Getting hurt in a trucking crash can be devastating.
Victims who survive semi-truck accidents often sustain severe and debilitating injuries. If you or someone you love was injured in a truck collision, you might be wondering if you can get compensation.
How much is the average settlement for 18 wheeler accidents? There is no simple answer to this question. Settlement amounts can vary depending on a variety of factors.
Factors Impacting the Average Semi Truck Accident Settlement
Many factors can impact the settlement amount in your truck accident claim:
- The severity of your injuries;
- Cost of your medical expenses;
- Amount of lost wages;
- Pain and suffering;
- Cause of the trucking accident, and who is at fault;
- Whether you were partially responsible for the collision; and
- Liability insurance coverage.
Semi-Truck Accident Settlements and Higher Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements
The minimum liability insurance requirements for commercial trucks are higher than those for car owners.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), commercial trucks must carry the insurance for:
- $300,000 for non-hazardous freight in trucks weighing under 10,001 pounds;
- $750,000 for non-hazardous cargo in trucks weighing more than 10,001 pounds;
- $1,500,000 for vehicles transporting passengers with seating capacity for 15 or fewer passengers; and
- $5,000,000 for hazardous freight or vehicles carrying passengers with a seating capacity of more than 15 passengers.
Even though these liability insurance requirements are high, an injured victim still runs into problems with insurance limits. In such cases, the injury victim may be able to file a truck accident lawsuit to seek a higher settlement.
Comparative Negligence and Truck Accident Settlements
A truck accident settlement can be reduced if the injury victim is partially at fault for the collision. Under Pennsylvania law, a plaintiff is not barred from recovery if they are partly to blame. As long as a plaintiff is 50% or less at fault, the recovery amount will be reduced by their percentage of fault. If a plaintiff is more than 50% at fault, Pennsylvania law bars that plaintiff from recovering anything.
Contact a Philadelphia Truck Accident Lawyer
If you need help with a truck accident claim or settlement, an experienced Philadelphia truck accident attorney can assist you.
Contact PhillyLaw LLC today for more information.