Why Truck Accident Claims Often Result in Higher Settlements
Accidents involving 18-wheerls often cause devastating injuries and extensive property damage. Because commercial trucks are significantly larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, collisions involving tractor-trailers, delivery trucks, and other commercial vehicles can result in serious or catastrophic injuries. For these reasons, truck accident claims often result in higher settlements than typical car accident claims.
More Severe Injuries and Damages
One of the primary reasons truck accident settlements may be higher is the severity of the injuries involved. Truck crashes can cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, internal injuries, paralysis, and other life-altering conditions.
Serious injuries frequently require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, surgeries, prescription medications, and ongoing care. Victims may also be unable to return to work or may suffer permanent disabilities. A personal injury claim can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Greater Insurance Coverage
Commercial trucking companies generally carry substantially more insurance coverage than individual drivers. Federal regulations require many interstate commercial motor carriers to maintain minimum levels of financial responsibility, and the amount of required coverage can depend on the type of cargo and operation involved.
Higher policy limits can provide a larger source of compensation when a truck driver’s negligence causes significant injuries. However, having substantial insurance coverage does not automatically mean an injured person will receive a large settlement. Liability and damages still must be established.
Multiple Parties May Be Responsible
Truck accident cases can also involve more potentially responsible parties than ordinary car accidents. Depending on the circumstances, a claim may involve the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle owner, maintenance company, cargo-loading company, or another party.
For example, if improper maintenance contributed to a crash, a maintenance provider could potentially share responsibility. Similarly, improperly loaded or secured cargo could contribute to a collision and create liability for another company.
Identifying every potentially responsible party can be important because it may provide additional sources of compensation for an injured victim.
Extensive Evidence Can Strengthen a Claim
Truck accident investigations can involve significant amounts of evidence. This may include driver logs, electronic logging device data, vehicle inspection records, maintenance records, employment records, dash-camera footage, onboard computer information, accident reports, and other documentation.
Federal trucking regulations may also provide important evidence regarding whether a driver or company complied with applicable safety requirements. An attorney can investigate these records and determine whether violations or negligent conduct contributed to the crash.
The Long-Term Impact of Truck Accident Injuries
Settlement values are also influenced by the long-term consequences of an injury. A victim who requires years of medical treatment or can no longer perform the same type of work may have substantial future damages.
Because these cases can involve significant medical expenses, lost earning capacity, multiple potentially liable parties, and extensive evidence, truck accident claims often have greater settlement potential than ordinary motor vehicle claims.
However, every case is different. The amount of compensation ultimately depends on the facts of the collision, the extent of the injuries, available insurance coverage, liability, and the victim’s economic and noneconomic damages. Anyone seriously injured in a truck accident should consider obtaining legal advice before accepting a settlement offer.
IF YOU’VE BEEN INJURED IN AN 18-WHEELER ACCIDENT, CONTACT THE LAW OFFICE OF BRIAN BRUNSON TODAY FOR YOUR FREE CONSULTATION.
Named one of the “Best Car Accident Lawyers in Dallas” by Expertise.com, Brian Brunson is Dallas personal injury attorney who is dedicated to helping clients who have suffered a car, truck, or motorcycle injury through the negligent or wrongful conduct of other drivers. In addition, his professionalism is unmatched and the firms’ client reviews speak for themselves.
We proudly serve the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and surrounding areas, our office supports the legal needs of a wide variety of clients. Let the Law Office of Brian Brunson be your advocate in your time of need and help you put your life back together. If we can’t win or settle your case, you don’t pay a dime! We know it can be daunting to take that first step after you’ve been hurt. Contact Brian Brunson today via email or call us toll-free at 1-844-41-WRECK. We can help, when no one else will.
