance provider may offer a quick settlement but don’t accept it before consulting with an attorney. It helps to involve an attorney early in the process as they can protect your rights and help you navigate the legal complexities of truck accident cases.
To ensure you get into a strong position to negotiate with the insurance company and secure a full and fair settlement, you need to follow all medical advice and get all recommended treatment. In addition, keep track of your expenses, including lost wages, property damage, out of pocket expenses, and medical bills.
Importance of Legal Representation for Maximizing Settlement Outcomes
Securing appropriate settlements in truck accident cases often involves complex challenges, such as understanding intricate insurance policies, navigating multi-party liability, and understanding how the trucking regulations apply to your case. At Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP, we can help you overcome these hurdles and secure maximum settlement for your case. Getting help from an experienced truck accident attorney can be essential for building a strong case and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Our attorneys are well versed in local and state trucking laws and have a proven track record of helping truck accident victims get justice. We can help you with all legal aspects of the case, including gathering evidence, completing paperwork, and negotiating with the insurance company. Having an experienced attorney on your side can be crucial for maximizing your settlement. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, please call us to schedule a free consultation.
