The average truck accident settlement in Georgia varies significantly based on the specifics of each case. At Ashenden & Associates, our dedicated Sandy Springs truck accident attorneys recognize the significant physical, emotional, and financial toll that truck accidents can impose on victims and their families. Truck accident settlement value in Georgia is influenced by several key factors, including the severity of the injuries, the extent of property damage, accumulated medical expenses, and the impact the serious injuries have on the injured party.
The average truck accident settlement may range from thousands to several million dollars, with a higher average settlement going to victims with a personal injury lawsuit for severe injuries or a wrongful death lawsuit.
As a large commercial vehicle, the mass of commercial trucks often causes considerable damage, which is reflected in the fair compensation awarded. Additionally, factors such as pain and suffering, lost wages, and ongoing medical treatment are considered during semi-truck accident settlement negotiations.
Our team of skilled truck accident lawyers at Ashenden & Associates is committed to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients’ trucking accident cases and handles all types of truck accidents in Sandy Springs and Atlanta. Our Sandy Springs truck accident lawyer team meticulously evaluates every aspect of the truck accident cases we take on, from negotiating with the insurance company and trucking company to advocating for comprehensive compensation for all damages.
To discuss your Sandy Springs truck accident case with an experienced personal injury lawyer and see how we can help you secure a fair settlement from our reputable law firm, call 770-394-8909 to schedule a free consultation today.
What is the Average Truck Accident Settlement in the U.S.?
In the United States, the average settlement for truck accident cases can vary significantly due to the diverse nature of the truck accidents and accompanying circumstances. Generally, a semi-truck accident settlement is influenced by factors like the extent of the victim’s serious injuries, lost wages, and the impact on the victim’s quality of life.
While smaller trucking accident cases may settle for tens of thousands of dollars, more severe truck accidents, especially those involving catastrophic injuries or a wrongful death suit, can lead to a truck accident settlement reaching several million dollars.
It’s important to note that most truck accident cases are different, and working with an experienced truck accident lawyer can greatly increase your chances of recovering maximum compensation.
The Sandy Springs truck accident attorneys at Ashenden & Associates have recovered over $6.75 million for clients they’ve represented in motor vehicle claims involving truck accidents. Your truck accident attorney will be able to give you a better idea of what your personal injury claim is worth during your free consultation.
What Factors Affect the Amount of a Truck Accident Settlement in Georgia
Understanding what factors affect the amount of a truck accident settlement is crucial for anyone considering a personal injury lawsuit. Factors that affect a semi-truck accident settlement include how severe the injuries were, the extent of property damage, contributory negligence, cost of medical care, and more.
Other considerations include how negligent the truck driver was, the involvement of commercial entities, insurance policies, and the long-term financial and personal impact on the victim.
In the section below, we’ll explain these critical factors and provide insight into how they shape the average semi-truck accident settlement.
Percentage of Fault in Semi-Truck Accidents
The percentage of fault, or contributory negligence, is a legal concept that involves assigning a specific percentage of fault to the parties involved in the truck accident. The degree of responsibility attributed to each party directly influences the settlement amount.
For instance, if the injured party is found to be 20% at fault for a trucking accident, their truck accident settlement amount could be reduced by that same percentage. This principle ensures that the compensation reflects the actual involvement of each party in the trucking accident case.
Severity of Injuries in Semi-Truck Accidents
The severity of injuries sustained in a semi-truck accident is another key factor influencing the settlement amount. Due to the massive size and weight of a commercial truck, these truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries in Sandy Springs, which can lead to long-term disability or disfigurement.
The more severe the injuries in a semi-truck accident case, the higher the potential accident settlement can be for accident victims. This is because compensation must cover immediate medical expenses for the severe injuries but also long-term care, rehabilitation, and any necessary adjustments to the victim’s lifestyle or employment. So injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, neck injuries, amputations, and spinal cord injuries, will all result in higher average semi-truck accident settlement offerings than less serious injuries.
In addition to evaluating physical injuries, a truck accident victim can also suffer from pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, which are considered non-economic damages.
Property Damage for Accidents Involving Commercial Trucks
The extent of property damage from a truck accident can vary greatly, ranging from dents comparable to minor motor vehicle accidents to total vehicle loss or even damage to other personal or real property. The cost of repairs or replacement, alongside any potential loss of use, contributes to the financial burden on the victim, thus affecting the average truck accident settlement.
Medical Bills and Cost of Ongoing Treatment
Medical and physical therapy bills reflect the direct cost of treating injuries sustained in the semi-truck accident, ranging from emergency care and hospitalization to ongoing treatments and rehabilitation. The severity of injuries dictates the amount and length of medical care required, significantly affecting the truck accident settlement value.
Long-term or permanent injuries often require extended physical therapy, specialized treatments, and possibly home care services, further increasing costs. Truck accident settlements must not only cover past and current medical expenses but also anticipate future medical bills related to the car accident.
Accurately documenting and estimating these costs is critical for ensuring that the settlement fully compensates the victim for their immediate and long-term healthcare expenses.
Level of Pain and Suffering
Unlike tangible costs such as medical bills, pain and suffering are the emotional and psychological trauma resulting from the trucking accident. This includes physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, loss of enjoyment of life, and the victim’s overall well-being.
The severity and duration of the victim’s pain and suffering are critical in determining the value of these non-economic damages. The truck accident settlement aims to provide compensation for these intangible yet impactful aspects of a victim’s experience.
Whether or Not Wrongful Death Occurred
When a truck accident tragically results in loss of life, the settlement process addresses not only the tangible losses, such as funeral expenses and the deceased’s medical bills but also the profound emotional and financial effects on surviving family members. Compensation in wrongful death cases may include loss of future earnings, loss of companionship, and the mental anguish suffered by relatives.
Trucking accident claims involving wrongful death are more complex legal considerations as they address the irreplaceable loss experienced by the family. The value of a wrongful death settlement tends to be significantly higher, reflecting the gravity and permanent nature of the loss. In these sensitive cases, the focus is not only on fair financial compensation but also on providing some measure of solace to the bereaved family.
If your loved one was killed in a truck accident, contact the compassionate Sandy Springs wrongful death attorneys today.
Commercial Vehicle Liability Insurance
In semi-truck accident settlements, the role of the insurance company representing the trucking company is another important factor. These insurance companies are responsible for providing commercial vehicle liability insurance, which is essential in covering the damages arising from accidents caused by truck drivers.
The trucking company’s insurance policy is specifically designed to address the high-stakes nature of trucking accidents, offering coverage for medical bills, property damage, and other liabilities. The policy limits set by the insurance company can significantly impact the compensation available to victims, especially in severe cases involving extensive injuries or wrongful death.
Litigating claims against a trucking company’s insurance requires an in-depth understanding of its policies surrounding truck driver liabilities. When the trucking company’s insurance coverage is inadequate to compensate victims, your personal injury lawyer will explore additional compensation sources to ensure you receive fair and just restitution.
How Multiple Liable Parties Can Affect Semi-Truck Accident Settlements
Unlike a typical car accident, a commercial truck collision can result in multiple parties sharing the liability of the accident, further complicating the claim and accident settlement process. Your Sandy Springs truck accident lawyer will evaluate the common causes of trucking accidents to find which party is at fault, whether it’s the manufacturing, maintenance, or trucking companies or the truck driver. Listed below are the various parties that can be responsible in the event of a semi-truck accident.
Truck Driver
The truck driver is always the one of the first parties involved in a truck accident case. The action or negligence of the truck driver is typically a primary factor for causing the accident. A truck accident settlement must consider the driver’s liability and contributing factors like fatigue or inadequate training.
Trucking Company
Trucking companies can be held liable for a commercial truck accident if they engaged in negligent hiring practices, inadequate training for truck drivers, failure to maintain vehicles, or pushing drivers to exceed legal service hours. Their insurance policies are often the primary source of compensation.
Vehicle Manufacturers
Manufacturers might be liable if a vehicle defect or malfunction contributed to the truck crash, such as the Ford Death Wobble. This includes issues with brakes, tires, or other critical components. Product liability claims against manufacturers can increase the total settlement amount due to their typically substantial insurance coverage.
Third-Party Contractors
Companies responsible for loading the truck, maintaining equipment, or managing logistics can also share liability. For example, improper loading can lead to unbalanced or shifting cargo, which can cause a motor vehicle accident.
Maintenance Companies
If poor maintenance or failure to address known vehicle issues leads to an accident, the companies tasked with vehicle upkeep could be liable. This includes cases where inadequate maintenance results in brake failure or tire blowouts.
In semi-truck accidents with multiple liable parties, settlements often involve complex negotiations as each party’s insurance company seeks to minimize their financial responsibility. The process requires a detailed understanding of each party’s role in the accident and a strategic approach to ensure fair compensation from all involved.
How Long Does it Take to Receive a Semi-Truck Accident Settlement?
The time it takes to receive a settlement in a truck accident case can vary significantly and is influenced by several factors. Typically, these cases can take several months to several years to resolve. The timeline is often extended due to the truck accident’s complexity, the injuries’ severity, and the involvement of multiple liable parties.
Thorough investigations are needed to accurately determine fault and assess damages, which can be time-consuming. If the case involves severe injuries, waiting until the victim reaches maximum medical improvement (MMI) may be necessary to understand the extent of the injuries and the long-term consequences.
Negotiations with the insurance company, especially when high compensation amounts and multiple parties are involved, can also prolong the process. Should the case go to trial, litigation adds another layer of complexity and time. Victims must be prepared for a potentially lengthy process, guided by their legal representation, to ensure that the final settlement appropriately compensates for their losses and suffering.
Sandy Springs Semi-Truck Accident Attorneys
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Sandy Springs, the path to fair compensation requires experienced legal guidance. The skilled attorneys at Ashenden & Associates in Sandy Springs are dedicated to advocating for your rights and ensuring you receive a fair settlement.
Our personal injury attorneys possess the expertise and resources necessary to navigate the challenges of your commercial truck accident case, from negotiating with insurance companies to litigating in court if needed.
Contact Ashenden & Associates today at 770-394-8909 to schedule a consultation, and let us put our experience to work for you.
