Complete Truck Accident Settlement Guide
Everything you need to know about truck accident compensation in 2025
Why Truck Accidents Pay More
Truck accident settlements are typically 5-10 times higher than regular car accident settlements. This is due to several key factors:
Catastrophic Injuries
Commercial trucks weigh 20-30 times more than passenger vehicles, resulting in more severe injuries and higher medical costs.
Higher Insurance Coverage
Federal law requires commercial trucks to carry $750,000 to $5 million in liability insurance, compared to typical car insurance minimums of $25,000-$50,000.
Multiple Liable Parties
You may be able to sue the driver, trucking company, cargo loader, manufacturer, and others, increasing total available compensation.
Federal Regulations
Trucking companies must follow strict FMCSA regulations. Violations strengthen your case and can lead to punitive damages.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Unlike regular car accidents, truck accidents often involve multiple liable parties:
1. Truck Driver
For negligence, violations, fatigue, distraction, or impairment
2. Trucking Company
For negligent hiring, training, supervision, or pressuring drivers to violate rules
3. Truck Owner
If different from the driver or company, for negligent maintenance
4. Cargo Loader
For improper loading causing instability or accidents
5. Manufacturer
For defective truck parts, brakes, or tires
6. Maintenance Company
For inadequate or negligent maintenance and repairs
Average Settlement Amounts by Injury
| Injury Type | Settlement Range |
|---|---|
| Soft Tissue / Whiplash | $10,000 - $50,000 |
| Broken Bones | $50,000 - $200,000 |
| Back/Neck Injury | $75,000 - $300,000 |
| Internal Injuries | $100,000 - $500,000 |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | $200,000 - $1,000,000+ |
| Spinal Cord Injury | $500,000 - $2,000,000+ |
| Paralysis | $1,000,000 - $5,000,000+ |
| Wrongful Death | $1,000,000 - $10,000,000+ |
* Actual settlements vary based on specific case circumstances, evidence, and legal representation.
Common Mistakes That Destroy Cases
Giving Recorded Statements
Never give a recorded statement to any insurance company without consulting an attorney first.
Accepting Early Settlements
Insurance companies offer low settlements hoping you'll accept before knowing the full extent of your injuries.
Waiting Too Long
Critical evidence disappears quickly. Trucking companies can destroy logs and data after as little as 6 months.
Signing Releases
Never sign any release or waiver from the trucking company or their insurer without legal review.
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