Roderick C. Lopez | June 13, 2023 | Truck Accidents
Every year, approximately 388,000 truck accidents occur in the United States. According to the National Safety Council, 5,700 large trucks were involved in a fatal crash in 2021, which represents an increase of 18% from the year before and a 40% increase from 2011.
Because truck accidents are so prevalent, many crash victims wonder about the average settlement value for commercial vehicle accident cases.
However, there is no average semi-truck accident settlement value. Each case involves its own unique facts and circumstances. Below, we discuss the factors that can affect the value of a truck accident settlement in Laredo, Texas.
Liability for the Laredo Truck Accident
Texas is an at-fault state for motor vehicle accidents. This means that the party who is at fault for the accident is responsible for paying for the damages they cause.
Truck accident cases can be complex because many parties may be involved, including:
- The truck driver
- Trucking companies
- Truck manufacturers
- Mechanics
- Cargo loading companies
The stronger the evidence that establishes the liability of one or more of these parties, the more valuable your case is.
If you were partially to blame for the accident, this can also affect the value of your claim. Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system in this situation. Under this system, you can still pursue compensation for the damages you sustain in an accident as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. However, your damages can be reduced by your portion of fault.
The Severity of the Truck Accident Injuries
Commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. Due to this disparity in size, injuries stemming from truck accidents are often more severe than accidents involving other types of vehicles.
For example, common injuries stemming from truck accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Loss of limb
- Fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries
The average cost of a commercial truck accident largely depends on the nature and severity of your injuries. Generally, the more serious your injuries, the higher the potential value of your claim. This is because more serious injuries tend to affect every aspect of your damages claim.
Damages Available in a Laredo Truck Accident Claim
Damages are the economic and non-economic losses that you suffer in a truck accident. This may include:
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses are often a primary component of a truck accident damages claim.
You may incur significant medical expenses from your truck accident injuries, including costs to pay for:
- Emergency care and transportation
- Surgeries
- Hospital stays
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Medication
- Future expected medical treatment
It is essential to seek medical treatment promptly after an accident and follow your doctor’s orders to show you are taking your health seriously.
Lost Income
Truck accident injuries may require you to stay out of work for some time. You can pursue compensation for your lost wages, commissions, employment benefits, and other lost income.
In some cases, your injuries may be so severe that you are unable to work, or you must take a less-demanding job. You can pursue compensation for your lost or reduced earning capacity in these situations.
Property Damage
Your vehicle may be totaled when hit by a commercial truck weighing up to 80,000 pounds. You have the right to pursue compensation for the costs to repair or replace your vehicle, whichever costs less. You can also seek compensation for the alternative transportation you had to pay for while waiting for your property replacement.
Pain and Suffering
The other damages discussed above all have an economic impact on your life. However, Texas law recognizes that not all damages can be easily quantified.
For this reason, you can pursue compensation for non-economic damages, such as:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
An experienced Laredo personal injury lawyer can give you a better sense of the potential value of this aspect of your damages claim.
Negotiating Power in Your Case: An Experienced Laredo Truck Accident Attorney Can Help
Another important factor in determining the value of your claim is your negotiating power. Statistically, accident victims who are represented by an experienced personal injury lawyer receive higher settlement amounts than those who are not represented.
It is also important that you choose someone who is experienced in handling truck accidents because they are different from other types of personal injury cases.
You have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit under Texas’ statute of limitations, which is generally two years. If you pass this deadline without filing suit, you will have lost a significant portion of your negotiating power.
You can speak to a Laredo truck accident lawyer to get a better idea about the potential value of your claim based on the factors described above.
Contact the Laredo Truck Accident Lawyers at Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers Today
If you were injured in an accident in Laredo, TX, and need legal help, contact our Laredo truck accident attorneys at Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case review today.
Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers
6557 Metro Court, Suite 1
Laredo, TX 78041
(956) 529-7336
