What Is the Average Settlement for a Semi Truck Accident?

There is no average settlement for a semi truck accident because every case is different, depending on things like injuries and who’s at fault. Factors like the cost of medical care, the extent of property damage, and lost income can all impact the amount of compensation a victim might receive. 

Additionally, the trucking company’s insurance policy limits and whether the truck driver followed safety regulations can affect the final settlement amount.

If you’ve been in a semi truck accident, working with our truck accident lawyers in Raleigh can make a difference in your case. We understand the complex laws that apply to trucking companies and drivers and will protect your rights while we fight to recover your damages.

Steps to Take After a Semi Truck Accident

If you’re in a semi-truck accident, getting medical care right away is the most important step. Even if you don’t feel hurt, you should get a physical exam. Some injuries can show up later, and seeing a doctor creates a record of your condition.

Next, try to gather evidence at the scene if it’s safe to do so. Take pictures of the vehicles, damage, and skid marks. Write down details, like the truck’s license plate and the names and contact information of any witnesses. This evidence can help prove what happened.

Finally, report the accident to the police and contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Our lawyers can help protect your rights and start working on your case while evidence is fresh.

What We Look at When Determining How Much to Ask for in a Settlement

Although there is no average settlement for semi truck accidents, it does not mean you cannot seek the maximum compensation that covers the expenses of your accident.

Before we can determine how much to ask for in a settlement after a semi-truck accident, several factors must be carefully considered to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. 

When determining how much to ask for in a settlement, we focus on several key factors:

• Medical Expenses:
  • The cost of medical care you have received.
  • Future treatment or rehabilitation you may need.
• Lost Income:
  • Wages you’ve missed due to the accident.
  • Any long-term impact on your ability to earn money.
• Non-Economic Damages:
  • Pain and suffering caused by the accident.
  • Emotional distress and mental health effects.
  • Life changes, such as being unable to enjoy hobbies or spend quality time with loved ones.

By addressing all these factors, we build a strong case to fight for the maximum settlement you deserve.

Evidence That Can Prove Your Commercial Truck Accident Damages

To prove the damages in your accident, we collect strong evidence to support your case. For medical expenses, we use hospital bills, treatment records, and doctor’s notes that explain your injuries and recovery process. 

Pay stubs and employer statements help show how much income you’ve lost and whether the accident will affect your ability to work.

For non-economic damages like pain and suffering, which we will calculate, we rely on your testimony, journal entries about how the accident has impacted your daily life, and statements from friends or family who’ve witnessed the changes.

To prove punitive damages, we gather evidence of negligence or recklessness, such as truck driver logs, maintenance records, and police reports. This evidence helps us build a clear picture of what happened and why you deserve full compensation.

Why We Must Show Who’s at Fault Before Pursuing Your Losses

Figuring out who is at fault in a semi-truck accident isn’t always straightforward. This is one of many reasons people come to us for legal help.  

Several parties might be responsible for your losses, including:

• The truck driver: If they were speeding, tired, distracted, or breaking traffic laws
• The trucking company: If they didn’t maintain the truck properly or pressured the driver to work unsafe hours
• The truck manufacturer: If a defect in the truck or its parts caused the accident
• Cargo loaders: If the cargo was loaded improperly, causing the truck to tip or lose control
• Third parties: If another driver or pedestrian acted negligently and contributed to the accident
• Government entities: If poor road design, lack of proper signage, or failure to fix hazards like potholes caused or contributed to the accident

Proving negligence—basically showing that someone acted carelessly or broke safety rules—is key to winning a settlement. Our personal injury lawyers in Raleigh will investigate and gather proof to show who caused the accident and why they should pay for your injuries.

We Will Support You Throughout the Process While You Heal

We know every case we handle is different, so we invest the time and resources to understand your situation.  

Whether it’s determining how your injuries have affected you, calculating your lost income, or deciding on the best strategy, we tailor our approach to meet your specific needs.

Handling the Details

After an accident, dealing with insurers and managing paperwork and deadlines can be challenging. That’s where we step in. We handle all the legal details so you can focus on recovering and getting your life back to normal.

Representation in Court

If the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, we’re ready to fight for you in court. Our team is experienced and prepared to present a strong case to get you the justice you deserve. 

Why Time Matters if You Want to Sue for Damages in N.C.

Time is important after a semi-truck accident for several reasons. Waiting too long to see a doctor can hurt your health and your case because injuries might not be properly documented. 

Delaying filing a claim or contacting a lawyer can also make it harder to collect evidence, such as photos of the accident scene or witness statements.

Some evidence, such as video footage or truck driver logs, can disappear quicker than you might expect. Additionally, the law limits how long you have to file a claim, so acting quickly is essential to protect your rights.

You Have a Limited Time to File Your Case; Act Now

If we cannot settle your case with the insurer outside of court, we may have to pursue your financial compensation in court. We must file your lawsuit by a certain time.

In North Carolina, the statute of limitations deadline for injury cases is three years from the date of the accident, as outlined in G.S. § 1-52. If you miss the deadline, you risk losing your right to sue forever. With us on your case, you can rest easy knowing we will file it on time.

Get Help With Recovering a Settlement for a Semi Truck Accident

At Whitley Law Firm, we understand how overwhelming life can feel after a semi-truck accident. We help seriously injured individuals and work hard to secure the compensation they need to rebuild their lives. Our team brings more than a century of combined legal experience to every case, and we’re ready to put it to work for you. 

Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering, we are here to guide you every step of the way. While there is no average settlement for a semi truck accident, you should not let this discourage you from seeking damages from those who harmed you.

From negotiating with insurers to taking your case to court if necessary, we fight tirelessly to get the justice you deserve. Reach out to Whitley Law Firm today for a free consultation, and let us help you on the path to recovery. We will return your call within 24 hours.