Trucking accidents are some of the most lethal accidents any driver can experience. Because of the power and force with which a semi-truck can collide with another vehicle or object in the environment, drivers are much more vulnerable to severe injuries. If you have recently experienced a truck accident, you are entitled to compensation for the damages and/or injuries. Hiring the help of an experienced lawyer is your best bet at receiving the compensation you deserve.
The Average Settlement of a Semi-Truck Accident
Since damages and injuries vary from accident to accident, there is no average settlement that one can expect from a collision with an 18-wheeler. There are several factors that can influence the settlement amountyou receive from a truck accident:
- Liability: More than 75% of truck accidents are found to be the fault of the individual operating the passenger car. Determining liability is critical to these cases since it directly affects whether you will be eligible for compensation or if the truck company is liable. Keep in mind that, because the trucker is representing a business, their insurers are likely to work much faster and more intensely than yours.
- Severity of any injuries: Most people who are involved in an accident with a semi-truck are either killed or become severely injured. The worse and more complex an injury, the higher the settlement, since there are likely to be more expensive medical bills.
- Severity of property damage: The property damages that result from a semi-truck collision can be devastating – you may even lose your vehicle entirely. Your settlement will be determined in consideration of the extent of property damage (your vehicle and belongings inside).
- Loss of income: This can be an effect of your physical injuries or an indirect result of pain and suffering – whatever the reason, if you experience a loss of income because of the injuries and damages you incurred from the accident, you are entitled to compensation to cover that.
- Pain and Suffering: Not all injuries are physical. If you are experiencing psychological trauma following a collision with a semi-truck – for example, you may feel heightened anxiety when driving on the freeway now – your settlement will include expenses related to your suffering.
Once your settlement has been determined, the party responsible for paying the settlement may be either the truck driver (or their insurer) or their company’s insurer. Independent truck drivers are most likely to have to pay the settlement since they are not tied to a supervising entity.
Hire an Accident Lawyer to Help You Earn Compensation
Sharing the road with 18-wheelers can be nerve-wracking, especially when you’ve been in an accident with one before. If you have recently experienced a collision with a semi-truck, you need the help of an attorney to be sure that you win the compensation your deserve for a quick recovery. Your accident attorney will advocate for you when your up against the trucking company’s insurer, and ensure that you don’t settle for too little in the dispute. Contact an attorney today.
