Every day unsuspecting drivers become victims of commercial truck accidents. According to the National Safety Council, 118,000 large trucks were involved in injury-causing crashes in 2019. These accidents often cause serious injuries due to the vehicles’ large size and significant weight, meaning victims are often left with severe injuries, mountains of expenses, and long roads to recovery. If you’ve been involved in an accident with a large truck, it’s important to learn as much as possible about the process of commercial truck accident settlements so you can make informed decisions about your case. 

Remember that every large truck accident case is different. That is why it’s often advised for victims to partner with an experienced semi-truck accident lawyer. A firm with experience in commercial accident cases can help guide victims through the settlement process and optimize their claims. 

Steps to Take Following a Semi-Truck Accident

The initial moments and days following the accident are understandably stressful, but there are key steps that, when taken, can help victims achieve more positive outcomes in their large truck accident settlements. These steps include 

  • Prioritizing the health and safety of those involved in the accident by assessing injuries and getting the necessary medical attention
  • Contacting authorities to report the crash and obtaining a police report
  • Gathering evidence including witness statements, photos, videos, contact information, and insurance details for those involved 
  • Contacting insurers to report the accident while refraining from revealing too many details about the accident, as insurance companies can use any information you provide to refute your claim
  • Finding legal representation to help you navigate the complicated commercial vehicle accident settlement process

When these steps are taken, victims can be more likely to experience positive outcomes in settlements, and a qualified personal injury attorney will offer victims help in navigating these steps. 

Semi-Truck Accident Settlements

Semi-truck accidents can cause a tremendous amount of damage physically, emotionally, and financially. However, settlements help compensate victims and their families cover medical costs, property damage, lost wages, and more. 

When it comes to commercial vehicle accident settlements, there are many factors that can affect the process and the outcomes. During your settlement, insurance companies and legal counsel will assess your specific case to determine a settlement amount. 

The first consideration will be the types of injuries that victims experienced. Because settlements typically include damages for medical expenses, the severity of the injuries sustained in the crash can impact how much a settlement can be worth. Medical costs can include emergency care, ongoing care, medication, rehabilitation, and more. As a result, less severe injuries will likely result in lower settlements while severe injuries, such as those that cause extreme loss or permanent disability, will likely be higher in value. Common injuries in semi-truck accidents include: 

  • Head and neck injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and whiplash
  • Spinal cord injuries, including full or partial paralysis
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Lacerations and bruising
  • Internal bleeding
  • Wrongful death

In addition to the physical toll the accident had on the victims involved, the settlement process will typically take into account the mental suffering the crash caused. Semi-truck accidents can be traumatizing, and in some cases, victims can seek compensation for pain and suffering.

The mental and physical injuries associated with a commercial truck accident can also cause victims to lose income due to missing work. In serious crashes, victims may experience long-term loss of income due to injuries that reduce their earning capacity. Whether you have experienced temporary, partial, or permanent disability, large truck accident settlements can help you recoup your lost wages. 

Additional damages that can be recovered through a settlement include property damages and punitive damages. Property damage typically refers to vehicle damage and repair or replacement expenses. Punitive damages are rare, but can sometimes be offered to victims whose crash was caused by a violation of federal and state trucking regulations on the part of the driver or their company. 

Typical Settlement Amounts

Many commercial truck accident victims want to know what to expect for their settlement. Unfortunately, there is no “average” settlement amount to consider when estimating compensation amount. This is because every accident is different, and every victim’s injuries and damages are unique. 

One consistent element, though, is having an experienced accident attorney on your side will help you achieve better outcomes. Not only can they help you quantify your damages, but they can also help prove liability. This is essential in a state like Texas, which uses the “modified comparative fault” rule, which states that the victim cannot collect damages if they are more than 50% responsible for the crash.

Johnson Garcia Law Can Help

For victims of semi-truck accidents, the settlement process can be difficult to navigate. Not only are victims and their families left with the mental and physical toll of their injuries, but they are also left with potentially tens of thousands of dollars in medical expenses, lost wages, and more. At Johnson Garcia Law, we’re dedicated to helping victims recover the damages they’re entitled to with as little stress as possible. 

Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys has over 30 years of combined experience, allowing us to help our clients through the settlement process of even the most complicated or high-value cases. At Johnson Garcia, we are so committed to our client’s success that we won’t take payment unless we win for you. Contact us today or give us a call at 832-400-6130 to schedule a completely free consultation.