Truck accidents often result in more severe injuries than standard car crashes due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles. Victims may face extensive medical treatment, long recovery periods, and significant financial losses after one of these collisions. Understanding average settlement amounts can provide context, but every truck accident case is unique.
Settlement values vary significantly depending on the severity of the injury, liability, and the availability of insurance coverage. Missouri law also plays a significant role in determining fault and calculating damages in truck accident claims. Keep reading to learn more.
Why Truck Accident Settlements Tend to Be Higher Than Car Accident Settlements
Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, significantly increasing the force involved in a crash. This often leads to catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and permanent disability.
Because injuries are more severe, truck accident settlements are often higher than typical car accident settlements. Higher insurance policy limits carried by trucking companies also influence settlement values.
Factors That Can Affect Truck Accident Settlement Amounts
Several key factors influence the value of a truck accident claim.
Important factors may include:
- The severity of the victim’s injuries
- How long the victim takes to recover from their injuries
- Medical expenses and future treatment costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Property damage
- Whether the victim is being blamed for their accident
- Available insurance coverage
- Whether the case goes to trial or not
Each of these elements contributes to the overall value of a claim. Strong documentation and medical evidence are essential in demonstrating these losses.
Here is a closer look at some of these factors:
Liability Issues in Missouri Truck Accident Cases
One major factor in the value of a truck accident case is liability, including whether the victim is being blamed for the crash.
Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system for personal injury claims. Under Missouri law, an injured person may recover damages even if they are partially at fault, but their compensation award is typically reduced by their percentage of fault.
In truck accident cases, multiple parties may share responsibility, including the truck driver, the trucking company, maintenance contractors, and cargo loaders. Allocating fault among all potentially negligent parties directly affects settlement negotiations and potential compensation.
Available Insurance Coverage and Policy Limits
Commercial trucks are typically covered by higher insurance policy limits than passenger vehicles. Federal regulations require interstate trucking companies to carry minimum liability coverage, which often exceeds standard auto insurance limits.
Higher policy limits mean that more funds may be available to compensate injured victims. However, insurance companies may still dispute claims aggressively, especially in high-value cases.
Whether the Truck Accident Case Goes to Trial
Many truck accident cases are resolved through settlement rather than trial. Settlements can provide faster compensation and reduce the uncertainty associated with jury verdicts. Taking a case to court can also increase costs.
However, some cases proceed to trial when liability is disputed or when settlement offers are inadequate. The decision to settle or litigate can depend on the strength of the case, the availability of evidence, and one’s risk tolerance.
Value of the Victim’s Losses or Damages
Missouri law allows injured truck accident victims to seek both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost income. Non-economic damages address pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. The final calculation of these damages is a key factor in the overall settlement value.
Contact Our St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyers at Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Although people often ask about the average truck accident settlement amount, no single number applies to every case. Each accident involves unique injuries, facts, and legal issues that affect compensation.
Understanding general settlement ranges and the factors that influence value provides helpful guidance. Missouri law, particularly rules on comparative fault and filing deadlines, also shapes outcomes in truck accident injury claims. Call our St. Louis truck accident lawyers at Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation about your case.
For more information, please contact Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer in St. Louis, MO, today. We have two convenient locations in Missouri, including St. Louis and Richmond Heights.
We proudly serve St. Louis County and its surrounding areas.
Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Louis Office
10 S Broadway #560
St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 932-1066
Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Richmond Heights Office
1034 S Brentwood Blvd Penthouse 1-C
Richmond Heights, MO 63117
(314) 463-4173