18-wheeler accidents can be devastating. If you’re injured after a truck crash, or you lose a loved one in a fatal collision, here’s how 18-wheeler accident settlements work, and whether there’s an average settlement for 18-wheeler accidents.
Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Texas
Every vehicle crash is different, but there are a few common causes of 18-wheeler accidents in Texas, including:
- careless driving e.g. careless lane changes
- carrying excessive or unsafe loads
- driving while fatigued
- driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
You may have a personal injury claim if you can show that:
- The truck driver was negligent. Negligence means the trucker drove carelessly or recklessly in some way.
- You were injured in a crash. You must show there was an accident and that you were injured as a result.
- The negligence caused the crash. If it’s the driver’s fault that the accident happened, they can be held liable for your injuries.
In some cases, other parties may also be to blame, such as the trucking company or even the vehicle manufacturer.
Injuries from 18-Wheeler Accidents
18-wheeler accidents can cause severe or even fatal injuries, especially if there’s an impact or they occur at speed. Injuries include:
- bone fractures
- facial or bodily disfigurement
- head injuries
- internal organ trauma
- limb loss
- nerve damage
- paralysis
Even accidents at low speeds may cause significant harm due to the size and weight of 18-wheeler trucks.
18-Wheeler Accident Settlements
If you have a compensation claim for a trucking accident, here’s whether there’s an average settlement amount you can expect and how damages are calculated.
What Is the Average Settlement for 18-Wheeler Accidents?
In Texas, there’s no such thing as an average payout for 18-wheeler accidents, because every case is unique. That said, truck accident payouts can be higher than with other vehicle accidents, because the injuries are often more severe.
Our lawyers can only tell you how much your case may be worth after they:
- assess the evidence
- determine who is at fault for your injuries
- consider legal precedents e.g. past cases
- calculate all the losses you have suffered e.g. lost wages, ongoing medical care
After a free initial consultation, our attorneys can advise if you have a claim and, roughly, how much it might be worth.
How Is Compensation Calculated?
Although there’s no average settlement for 18-wheeler accidents, there’s a process for valuing claims. To calculate damages, we consider these important factors:
Your Injuries
More serious and complex injuries are usually worth more in compensation than minor damage e.g. cuts and bruises.
Fault
In Texas, if the injured person is 50% or more to blame for the accident, they can’t claim damages. If they’re less than 50% responsible, damages depend on the degree of responsibility. So, for example, if you’re 10% to blame for the accident, 10% is deducted from your award.
Property Damages
Any damage to your vehicle will be considered as part of your overall claim for compensation. You can take your car to have the damage valued or an insurance loss adjuster will make the determination.
Other Damages
There are other non-economic and economic damages you might claim, depending on the nature of your case, including:
- emotional distress and PTSD
- lost wages
- medical treatment
- ongoing care costs
- pain and suffering
- rehabilitation costs
If there’s a fatality, damages might also include costs such as funeral expenses.
Claiming 18-Wheeler Accident Compensation
The first step to claiming damages is contacting a truck accident attorney. At AK Law Firm, our lawyers have the experience to guide you through the entire process, one step at a time. If you hire us, you can expect the following services from the team.
- We will carefully evaluate your case and determine if you have a claim.
- After reviewing the evidence, we can estimate how much your case could be worth.
- We will negotiate with the at-fault party to get you the most compensation possible.
- If no fair offers are forthcoming, we will file a lawsuit and take your case to trial if necessary.
You can expect our truck accident attorneys to fight hard for the compensation you deserve, even if you only have minor injuries.
Time Limits for 18-Wheeler Accident Settlements
In Texas, you only have a certain amount of time to make a personal injury claim. Typically, the time limit is two years from the date of the truck accident. The date may be different if there’s a death or there’s a minor involved.
In all cases, it’s best to seek legal advice as soon as possible after an 18-wheeler accident. Contact our team urgently if you’re approaching the deadline for making a claim.
How to Maximize Your Compensation Claim
While no one can guarantee how much your claim is worth, there are steps you might take to strengthen your case.
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- Take pictures of the scene. Try to capture evidence such as property damage, road conditions, and even dashcam footage if it’s available.
- Record your injuries. Again, it’s best to take pictures of your injuries as soon as possible if you’re able to do so.
- File an accident report. A police report can help your truck accident lawyer prove who is responsible for your injuries.
- Get medical help. If you’re injured at all, however minor the damage might seem, visit your doctor or go to hospital. Your medical records can help to support your claim.
- Keep records. Keep receipts for any losses e.g. medical expenses and make a note of lost income from time off work.
Contact 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Texas
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Texas, contact our personal injury lawyers without delay. At AK Law Firm, we’re passionate about fighting for the damages our clients deserve. We’ll treat your case with care and dedication every step of the way, and we will do everything possible to get you a fair settlement.
Our 18-wheeler truck accident lawyers work on a no win, no fee basis, so you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case. To arrange a free initial consultation with an experienced truck crash attorney, contact AK Law Firm.
Complete our online form or call us today on (832) 699-5559 to get the compensation you deserve.