Getting into a crash with a big rig or commercial truck can completely turn your life upside down. It’s completely normal to wonder what your truck accident case might be worth, especially when you’re trying to recover from serious injuries while juggling medical bills, missed paychecks, and uncertainty about the future.
While there’s no standard settlement amount, many truck accident claims follow common patterns based on the severity of the crash, the injuries involved, and who’s responsible. Understanding these patterns can give you a clearer picture of what to expect and how to approach your case.
What Influences the Value of a Truck Accident Case
There’s no exact formula, but a number of factors can shape how much a truck accident case might settle for, including:
- The severity of your injuries: The more your injuries affect your daily life, your ability to work, and your long-term health, the more your case could be worth. A sprain or bruise is one thing — a spinal cord injury or brain trauma is another.
- The extent of your medical treatment: Whether you had a few doctor visits or months of surgeries and physical therapy matters.
- Time missed from work: If your injuries kept you from doing your job — or if they prevent you from going back to it at all — that loss of income will be factored into your claim.
- Pain and emotional toll: Physical pain is one factor, but don’t overlook the mental and emotional weight that follows these types of accidents.
- Liability: If the truck driver or company clearly caused the crash — maybe they were overtired, distracted, or skipping safety steps — that can strengthen your case.
- Your legal representation: Having an experienced truck accident lawyer on your side levels the playing field and shows you mean business.
If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to trial.
Why Truck Accident Settlements Tend to Be Larger Than Regular Wrecks
Truck accidents often result in more severe injuries than crashes involving regular cars. That’s simply because of the size and weight difference. When something that large hits you, the damage is often severe.
Truck accidents often result in more severe injuries, necessitating extensive medical treatment. People often need longer recovery times, more follow-up treatment, and in some cases, they may never get back to where they were before the crash. That added impact tends to show up in the settlement value.
Also, trucking companies are required to carry larger insurance policies than everyday drivers. That means there’s generally more coverage available to pay out a claim — especially when injuries are life-altering.
How Long It Might Take to Settle Your Case
Some cases are resolved relatively quickly, especially when the facts are clear and the injuries are well-documented. Others can take longer — particularly if the injuries are complex, or if it’s not immediately clear who’s at fault.
Settling too soon could mean accepting far less than you’ll ultimately need, especially if new symptoms pop up or you end up needing more care than you thought. Typically, once a settlement is accepted, further claims are not possible.
What If the Insurance Company Offers You a Quick Settlement?
That might sound tempting — especially if you’re struggling to pay bills — but be cautious. Early settlement offers are typically lowball attempts to settle things quickly, before you fully understand the long-term implications of your injuries. Before agreeing to anything, it’s a good idea to consult with a lawyer who specializes in handling truck accident cases and understands how these companies operate.
Contact Zehl & Associates for a Free Consultation With a Houston Truck Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a collision with an 18-wheeler or commercial truck, the Houston truck accident lawyers at Zehl & Associates are here to help. Our undefeated team has recovered billions of dollars for crash victims and secured the #1 largest truck accident settlement in Texas.
For more information, please contact our Undefeated truck accident attorneys in Houston, Texas at Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Harris County, Midland County, and throughout the state of Texas. We are located in Houston and Midland and throughout the state of Texas:
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Houston
2700 Post Oak Blvd #1000, Houston, TX 77056
(888) 603-3636
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Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Midland
306 W Wall St Suite 701, Midland, TX 79701
(432) 220-0000
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