A semi-truck accident settlement is an agreement reached between the parties involved in a truck accident to resolve the legal claims arising from the incident. Equally important, it typically involves a truck accident lawyer helping the injured party receive compensation from the responsible party or their insurance company.
When it comes to determining what is the average settlement for a semi-truck accident, it varies. This is because many factors can affect your truck accident settlement case, including:
- the severity of injuries,
- medical bills,
- property damage,
- lost wages,
- pain and suffering,
- liability determination,
- insurance policy limits,
- and the expertise in legal representation.
Furthermore, determining an average semi-truck accident settlement is challenging due to the unique circumstances of each case. However, a way you can get a general idea is by reviewing some real commercial truck accident settlements.
Gordon Mckernan Semi-Truck Accident Settlement Examples:
Reviewing actual cases and their outcomes is a good way to attempt to get a sense of how much your truck accident settlement will be. Below are some examples of semi-truck accident settlements at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys.
Example 1: 18-Wheeler Mississippi Wreck
In Mississippi, an 18-wheeler accident involving our client led to numerous injuries and a $125,000 truck accident settlement amount.
Example 2: Two 18 Wheelers Wreck
Due to the collision of two 18-wheelers, our client had disc injuries. $390,000 was agreed upon as a result of the case.
Example 3: 18-Wheeler Tow Truck
Our client sustained injuries as a result of an 18-Wheeler Tow Truck incident that was handled improperly, leading to a $200,000 lawsuit settlement.
So, what is the average payout for a semi-truck accident? As you can see, it truly depends on the circumstances of the case.
Liability in a Semi-Truck Accident Case
Liability in a semi-truck accident case is typically determined by investigating the facts surrounding the incident.
This investigation may involve: collecting evidence, reviewing police reports, analyzing witness statements, examining the truck driver’s logbooks, inspecting the vehicle’s maintenance records, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts.
What is the minimum truck settlement amount?
There is no fixed minimum settlement amount for a truck accident.
Settlements depend on the circumstances of each trucking accident claim, including the damages suffered by the injured party, liability, insurance coverage, and other relevant factors. Consulting with a truck accident lawyer will help you understand the potential value of your claim.
Most Common Semi-Truck Driver Errors:
Semi-truck driver errors due to negligence can lead to accidents. Some common errors include:
- Speeding: Going too fast impairs control and reaction time.
- Fatigue: Driving while tired reduces alertness and judgment.
- Distraction: Multitasking or phone use diverts attention.
- Tailgating: Following too closely increases collision risk.
- Improper Lane Changes: Ignoring signals and blind spots can lead to accidents.
- Failure to Yield: Ignoring right-of-way rules causes collisions.
- Neglecting Maintenance: Poor upkeep leads to mechanical failures.
- Mirror Neglect: Inadequate mirror use results in missed information.
- Aggressive Driving: Road rage and risky behavior escalate danger.
- Improper Turns: Wide turns or corner cutting cause collisions.
- Lack of Signals: Not signaling confuses other drivers.
- Jackknifing: Mishandling brakes lead to loss of control.
- Overloading: Excessive cargo affects stability and braking.
- Ignoring Weather: Not adjusting to conditions invites accidents.
- Backing Accidents: Poor reversing skills cause collisions.
A Semi-truck driver must avoid negligence and prioritize safety by following rules and practicing defensive driving. If not, an accident can happen, leading to damages and injuries such as:
- broken bones,
- property damages,
- road closures,
- legal liabilities,
- and even fatalities.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, there are rules about who can file a wrongful death claim. The rules are written in a law called Louisiana Civil Code §2315.2. Here’s who can ask for wrongful death compensation:
Note: This rule also applies to family members who were adopted.
- The husband or wife of the person who died, and/or their kids.
- If there is no husband, wife, or kids, then the parents of the person who died can ask for wrongful death compensation.
- If there’s no husband, wife, kids, or parents, then the brothers and sisters of the person who died can ask for compensation.
- If there’s no husband, wife, kids, parents, or brothers and sisters, then the grandparents of the person who died can ask for compensation.
The law also says that you have one year to ask for wrongful death compensation. Even if the right to ask for money can be passed down to other family members, this doesn’t change the one-year time limit.
Compensation After a Car Accident with an 18-Wheeler: Your Rights & Potential Claims
If you’re involved in an auto accident with an 18-wheeler, you may be eligible for various types of compensation depending on the circumstances of the accident and the applicable laws in your jurisdiction. Compensation could include:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for your medical bills related to a severe injury sustained in the accident, including hospitalization, surgeries, medications, therapy, and ongoing treatments.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement or repair costs for damage to your vehicle and any personal belongings inside it.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the accident, including time off work for medical treatment and recovery.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological trauma resulting from the accident and its aftermath.
- Permanent Disability: If the accident leads to a long-term or permanent disability, you may receive compensation for the impact on your quality of life and earning potential.
- Loss of Consortium: If the accident affects your relationship with a spouse or partner, you might be entitled to compensation for the loss of companionship and support.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct by the truck driver or their employer, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future.
- Legal Expenses: Reimbursement for attorney fees and other legal costs incurred while pursuing your compensation claim.
It’s important to note that compensation varies based on factors such as the severity of injuries, degree of negligence, insurance coverage, and applicable laws. To ensure you receive the appropriate compensation, consider consulting with a legal professional experienced in personal injury and auto accident cases.
Should I Hire an Attorney for a Truck Accident Settlement?
While not all insurance companies are guilty of bad-faith practices, some may try to shortchange truck accident victims of trucking accidents by offering them less compensation than they truly deserve.
This is why it’s highly recommended to hire an experienced truck accident lawyer who specializes in truck accident settlements. At Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, our team has a proven track record of obtaining fair compensation. When you choose us, we’ll be able to:
- guide you through the legal process,
- negotiate with the trucking company on your behalf,
- gather evidence,
- assess the value of your claim,
- and protect your rights.
Overall, an attorney at one of our 10 locations will work to maximize your chances of receiving a fair settlement. Call us today for a FREE consultation from one of our truck accident attorneys.
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