What Is the Average Truck Accident Settlement?
Nationwide, the average truck accident settlement is between $70,000 and $750,000. However, in cases that involve catastrophic or fatal injuries, damage awards can reach into the millions. This range is vast due to multiple factors, including the severity of injuries, the parties involved, and whether the case is handled at the federal or state level.
Because every truck accident is different, settlement values in Arizona can range widely. That’s why it’s important not to expect a large payout without strong evidence and legal support. Additionally, insurers will often make a low-ball offer, which can also affect compensation. This is where having an attorney on your side to negotiate on your behalf is crucial.
Key Factors That Determine Truck Accident Settlement Value in Arizona
A settlement may be affected by multiple factors, including the following:
- Severity and permanence of injuries, such as brain injury, broken bones, paralysis, or death
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost income and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Multiple parties could be liable, such as the driver, the company, and the maintenance crew.
- Commercial Insurance Policies, which are often higher than car insurance
- Evidence strength and legal representation
Notable Truck Accident Case Results from Runion Law
At Runion Personal Injury Lawyers, our compassionate attorneys have helped hundreds of truck accident victims across Arizona recover substantial settlements. While no two cases are exactly alike, these results show what’s possible when you have an experienced attorney on your side:
$2,135,000
- Truck Accident
Our client suffered a life-changing injury when a stand-up loader fell on him due to inadequate truck securing by the driver. Despite the insurance company’s refusal to offer a settlement before litigation, we were able to successfully prove disputed liability and secure a result of $2.135 million for our client.
$937,500
- Truck Accident
Runion Personal Injury Lawyers obtained a settlement in the amount of $937,500.00 for a young man who was struck from behind by a tow truck while traveling in an Uber. The tow truck was carrying another vehicle at the time of the collision adding significant weight to the tow truck.
Arizona Laws That Affect Truck Accident Settlements
State laws can significantly impact a truck accident settlement.
Comparative Negligence Rule
Under A.R.S. § 12-2505, Arizona operates as an at-fault tort state for auto accidents. This means that the liable party will owe the plaintiff compensation for their injuries. However, the damages award is reduced by the plaintiff’s percentage of fault. For instance, if you’re 30 percent responsible for a trucking collision involving a $100,000 settlement, you’ll be able to obtain 70 percent, or $70,000 of the total amount.
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations dictates how long a plaintiff has to file a claim for a personal injury. In Arizona, this deadline is two years from the date of injury, per A.R.S. § 12-542. Failure to file a claim within this timeframe can result in an inability to secure compensation.
Federal vs. State Trucking Regulations
Either federal or state regulations will apply to your case, depending on whether the trucker was traveling interstate or intrastate. Interstate operations involve moving passengers or consumer goods across state lines or international borders, such as from Arizona to New Mexico or from the U.S. to Canada. Cases involving interstate travel will be handled at the federal level. However, intrastate trucking occurs within a single state, such as only within Arizona, and is governed by that state’s specific transportation and safety regulations.
Punitive Damages
A case can include additional compensation if the court awards the plaintiff punitive damages. These types of damages are designed to punish the defendant in cases involving gross negligence and egregious misconduct. For example, if a trucker was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of a wreck, this could lead to punitive damages. Similarly, cases involving wrongful death often lead the court to assign these.
Why Truck Accident Claims Are More Complex
Compared to a typical passenger vehicle wreck, truck accident cases are typically more complex to navigate. They often involve multiple parties, including the trucker, their employer, and others who may have played a role in the collision, like manufacturers and the loading crew. Additionally, commercial trucking companies often have legal teams equipped to handle these cases. This makes it crucial to level the playing field with your own attorney.
Commercial trucking accident cases often deal with federal safety regulations provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA. The FMCSA sets national rules for:
- Driver qualifications and hours-of-service limits
- Vehicle maintenance and inspection requirements
- Cargo securement
- Alcohol and drug testing
- Insurance minimums for carriers
Another key component of trucking wreck cases is the usage of black boxes and driver logs as evidence. These tools can be essential in determining negligent behavior on the trucker’s behalf.
Truck accident cases are often far more severe than typical car accidents and frequently require expert testimony—such as input from accident reconstructionists and medical professionals—to fully demonstrate the cause and extent of the crash.
Why You Need an Experienced Arizona Truck Accident Lawyer
Runion Personal Injury Lawyers Maximize Truck Accident Settlement.
Our legal team offers local Arizona truck accident experience and aggressive investigation and negotiation tactics. We have access to medical experts and crash analysts statewide, and we’re willing to litigate if necessary to secure maximum value. Keep in mind that there’s no fee unless we win your case. You can schedule a no-obligation, free consultation today to get started on building a compelling case.
Contact Our Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers For a Free Case Evaluation
If you or your loved one has been in a trucking collision, you don’t have to handle the case on your own. Our knowledgeable attorneys can handle the bulk of your claim, investigating liable parties and negotiating with the legal teams of commercial trucking companies. We’ll do everything in our power to get you the compensation you deserve. Call our law office today for a free consultation.
