Not all accident cases are created equal. Truck accident cases include more variables and more significant consequences than most car accidents, often resulting in significantly higher settlements. Achieving a higher settlement requires tenacity and a deep understanding of how and why truck accident cases differ from other types of claims.
Understanding the factors that make a truck accident settlement higher than a car crash settlement can put you in a better position to advocate for what you deserve.
Why Are Truck Accident Settlements Higher Than Car Accidents?
There are several reasons why these types of crashes warrant more compensation for accident victims, including the severity of the injuries involved and the numerous liable parties that may be responsible for causing the collision. Some of the key factors that can drive up the value of a truck accident settlement include:
Severity of the Injuries Involved
Semi-trucks are large and heavy vehicles that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. They are capable of inflicting catastrophic damage on smaller passenger vehicles, and that generally means that accident victims tend to suffer more severe and life-altering injuries. Traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, amputations, and burns are common in large truck crashes, necessitating extensive medical intervention, rehabilitation, and the potential for disfigurement, disabilities, and quality of life changes.
Severe injuries often result in higher settlements for several reasons. The first is the extensive costs associated with current and future medical care. Surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and long-term care costs add up quickly, not to mention the value of pain and suffering that a severely injured victim faces. Additionally, the more severe the injuries, the greater the chances that a truck accident victim will be unable to return to work in the same capacity or at all. They may also experience significant changes in their quality of life, which can impact their relationships and ability to function.
Potential for More than One Liable Party
Truck accident settlements may also be higher because more than one party may potentially be liable for causing the crash. The truck driver may not be the only one at fault, as the actions of trucking companies, cargo loading companies, parts manufacturers, and safety and maintenance contractors may also contribute to tragic accidents.
More parties involved means there may be more avenues available for seeking compensation, which can lead to a higher total recovery amount.
Different Insurance Policies
Commercial trucking companies are required to carry higher insurance limits than the average motorist. In Washington, D.C., drivers are required to have $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person, $50,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident, and $10,000 in property damage liability coverage. Accident victims are often limited in what they can recover due to policy limits.
Truck accident claims are different because federal law mandates higher insurance limits. Policies may range from $300,000 to $5,000,000 in coverage, depending on the cargo. Larger policies can mean higher average settlements.
Federal Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration highly regulates the trucking industry. Federal law governs the number of hours drivers can operate a vehicle without rest, the need to maintain black box and electronic monitoring data, truck driver qualifications, and mandatory safety and maintenance inspections. Evidence that proves a driver or trucking company violated federal regulations can increase their share of liability and potentially raise the overall value of a settlement.
Let a Truck Accident Attorney Advocate for You
While truck accident settlements may be higher on average than car accident settlements, they are also more complex. Trucking companies and insurers vigorously protect their profit margins and may attempt to pressure vulnerable accident victims into settling for far less than their claim is worth. At Simeone & Miller, LLP, we will fight for the compensation you deserve after your ordeal.
Contact our Washington, D.C. office today to request an initial consultation.
