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Average Truck Accident Lawsuit Settlements

Published By:
Tor Hoerman
Tor Hoerman

Attorney Tor Hoerman, admitted to the Illinois State Bar Association since 1995 and The Missouri Bar since 2009, specializes nationally in mass tort litigations. Locally, Tor specializes in auto accidents and a wide variety of personal injury incidents occuring in Illinois and Missouri.

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy and clarity by the team of writers and attorneys at TorHoerman Law and is as accurate as possible. This content should not be taken as legal advice from an attorney. If you would like to learn more about our owner and experienced injury lawyer, Tor Hoerman, you can do so here.

TorHoerman Law does everything possible to make sure the information in this article is up to date and accurate. If you need specific legal advice about your case, contact us. This article should not be taken as advice from an attorney.

What Are Average Truck Accident Settlement Amounts?

On this page, we’ll discuss Average Truck Accident Lawsuit Settlements, what goes into determining truck accident settlements, the legal process for securing fair compensation in your truck accident case, how a truck accident lawyer can help, and much more.

Experienced Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help You Seek Maximum Compensation

Semi-truck accidents can have devastating consequences, leading to severe injuries, costly medical expenses, and long-term life changes.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, you may wonder what kind of compensation you might expect from a lawsuit.

While each case is unique, understanding the factors that influence truck accident settlements can help you establish early on how much you can receive from the negligent truck driver and the representation insurance company.

Average Truck Accident Lawsuit Settlements

Negotiating a fair truck accident settlement can be tricky.

With experienced truck accident attorneys like us at TorHoerman Law in your corner, you’ll receive fair compensation for any injuries and losses you’ve suffered.

Let us help you pursue the fair compensation you deserve.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out instantly if you’re eligible for a truck accident claim.

Table of Contents

Typical Truck Accident Settlement Amounts

Settlements for truck accident cases vary significantly, depending on the specifics of the case.

For example, minor injury cases might result in compensation ranging from $20,000 to $75,000, covering basic medical expenses and minimal property damage.

In contrast, cases involving severe injuries or permanent disabilities often lead to settlements between $200,000 and $1 million or more.

The reason for this is that these cases account for extensive medical costs, long-term care, and significant losses in earning capacity.

Negotiating for a much higher settlement becomes even more possible in the event of death.

At the highest end of the spectrum, catastrophic injury cases or wrongful death claims may result in multimillion-dollar settlements.

These cases often involve families seeking compensation not only for medical bills and lost income but also for non-economic damages such as pain, suffering, and loss of companionship.

While these numbers provide a general idea, every case is unique, and specific outcomes depend on various factors outlined below.

At TorHoerman Law, we’ve recovered billions in total settlements on behalf of countless victims of personal injury accidents, including truck accidents.

Contact us for a free consultation.

Factors That Influence Truck Accident Settlements

No two truck accident cases are identical, and average truck accident settlements depend on a variety of factors.

Significant contributors to settlement values and how they affect your claim include:

  • The severity of your injuries
  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages and earning potential
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage
  • Liability and fault
  • Comparative negligence and it’s impact

The Severity of Your Injuries

The extent and seriousness of your injuries are central to determining your commercial truck accident settlement amount.

Minor injuries, such as bruises or sprains, typically result in lower settlements, as the associated medical expenses and recovery times are minimal.

Conversely, severe injuries such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), or amputations significantly increase compensation due to high medical costs, long-term care needs, and the profound impact on your quality of life.

For example, a victim with a TBI may require years of therapy, assisted living, or even home modifications to accommodate disabilities.

These considerations are factored into the settlement, often resulting in substantial payouts.

Medical Bills

Medical bills are among the easiest components to calculate in a truck accident settlement.

These expenses include costs for emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and medication.

Future medical expenses for chronic conditions or ongoing care are also often included.

Imagine you’ve been in a semi truck accident, and you’ve sustained injuries requiring extensive treatment.

The treatments were extensive and included multiple surgeries or months of physical therapy.

In this scenario, the settlement you can claim from the trucking company will account for both past and anticipated medical costs, ensuring you have the financial resources needed for recovery.

Lost Wages and Earning Potential

Truck accident victims frequently face time away from work due to injuries.

Lost wages are typically calculated based on the amount of income you missed during your recovery.

If your injuries prevent you from returning to work permanently or reduce your ability to earn at the same level as before the accident, this loss of earning potential is also included in the settlement.

For instance, a construction worker who loses the ability to perform physical labor due to a back injury may be entitled to compensation for the difference between their pre- and post-accident earning capacity.

Pain and Suffering

Unlike medical bills or lost wages, pain and suffering are intangible damages.

They cover the emotional and physical distress caused by the accident and your injuries.

Factors such as chronic pain, emotional trauma, and the loss of enjoyment of life contribute to the calculation of pain and suffering compensation.

Pain and suffering damages are often determined by multiplying your economic damages (such as medical costs) by a number between 1.5 and 5, depending on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life.

Property Damage

Property damage includes the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.

While these amounts are usually straightforward to calculate, they are still an essential part of your overall settlement.

Liability and Fault

Establishing fault in a truck accident case can be complex.

Liability may be shared among several parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and even the manufacturer of defective truck parts.

The more parties involved, the more complicated the settlement process becomes, often leading to higher payouts.

If you are found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced.

This is known as comparative negligence.

For example, if you are 20% responsible for the accident, your settlement amount will be reduced by 20%.

Comparative negligence is a critical factor for calculating personal injury damages.

One of the key roles of your truck accident lawyer is to shift most of the liability to the truck driver.

This not only exonerates you of any fault but also ensures that you keep most of the calculated damages.

Comparative Negligence and Its Impact

Many states, including Illinois and Missouri, follow comparative negligence laws.

These laws allow you to recover damages even if you are partially at fault for the accident, but your settlement will be reduced proportionally.

If you are found 25% at fault, you’ll receive 75% of the total damages.

An experienced lawyer can help minimize your share of liability by presenting compelling evidence and building a strong case for the other party’s fault.

Why Truck Accident Cases Are Unique

Truck accident cases differ significantly from standard car accident claims due to the unique factors and complexities involved.

The presence of commercial vehicles, federal regulations, and the potential for multiple liable parties make these cases more intricate, requiring specialized legal expertise.

The Involvement of Commercial Vehicles

Commercial truck accidents often involve large vehicles that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded.

The sheer size and weight of these vehicles result in significantly more severe damage and serious injuries compared to passenger car accidents.

This higher potential for catastrophic outcomes means that settlements are often larger but also more challenging to negotiate.

Commercial vehicles are subject to strict federal and state regulations, such as those outlined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

These regulations govern areas like:

  • Driver hours of service (to prevent fatigue-related accidents)
  • Vehicle maintenance and inspections
  • Cargo loading and weight limits

Violations of these regulations can play a critical role in establishing fault, adding another layer of complexity to the case.

Multiple Parties Involved

Unlike typical car accidents, truck accident cases often involve multiple parties who may share responsibility.

Identifying and holding each of these parties accountable is essential to securing fair compensation.

Parties include:

  • Truck Drivers: A driver’s negligence — such as speeding, driving under the influence, or violating hours-of-service rules — can directly cause an accident.
  • Trucking Companies: Employers may be held liable for negligent hiring practices, improper training, or failure to enforce safety protocols. Companies can also be vicariously liable for their drivers’ actions under certain legal doctrines.
  • Cargo Loaders: Improperly loaded or secured cargo can cause a truck to become unbalanced or spill, leading to accidents.
  • Maintenance Providers: If a truck is not properly maintained, mechanical failures — such as brake or tire failures — can lead to accidents.
  • Vehicle Manufacturers: Defective truck parts, like faulty brakes or steering systems, can result in manufacturer liability.

The challenge lies in determining which parties are liable and to what extent.

If a driver was speeding because of pressure from their employer to meet unrealistic delivery schedules, both the driver and the trucking company may share responsibility.

Access to Unique Evidence

Truck accident cases also involve evidence that is not typically available in standard car accident claims.

This evidence can include:

  • Black Box Data: Commercial trucks are often equipped with electronic logging devices or “black boxes” that record critical information, such as speed, braking patterns, and driver hours.
  • Maintenance and Inspection Records: These records can reveal whether the truck was in compliance with safety regulations at the time of the accident.
  • Driver Logs and Employment Records: These documents can show if the driver was overworked or improperly trained.

Gathering and analyzing this specialized evidence requires legal and technical expertise, which underscores the importance of working with an experienced truck accident lawyer.

Higher Insurance Coverage

Trucking companies typically carry much higher insurance limits than individual drivers, given the catastrophic damage trucks can cause.

While this can result in higher settlements, it also means that insurance companies will vigorously defend against truck accident claims to minimize payouts.

An experienced attorney knows how to navigate these challenges and advocate for fair compensation.

The Legal Process for Securing a Truck Accident Settlement

A truck accident case is a civil claim.

It involves a multi-step process, and each step requires careful attention to detail and strong legal guidance and representation.

The process includes:

  1. Filing a truck accident claim
  2. Investigation
  3. Valuing the claim
  4. Settlement negotiations with the at-fault driver’s insurance company
  5. Filing a truck accident lawsuit (if necessary)

1. Filing a Truck Accident Claim

The first step is filing a claim with the insurance company of the at-fault party.

This requires gathering preliminary evidence, such as police reports, medical records, and statements from witnesses.

2. Investigation

A thorough investigation is critical to building a strong case.

This might include analyzing black box data from the truck, reviewing maintenance records, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts to determine fault.

Evidence such as photographs of the accident scene and traffic camera footage can also strengthen your claim.

3. Valuing the Claim

Once the evidence is gathered, your legal team will calculate the total value of your claim.

This includes economic damages like medical bills and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

4. Settlement Negotiations With the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company

Insurance companies often aim to settle claims for as little as possible.

Experienced lawyers know how to counter these tactics and advocate for fair compensation on your behalf.

5. Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit (If Necessary)

If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, your case may proceed to litigation.

This involves filing a lawsuit, entering the discovery phase to exchange evidence, and potentially going to trial.

How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help You

Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming.

From dealing with insurance companies to understanding complex liability issues, the process is filled with potential pitfalls.

Hiring a skilled truck accident lawyer can make all the difference.

Your attorney can ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve while focusing on your recovery.

Ways an experienced attorney can assist you include:

  • Assessing your case
  • Gathering and preserving critical evidence
  • Managing complex liability issues
  • Calculating your truck accident settlements
  • Handling insurance companies on your behalf
  • Representing you in court (if necessary)

Assessing Your Case

One of the first things a lawyer will do is conduct a thorough evaluation of your case.

They’ll assess the details of the accident, your injuries, and the financial and emotional impact on your life.

This includes identifying:

  • The full scope of your damages, including economic losses (medical bills, lost wages) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress).
  • The responsible parties, whether it’s the truck driver, the trucking company, or another entity.
  • The evidence needed to build a strong case, such as accident reports, black box data, and medical records.

A proper case assessment helps set realistic expectations and ensures no aspect of your claim is overlooked.

Gathering and Preserving Critical Evidence

Truck accident cases rely heavily on evidence, much of which can be unique to commercial vehicle claims.

A truck accident lawyer knows how to collect and preserve critical evidence, including:

  • Black Box Data: The truck’s electronic logging device can provide valuable information about the driver’s speed, braking, and hours of service at the time of the crash.
  • Maintenance Records: These documents show whether the truck was properly maintained and inspected.
  • Employment and Training Records: Evidence of improper hiring practices or inadequate training can help establish negligence by the trucking company.
  • Cargo and Loading Records: Overloaded or improperly secured cargo can lead to serious accidents, making these records crucial to the case.

A lawyer ensures this evidence is obtained before it can be lost or destroyed, which is especially important when dealing with trucking companies and their insurers.

Managing Complex Liability Issues

Determining liability in a truck accident is rarely straightforward.

Unlike car accidents, which typically involve two drivers, truck accidents often involve multiple parties, such as:

  • The truck driver
  • The trucking company
  • Maintenance providers
  • Cargo loaders
  • Vehicle or parts manufacturers

An experienced lawyer will investigate every potential avenue of liability to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.

They’ll also understand how to navigate shared fault scenarios and defend against accusations of comparative negligence that could reduce your compensation.

Calculating Your Truck Accident Settlement

A truck accident lawyer will work to ensure your settlement or award reflects the true extent of your damages.

This includes not only immediate expenses like medical bills and property damage but also long-term costs, such as:

  • Future medical care for chronic or permanent injuries
  • Loss of future earning potential if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job
  • Non-economic damages, such as pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life

Handling Insurance Companies on Your Behalf

Insurance companies are notorious for minimizing payouts, especially in high-stakes truck accident cases where policies often have high limits.

Common tactics include offering lowball settlements, disputing liability, or attempting to shift blame onto you.

A skilled lawyer understands these tactics and knows how to counter them effectively.

They’ll handle all communication with the insurance companies, ensuring you’re not pressured into accepting an unfair offer.

Their negotiation skills are invaluable in achieving a settlement that reflects the full extent of your losses.

Representing You in Court (If Necessary)

While many truck accident cases settle out of court, some require litigation to secure fair compensation.

If negotiations fail, your lawyer will:

  • File a lawsuit on your behalf and prepare your case for trial.
  • Build a compelling courtroom strategy using expert witnesses, evidence, and persuasive arguments.
  • Represent you in all legal proceedings, ensuring your rights are protected and your case is presented effectively.

Having an experienced trial attorney in your corner signals to insurance companies and opposing counsel that you’re serious about pursuing justice, which can often lead to more favorable settlement offers.

Take Control of Your Recovery: Contact Us for a Free Consultation

Recovering from a truck accident is a challenging journey, but you don’t have to face it alone.

At TorHoerman Law, we’re committed to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Whether you’re navigating medical expenses, lost income, or emotional distress, we’re here to protect your rights every step of the way.

Have you been in a truck accident?

We’re just a call away.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to instantly find out if you’re eligible for a claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are typical settlement amounts for truck accident lawsuits?

    Truck accident lawsuit settlements vary widely depending on factors like injury severity, medical expenses, and lost wages.

    Minor injury cases may result in settlements between $20,000 and $75,000, while severe injuries or wrongful death claims can lead to amounts reaching several million dollars.

    The involvement of experienced truck accident attorneys is crucial for injured parties to secure fair compensation.

  • What factors influence truck accident settlement amounts?

    Key factors include the severity of injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering compensation.

    Liability plays a significant role, especially when multiple parties like truck drivers, trucking companies, or manufacturers are involved.

    Documentation such as medical records and accident reports strengthens a truck accident claim and impacts settlement values.

  • How are truck accident settlements different from car accident settlements?

    Truck accident settlements are often higher due to the catastrophic consequences of accidents involving large commercial vehicles like semi trucks or tractor-trailers.

    These cases typically involve extensive medical expenses, significant property damage, and higher insurance coverage limits.

    The legal process often requires addressing complex liability issues involving multiple parties.

  • Can truck accident victims recover compensation for non-economic damages?

    Yes, injured parties can recover compensation for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.

    These damages are often calculated alongside economic damages like medical expenses and lost wages to determine the total truck accident settlement amount.

    An experienced truck accident lawyer can help injured parties accurately value and pursue these damages.

  • Why is legal representation important for truck accident settlements?

    Legal representation is crucial because truck accident cases often involve multiple parties, extensive evidence, and complex negotiations with insurance companies.

    Experienced truck accident attorneys can navigate the legal process, identify liable parties, and advocate for fair compensation.

    Without proper legal guidance, victims risk accepting settlements that do not fully cover their damages or future needs.

Written By:
Tor Hoerman

Tor Hoerman

Owner & Attorney - TorHoerman Law

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