Semi-truck accidents can be life-altering, leaving victims with severe injuries, emotional trauma, and financial strain. Understandably, many people want to know: what is the average settlement for a semi-truck accident?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as settlement amounts depend on the specific facts of each case. Factors like the extent of injuries, the availability of evidence, and the nuances of Texas law play a significant role in determining compensation.
At Kolodny Law Firm, we understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a semi-truck accident can be. With a proven track record of securing millions for our clients, our team of seasoned Houston truck accident lawyers is dedicated to helping you recover fair compensation. In this blog, we’ll explore the factors influencing settlement amounts and how we can guide you toward obtaining the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Factors That Influence the Average Settlement for Semi-Truck Accidents
The amount awarded in 18-wheeler accidents in Texas depends on various factors unique to each situation. Below, we break down the primary influences that can impact settlement amounts.
Extent of Injuries
The severity of injuries sustained in a semi-truck accident is one of the most significant factors in determining the settlement amount. Serious injuries such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or amputation often require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, physical therapy, and long-term care. Medical expenses included in an average payout for an 18-wheeler accident in Texas may consist of the following:
- Emergency room care,
- Hospital stays,
- Doctor visits,
- Surgeries,
- Prescriptions,
- Long-term care,
- Counseling,
- Physical therapy,
- Assistive devices, and
- Home care.
In addition to direct medical costs, victims may receive compensation for pain and suffering—an acknowledgment of the physical pain and emotional toll the injuries cause. When injuries are life-altering, settlements tend to be higher to reflect the long-term impact on the victim’s quality of life.
Financial Impact
Truck accidents often leave victims unable to work for weeks, months, or even permanently. Lost wages from hospitalization and recovery time are just one part of the financial burden. In more severe cases, victims may face a loss of earning capacity if their injuries force them to take a lower-paying job, reduce their hours, or leave the workforce entirely.
Settlement amounts aim to account for both immediate and long-term financial losses. A detailed understanding of these impacts, supported by evidence like medical reports and expert testimony, can help ensure fair compensation.
Insurance Carrier
Semi-truck companies usually carry extensive insurance policies, which can result in higher payouts for accident victims. However, significant coverage doesn’t guarantee a straightforward claims process. Trucking companies and their insurers often employ aggressive legal teams whose primary goal is to minimize payouts.
This dynamic underscores the importance of having an experienced truck accident lawyer on your side. Without proper representation, victims may face tactics designed to undervalue their claims or pressure them into accepting lowball offers that do not adequately compensate them for their losses.
Availability of Evidence
The strength of the evidence in your case can make or break your settlement. Detailed police reports, eyewitness testimony, black box data from the truck, and photographic evidence from the accident scene can provide a clear picture of liability.
When evidence is readily available and well-documented, it becomes easier to establish fault and negotiate a favorable settlement. Conversely, insufficient evidence can weaken your claim, leaving you vulnerable to disputes from the other party’s legal team.
Comparative Fault
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means your settlement amount can be reduced if you’re found partially at fault for the accident. You cannot recover compensation if you are more than 50% responsible.
Insurance companies frequently use this rule to their advantage by attempting to assign as much blame as possible to you, the victim. This tactic can reduce or eliminate the insurer’s liability and, by extension, the settlement amount. A skilled attorney can counter these strategies by presenting a compelling case that establishes the true extent of each party’s fault.
How Can Working with a Truck Accident Lawyer in Houston Help?
Navigating the complexities of semi-truck accident cases requires legal knowledge and a dedicated team to advocate for your rights. At Kolodny Law Firm, we provide aggressive and compassionate representation to help you secure the best possible outcome. Here are some of the services we provide.
Evidence Collection
From gathering police reports and medical records to obtaining black box data from the truck involved, our team ensures that no critical evidence is overlooked. This comprehensive approach strengthens your case and increases the likelihood of a favorable settlement.
Experience with Trucking Laws
Trucking companies must follow strict federal and state regulations governing driver qualifications, hours of service, and vehicle maintenance. With extensive knowledge of these laws, we can identify violations that may establish liability.
Negotiations with Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance adjusters can be intimidating, especially when aggressive legal teams with extensive resources back them. At Kolodny Law Firm, we handle all negotiations on your behalf, ensuring you’re not pressured into accepting an unfair settlement.
Knowledge of Filing Deadlines
Understanding and adhering to filing deadlines is crucial in semi-truck accident cases. In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the accident date. Missing this deadline can result in the dismissal of your case, leaving you unable to recover any compensation for your injuries and losses. We ensure your case stays on track by promptly handling the required filings.
For a free legal consultation, call (713) 532-4474 or contact us online
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While no two semi-truck accident cases are alike, understanding the factors influencing settlements can help you set realistic expectations. From the extent of injuries to the tactics of insurance companies, each element plays a crucial role in determining the amount you might receive.
At Kolodny Law Firm, we’re here to simplify the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. With our proven track record of securing significant settlements and verdicts, you can trust us to handle your case with careful attention to detail and compassion. Contact us today for a free consultation and speak to a truck accident lawyer in Houston.
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Alan Kolodny is committed to representing injured clients in Texas and throughout the United States. Alan earned his B.A. from Rice University and his J.D. from Southern Methodist University.
He focuses his practice on representing plaintiffs in personal injury cases involving the following matters: maritime and offshore accidents, including those under the Jones Act; automobile and 18-wheeler truck accidents; and industrial site accidents, work-related accidents, and claims for injured railroad workers under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act.
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