What Is the Average Settlement for an 18-Wheeler Accident in Texas?

While every case is unique, generally speaking, an average truck accident settlement in Texas is often worth more than other motor vehicle accident settlements. In many cases, they are worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars, if not more.

The largest settlement ever reached for a single plaintiff was a $140M settlement for a Texas man who suffered severe injuries in a truck accident, resulting in quadriplegia. This was a unique situation, but the amount is understandable if you consider the factors determining how much a settlement is worth.

An even larger settlement of $150M was reached for the parents of two children killed in a truck accident in Texas in 2020. Werner Enterprises and their insurance companies agreed to this settlement without admitting any wrongdoing in the crash. However, when the lives of children are lost in such a horrific way, a settlement of this size is not surprising.

Factors That Impact Truck Accident Settlement Amounts

To begin getting a better sense of how much a particular settlement should be worth, here are a few key factors that determine the value of claims:

Extent of Damages

Damages suffered by an accident victim are the first thing to consider when calculating a claim’s value. In one of the cases mentioned above, the victim suffered from quadriplegia as a result of the accident. This meant he was facing significant long-term medical costs, was unable to work, and experienced tremendous pain and suffering as a result of the accident—all of which contributed to a sizable settlement offer.

Evidence & Investigation

You can only recover compensation if you can prove that someone else’s negligence resulted in the accident, your injuries, and your damages. Strong evidence that proves the other party’s negligence, compiled during a thorough investigation, is critical to a claim’s success.

Negotiations

When it comes to settlements, you can either accept or deny an offer. If the offer is too low, you can continue to negotiate or pursue legal action. On the other hand, if you are eager to move forward, you can accept an offer even if it is less than you deserve. A strategic truck accident injury lawyer will be able to help you through this process to do what is best for you and your family.

Altogether, settlement amounts are part math, part preparation, and part preference. The most important thing is to ensure you are considering all of the damages you have sustained as a result of an accident so you can pursue a fair settlement offer.

Common Injuries in Truck Accidents in Texas

A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds or more. This extreme weight traveling at high speeds can cause incredible damage to other vehicles and their drivers and passengers.

As such, it should come as no surprise that the common injuries we see in truck accidents tend to be very serious. These include:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Spinal cord injuries
Broken bones
Burn injuries
Lacerations

In some cases, these injuries can result in long-term—even lifelong—challenges, such as:

Paralysis
Disfigurement
PTSD
Chronic pain

Dealing with these conditions can make daily life far more challenging—and potentially more expensive—than it should be.

Why Are 18-Wheeler Accidents More Complicated Than Car Accidents?

The sheer size and weight of semi-trucks can lead to more significant damage—which inherently makes them more complicated than car accidents. Beyond the fact that truck accidents often result in more serious damages than car accidents, other factors also contribute to the complexity of truck accident claims.

Large trucks operate under strict federal and state regulations. These laws cover driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, hours of service, weight limits, and more. These rules also require documentation that can be examined to ensure compliance.

Additionally, complex liability in truck accidents can be a complicating factor. There are often more parties involved in a truck accident than in other motor vehicle accidents.

Due to the complicated nature of semi-truck accidents, it is highly recommended that you consult a meticulous, experienced attorney. They can sort through the mountains of evidence, navigate various laws, and determine the liable party(ies) to build a strong case for the compensation you need to rebuild.

Who Is Liable in a Semi-Truck Accident?

In a truck accident, liability can go beyond that of the driver. Multiple parties may be responsible for the circumstances that led to the crash, including:

The Trucking Company

Trucking companies may be partially or fully responsible for a truck accident for several reasons. They may force their drivers to spend more time on the road than legally allowed, hire drivers with a history of problematic behavior (such as driving under the influence), or ignore safety protocols in pursuit of profit.

The Loading Company

Improper loading (overloading, uneven distribution of cargo, etc.) can make a truck unstable. The company responsible for loading the truck may also bear responsibility if its workers acted negligently.

The Maintenance Company

Poorly maintained vehicles pose a significant safety risk. If the company or individual responsible for the ongoing maintenance of a truck fails to uphold their duties and it results in an accident, they may be held liable for the accident and subsequent damages.

The Manufacturer

Defective parts or systems (e.g., faulty brakes, tires, etc.) can cause accidents. Truck or parts manufacturers may be liable for product failures that lead to accidents and injuries.

Each of these companies will likely also have its own insurance providers, meaning you could face teams of investigators and underwriters doing everything possible to minimize your damages and shift blame to another party. This results in far greater complexity than in a typical car accident claim.

How Is Liability Determined in an 18-Wheeler Accident?

Determining liability in a truck accident is no easy feat. As we’ve seen, multiple parties may be involved, so a comprehensive investigation is necessary.

First, evidence must be gathered. Police reports, eyewitness statements, video footage, and photos will all contribute to ascertaining liability. Truck-specific data—like the truck’s GPS records, black box, and driver’s logs—can give a clearer picture of whether the driver was complying with the rules of the road and federal regulations.

Next, accident reconstructionists may attempt to establish the events leading up to the crash. They can analyze skid marks, vehicle damage, and other physical evidence to piece together the cause of the accident.

Finally, with the reason(s) for the accident worked out, a skilled attorney can identify the party or parties responsible for your injuries. They will then use all of this valuable information to build a strong case for compensation.

Establishing liability on your own would be overwhelming, if not impossible, especially when you’re dealing with an injury. A trusted yet merciless truck accident lawyer can handle the legal details while you use your energy to get better.

What Types of Damages Might Be Available in a Semi Truck Accident Settlement?

Knowing the average truck accident settlement amount may not help you when preparing to seek compensation for your injuries. However, understanding what types of damages might be available to you is critical.

The various types of damages are meant to address the full impact the accident has had on your life. The damages awarded fall into three categories. Economic damages cover specific financial losses. Non-economic damages compensate for personal losses that are more difficult to quantify. Punitive damages are used in some rare cases to punish the at-fault party if their behavior was particularly egregious.

Common economic and non-economic damages in a truck accident case include:

Medical expenses
Lost wages
Loss of earning capacity
Rehabilitation
Home and vehicle modifications
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of consortium
Loss of enjoyment of life

To make sure you are pursuing just compensation, you must be aware of the full range of damages available. A knowledgeable lawyer can evaluate your claim and advocate for a settlement that addresses the entirety of your losses.

How Can a Truck Accident Attorney Help?

Dealing with the various parties involved in a truck accident is one of the primary reasons working with a truck accident injury attorney can be so helpful. However, there are plenty of additional ways a lawyer can help you, including:

Gathering evidence
Interviewing witnesses
Working with subject matter experts (e.g., accident reconstruction specialists)
Calculating damages
Negotiating a fair settlement
Arguing your claim in court (if necessary)

After a serious truck accident, doing any of this on your own would be very difficult, especially if you have no experience with truck accident claims. An 18-wheeler accident lawyer will take this burden off your plate so you can focus on getting better.

What Are Some Common Mistakes Made in Truck Accident Claims?

Even small errors in a semi-truck accident claim can affect your case, so it is good to understand what you should not do. Common mistakes include:

Delaying Medical Treatment: Seeking medical treatment as soon as possible is important to your health and your legal claim. If you wait, you give insurers grounds to dispute the seriousness of your injuries.
Failing To Document Your Injuries & Expenses: An absence of documentation makes it harder to prove your damages, which could result in reduced compensation. Keep thorough records of your injuries, treatments, and medical expenses.
Underestimating the Value of Damages: You often only get one chance to secure the compensation you need. Take into account both current and future costs, including long-term medical needs, lost future income, and non-economic damages.
Providing a Statement Without an Attorney: Statements to the insurer(s) may seem routine, but they are anything but. Insurance companies may use them against you to shift responsibility. Let your lawyer guide you through this process to avoid making statements that could come back to bite you.
Handling Your Claim on Your Own: Without an experienced attorney on your side, it is easy to overlook details or fall for insurers’ tactics. A lawyer can advocate for your rights and ensure you are getting the compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Houston Truck Accident Injury Lawyer Today!

Too often, truck accidents result in terrible injuries and damages for accident victims. Those responsible for these accidents—whether they be drivers, trucking companies, or another party—should be held accountable for the consequences of their negligence.

Don’t worry about the average truck accident settlement. Consult Patrick Daniel Law to determine if you have a viable claim and how much it could be worth.

We are committed to holding negligent parties accountable as we help truck accident victims recover the justice and compensation they deserve. Contact our Houston truck accident lawyer today to get started with a FREE consultation.

What Is the Average Truck Accident Settlement in Texas?