Truck accidents often lead to severe injuries, significant property damage, and costly medical bills. As a result, many accident victims seek compensation through personal injury claims. Naturally, one of their main questions is, “What is the average truck accident settlement in California?”
Unfortunately, providing an average settlement amount for truck accident claims is tricky because they vary widely depending on many factors. A minor truck accident settlement could be in the tens of thousands of dollars, while a severe truck accident settlement could reach six or seven figures.
What is a Truck Accident Settlement?
A truck accident settlement is a legally binding financial agreement between the accident victim and the at-fault party or their insurance company. A settlement avoids the need to go through a lengthy and costly trial and ideally should provide enough compensation to cover the victim’s damages.
What Damages Are Possible After a Truck Accident in California?
Truck accident victims in California can seek various damages, including:
- Medical expenses – Covers immediate medical treatment, future medical care, and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages – Compensates the victim for lost income due to being unable to work while they recover or in the future
- Pain and suffering – Non-economic damages that cover the physical pain and emotional suffering the victim experienced
- Property damage – Compensation for repairing or replacing the victim’s damaged property, such as their vehicle
Why You Should Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer Before Settling Your Claim
Hiring a truck accident lawyer is crucial because they can assist you in dealing with the insurance company. Insurance companies always want to pay claimants as little as possible, and commercial truck accident cases are often high-dollar claims. An experienced personal injury attorney can prevent the insurer from taking advantage of you while you are most vulnerable. They also can place an appropriate value on your case so you won’t be underpaid.
What Factors Affect My Settlement Amount?
Several factors can affect your truck accident settlement amount:
- Severity of injuries – More severe injuries typically result in higher settlements due to increased medical costs.
- Liability determination – California follows a pure comparative fault system, meaning that if you are partially at fault for your injuries, it could reduce your settlement.
- Insurance policy limits – The insurance policy limits of the at-fault party could cap your settlement amount.
Tips to Maximize Your Truck Accident Settlement
To maximize your settlement, you should:
- Document everything – Take photos of the accident scene and keep records of all your medical bills.
- Say no to quick settlement offers – Insurance companies often offer low settlements early on, so accepting their first offer is rarely ideal.
- Hire an experienced lawyer – A knowledgeable truck accident attorney can help you seek maximum compensation for your losses, even if that means taking the case to trial.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Truck Accident Case?
Some truck accident cases settle within a few months, while others can take a year or more, depending on the complexity of the case, both parties’ willingness to negotiate, and whether litigation becomes necessary.
Get Legal Help You Can Rely On From Our Truck Accident Attorney
If you suffered an injury in a truck accident in California, securing a settlement that compensates you fairly can be challenging without the right legal support. Contact the Law Offices of Pius Joseph today for a free consultation about your case. Our law firm has an impressive track record of success, including a $2.5 million jury verdict for a victim injured in a multi-car truck accident and a $1 million verdict for a person who sustained a traumatic brain injury in a truck crash.
There’s no obligation for free legal advice. Contact us now for your free case review.
