What is the Average Truck Accident Settlement in Texas?

Truck accidents are alarmingly common in Texas. The Texas trucking industry provides more than one million jobs and greatly contributes to the economy. Because it is a hub for trucking companies and jobs, there are many trucks that travel the state’s roads every day.

Unfortunately, Texas is the leading state for fatal truck accidents. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Texas sees more than 25,000 truck accidents, yearly. If you’ve been involved in an accident with a truck in Texas, you may be entitled to compensation, it is important to note, however, that the amount of compensation victims can obtain will vary on a case-by-case basis.

Understanding Truck Accident Settlements

Truck accident settlements can be a complex process that involves various parties, including insurance companies. For the best chance of obtaining compensation you should take the following steps after the accident:

1. Seek medical attention
2. Contact law enforcement
3. Gather evidence at the scene
4. Notify your insurance company
5. Consult with an experienced truck accident attorney
6. File a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance

If the trucking company or truck driver was found to be the at-fault party in the accident, it may be in your best interest to work with a lawyer who is familiar with Texas laws surrounding truck accidents. Typically, trucking companies and their drivers have insurance policies to cover accidents. However, often times these insurance companies will try to deny your claim or offer lowball settlements that do not fully cover the damages you sustained, which is why it is important to work with an experienced San Antonio truck accident attorney who can help you prove liability and uphold your rights.

How Liability Plays A Role In Your Truck Accident Settlement

Liability is the legal responsibility or obligation for one’s actions, and in terms of truck accidents, it helps to determine who is at fault for the accident and who can be held legally responsible for the resulting injuries and damages.

In a truck accident case, there can be several parties held liable, including:

• Truck Driver: if they were negligent and caused the accident by speeding, driving recklessly, or driving under the influence.
• Trucking Company: if they failed to properly train their drivers, maintain their vehicles, or adhere to safety regulations.
• Manufacturer or Maintenance Provider: if the accident was caused by a defect in the truck or its components, like faulty brakes or tires.
• Other Parties: depending on the circumstances of the accident, other parties such as cargo loaders, shippers, or contractors responsible for road maintenance may be held liable

Determining liability involves investigating the circumstances of the accident, gathering evidence, and evaluating other factors involved such as negligence, traffic law violations, adherence to safety regulations, and more. In some cases, more than one party may be liable for your damages. Determining who is liable is an important step in the process of obtaining compensation for your losses.

How Much Can You Get In A Truck Accident Settlement?

Settlements vary on a case-by-case basis and depend on a variety of factors including, the severity of your injuries, the extent of property damage, the liable party/parties, and more.

Damages you may recover can include compensation for things such as:

• Medical bills
• The need for continued medical treatment
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Temporary or permanent disabilities
• And more