Based on the settlements we have recovered on behalf of our clients, we would say that the average truck accident claim against U.S. Specialty Insurance Co. is worth anywhere from $100,000 to $1,500,000. As for the amount you will end up with, the answer depends on many factors, such as:
-
Your physical injuries
-
Long-term impact to your physical and emotional health
-
Damage to your car
-
Insurance policy limits
-
Who is at fault (liability)
-
The skill and experience of your attorney
Each accident case involving a commercial truck is unique, whether you were hit by a semi or a tractor trailer. Please talk to a truck lawyer as soon as possible if you are interested in learning how much your claim is worth.
Settlements for Rear-End Collision with a Commercial Truck
Accidents where someone is rear-ended by a commercial truck can settle for $150,000 to $200,000, though payments can be much higher depending on the type and severity of injury. While numerous elements affect how much you are entitled to, injuries are clearly the most important factor, especially if long-term care is needed.
Projecting future expenses and making a case for these payments can be difficult, if not impossible, for the average victim. That’s why it’s important to contact a law firm that specializes in truck accidents, who can walk you through the process of filing a claim with U.S. Specialty Insurance Co.
Our Recent Verdicts and Settlements
$1.5 Million
$1.5 Million
$2 Million
$1.5 Million
$734,851
$600,000
18-Wheeler Accident Case Values
The average compensation amount paid to victims of 18-wheeler accidents in California is between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000.
These trucks are massive in size, and the added cargo only adds more weight and increases the potential for severe bodily harm and property damage. Due to the catastrophic nature of these accidents, the resulting investigation can be extremely lengthy and complex.
Average Value of a Dump Truck Accident Claim
Average settlement values for a dump truck accident case range from $75,000 to $1,000,000. Cases involving collisions are the most valuable due to the truck’s weight, size, and the cargo that’s being transported.
Truck accidents can be traced to a number of hazards, like driver negligence, mechanical failure, improperly secured cargo, and dangerous road conditions. If the victim dies as a result of the harm they suffered, case values in a wrongful death lawsuit can exceed $1,500,000.
Factors that Influence the Amount You can Receive
To understand how truck accident case values are determined, it’s essential to examine the following factors.
Severity of Injuries
The amount of compensation goes up in relation to the severity of injuries, as they will increase the need for medical treatments and services. Medical conditions like traumatic brain injury and spinal cord damage typically require long-term or lifetime medical care, and these cases normally result in 6 to 7 figure settlements.
Another important consideration is the wages you are unable to earn while you are out of work. In the case of a disability, you may need compensation to make up for lost earning capacity. Those who have lost the ability to work in any capacity will receive the highest payouts, as they are owed lifetime wages based on the income they were earning prior to the accident.
Property Damage
There is no denying that accidents involving a commercial truck cause significant damage to one’s vehicle, to the point where most people need a new car altogether. If your vehicle was totaled in the accident, you have the right to seek payment for the full replacement cost of your car, which is based on its age, condition, and market value.
You may also have the right to seek property damage for personal belongings, like valuable electronics. If, for example, your laptop or phone was destroyed or damaged in the accident, you can seek the replacement cost in your claim with U.S. Specialty Insurance Co.
Finally, there’s a good chance you will need to rent a vehicle while your car is being repaired, or you are waiting to purchase a new car. The costs of a car rental can also be included in your accident claim.
Insurance Coverage Limits
Trucking companies are legally required to carry insurance that’s specific to commercial trucks. The amount of coverage is based on the size of the vehicle and the type of cargo it carries.
If the accident was caused by the truck driver, the trucking company’s insurance may cover all or most of the damages. But those with catastrophic injuries may find the coverage insufficient, and this is where you and your attorney can look into other options for compensation. For example, your own auto insurance coverage may be used, or you may have the option of suing a third party, like another driver or auto parts manufacturer.
Long Term Health Complications
If any of your injuries leads to permanent or long term conditions like disability and chronic pain, you can seek future / lifetime medical expenses from the defendant. These expenses may include cost of physical therapy, medical devices, future surgeries, and hiring a home health aide. It’s essential that you work with a seasoned truck accident lawyer, who can determine the proper amount of compensation to ask for.
Liability (Fault) for a Truck Accident
If the driver of the truck is clearly responsible for the accident, they have a legal duty to cover the damages to anyone who was injured by their negligence or misconduct. In most cases, liability falls on the trucking company, as employers may be sued by injury victims under the principle of vicarious liability.
In situations of shared liability, meaning there are multiple parties at fault, each defendant will pay a portion of the funds that are owed to the victim. Please note that the victim may share some of the blame, as California uses the system of comparative negligence. As a result, the settlement you end up with may be adjusted to account for your share of liability, it any.
The Truck Accident Lawyers of Normandie
Finding the right legal representative is critical to your success if you were injured by a truck that is insured by U.S. Specialty Insurance Co. Here at Normandie, you will find a team of seasoned truck accident attorneys with a proven track record of financial recovery.
Our law firm also operates on contingency, meaning we charge clients nothing towards the cost of legal services. Instead, we ask that the insurance company pay for attorneys’ fees as a part of your settlement. That means your settlement check includes our payment, and if we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing under the terms of the Zero Fee Guarantee.
We are standing by to answer all your questions and guide you through the legal system. Contact our law firm today and schedule a free case review.
Other Pages on Our Website Related to This Topic
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Truck Accident Claim with Hartford Insurance
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Truck Accident Claim with Corvex Specialty Insurance
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Truck Accident Claim with State National Insurance