What’s the Average 18-wheeler Accident Settlement?

If you’ve been involved in an 18-wheeler accident, you’re probably wondering what kind of settlement you can expect. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

Truck accident settlements can range from a few thousand dollars to millions, depending on the circumstances of your case. Multi-million dollar settlements typically involve cases where the victim suffered catastrophic, life-altering injuries or wrongful death. Ultimately, the compensation you walk away with will depend on many things.

In this blog, we’ll break down some settlement examples, some factors that influence your payout, and how lawyers calculate your settlement. If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident, contact us today to explore your options.

Truck Accident Settlements & Examples

A truck accident settlement is an agreement between the injured party (that’s you) and the at-fault party (usually the truck driver, trucking company, or their insurance provider) to compensate you for your damages and losses.

At Purely Legal, we’ve secured substantial settlements for our clients in a wide range of personal injury cases, including truck accidents. Some of our notable settlements include:

• $113,500.00 – Trucking Accident Settlement
• $100,000.00 – Auto Accident Settlement (multiple cases)
• $800,000.00 – Confidential Ride Share Settlement
• $300,000.00 – Auto Accident Settlement

These examples demonstrate the variability in settlement amounts based on the unique factors of each case.

Factors Influencing Truck Accident Settlement Amounts

Several key factors play a role in determining the amount of a truck accident settlement:

1. The severity of injuries and property damage: The more severe your injuries and the more extensive the property damage, the higher your settlement is likely to be.
2. Long-term impact: If your injuries require ongoing medical treatment, affect your ability to work, or impact your quality of life, this can significantly increase your settlement.
3. Liability and negligence: If the truck driver or trucking company violated safety regulations (like exceeding hours-of-service limits or failing to maintain their vehicles), this can strengthen your case and lead to a higher settlement.
4. Insurance coverage: The at-fault party’s insurance policy limits can affect the available funds for a settlement.
5. Evidence and legal representation: Strong evidence and experienced legal representation can improve your chances of securing a favorable settlement.

Calculating Truck Accident Settlement Amounts

Calculating a fair settlement involves evaluating the economic and non-economic damages you’ve suffered. Here’s how it works:

Economic Damages

These are the tangible, easily quantifiable losses, such as:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and lost earning capacity
• Property damage

To calculate these, your attorney will gather medical bills, employment records, and repair estimates.

Non-Economic Damages

These are the more subjective losses, like:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Putting a dollar value on these damages is trickier. Attorneys often use a multiplier (usually between 1.5 and 5) based on the severity of your injuries. They’ll multiply your economic damages by this number to arrive at a figure for non-economic damages.

Negotiating the Settlement

Your attorney will then use the total of your economic and non-economic damages as a starting point for negotiations with the insurance company. There will likely be some back-and-forth before arriving at a final settlement amount.

How to Increase Your Truck Accident Settlement

To ensure you get the most out of your truck accident claim, consider these tips:

1. Seek medical attention immediately: Not only is this crucial for your health, but it also documents your injuries from the very beginning.
2. Follow your treatment plan: Attend all doctor’s appointments and follow your prescribed treatment. This shows you’re taking your recovery seriously.
3. Document everything: Keep records of all medical bills, lost wages, and any other expenses related to your accident.
4. Don’t accept the first offer: Insurance companies often start with a low settlement offer. Be prepared to negotiate.
5. Don’t sign anything without consulting your attorney: You could accidentally sign away your rights to future compensation.
6. Choose the right attorney: Work with an experienced truck accident attorney who knows how to build a strong case and negotiate with insurance companies.

At Purely Legal, we’re committed to helping you maximize your truck accident settlement. We’ll guide you through every step of the process and fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Don’t Settle for Less Than You Deserve

Remember, the insurance company’s goal is to pay out as little as possible. That’s why it’s so important to have an experienced truck accident attorney on your side who can fight for the full compensation you’re owed.

At Purely Legal, we know how to calculate the true value of your claim and negotiate aggressively with insurance companies. We won’t let them pressure you into accepting a lowball offer.

If you’ve been in a truck accident, don’t try to handle the settlement process alone. Contact Purely Legal today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and fight to get you every dollar you deserve.