Have you been in a truck accident in California? If so, you may be wondering, How much are most truck accident settlements worth? Or you may be looking for information to understand what kind of compensation you might expect.
While it’s tempting to search for an average truck accident settlement in California, the truth is there isn’t one single number that applies to all cases. Furthermore, settlement amounts can differ a lot. This is because every truck accident is unique, and the settlement depends on several factors. This blog will cover some of these factors and give you a better idea of what might influence the value of your claim.
How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?
It’s important to remember that truck accident settlements can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances. While there’s no set average, settlements can range from tens of thousands of dollars for minor injuries to millions of dollars for catastrophic injuries with long-term consequences.
Several factors can significantly impact the settlement value of a truck accident claim in California. Here are some of the most important ones, along with how they can influence the amount you receive.
Severity of Injuries
This is a major factor affecting the value of your settlement. Common serious injuries that may lead to larger settlements include things like:
- Broken bones,
- Traumatic brain injuries, and
- Spinal cord damage.
Generally, if you suffer a permanent disability from a truck accident, your settlement will be larger than if you expect to heal within a short time.
Total Damages
The amount of money you’ve spent on medical care and the amount of income you’ve lost due to your injuries will be considered. Medical bills, surgeries, and rehab from serious injuries can significantly increase the value of your claim. Additionally, if you require ongoing medical care and can’t return to your job, your settlement will likely be higher than if you only miss a few days of work.
Noneconomic damages also affect the value of your claim. These include things like
- Pain and suffering,
- Emotional distress, and
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
Noneconomic damages are more subjective but can be significant in some cases. For example, if you experience chronic pain, anxiety, or depression due to the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for these damages. The severity and duration of your suffering will influence the amount awarded.
The extent of the damage to your vehicle will also be factored in. A totaled car will likely result in a higher payout than minor repairs. However, property damage is typically a smaller factor compared to the value of other damages.
Liability
Determining who caused the accident is crucial. The more evidence you have that the truck driver was entirely at fault, the stronger your claim and the potential for a higher settlement. Here are a few examples of truck driver negligence:
- Distracted driving—texting, talking on the phone, or eating while driving;
- Driving under the influence (DUI)—commercial drivers are prohibited from driving with more than .04% blood alcohol content;
- Speeding—exceeding the posted speed limit or driving too fast for conditions;
- Ignoring traffic signals—disregarding stop signs, red lights, or yield signs;
- Improper lane changes—failing to use turn signals, check blind spots, or yield the right of way; and
- Fatigued driving—drowsiness can have similar effects to intoxication, slowing reaction time and increasing the risk of accidents.
It’s also important to understand that even if you believe you were not at fault, there’s a possibility you might be found to share some responsibility for the accident. California is a pure comparative fault state, which means apportionment of fault applies. Under this law, the amount of compensation you receive will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you. For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault, your total damage award would be reduced by 20%.
This part can be complicated, which is why it’s important to consult with an attorney who can help you understand liability and the potential impact of comparative fault on your case.
Insurance Coverage
Truck accidents often involve multiple parties who could be held liable. This can be good news for you as it increases the potential pool of money available to compensate you for your injuries. Another good thing is that the parties involved are likely required to carry insurance. These potential parties may include:
- The truck driver. The driver may be personally responsible for their own negligence.
- The driver’s employer. Depending on the employment relationship, the truck driver’s employer may be responsible for their actions while driving on the job.
- The trucking company. They may be liable for failing to properly maintain the truck, hiring a negligent driver, or violating safety regulations.
- The cargo owner. If the cargo was improperly loaded or secured, the owner may be responsible for any resulting damages.
- Parts manufacturer. If a defective truck part caused the accident, the manufacturer may be held liable.
Since these are likely to be defendants with “deeper pockets” compared to typical car accident defendants, the potential settlement amount can be significantly greater. Additionally, there’s a greater chance of multiple insurance policies being available to cover the damages.
It’s also important to note that insurance requirements for trucks in California are significantly higher than for private vehicles. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) sets minimum liability insurance requirements for trucks based on the type of cargo being transported. These minimums can range from $300,000 for household goods to $5 million for hazardous materials.
Legal Assistance from the Law Offices of Ali Yousefi, P.C.
The key takeaway at this point should be that the value of your claim depends on the unique details of your accident. For further insights, an experienced attorney can help estimate the value of your truck accident settlement in California.
At the Law Offices of Ali Yousefi, P.C., we have a proven track record of securing hundreds of thousands of dollars for clients involved in truck accidents. With Ali Yousefi’s expertise and commitment, we prioritize your case’s resolution efficiently and effectively.
Contact us today for a comprehensive evaluation of your situation. We will provide swift legal action to help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Attorney Ali Yousefi is the founder of Law Offices of Ali Yousefi, P.C., and has distinguished himself as one of the leading lawyers in California. Ali values that his work allows him to make a direct, positive impact on the lives of people who have experienced stressful or traumatic events.
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