Truck accidents can change someone’s life, causing immense injuries and sometimes fatalities. Victims are often facing mountains of unexpected medical and rehabilitation bills as a result. The change in their daily lives requires changing their home, using new devices for simple tasks, or relying on others for things they could once do alone.
When you want to sue a negligent truck driver for causing your accident injuries, you may be wondering how much your case would settle for. Settlements vary on a case-by-case basis, so there is no average amount. It is important to consult with a qualified lawyer about Houston truck accident settlements if you want to pursue compensation. One of our dedicated truck accident lawyers could guide you through the entire process while building a solid argument.
Key Factors Influencing Settlements
Houston residents pursuing truck crash settlement must know what they are getting themselves into. Several factors may affect the amount they can recover:
Pain and Suffering
Victims can develop pain and suffering, emotional distress, and a reduced quality of life. Noneconomic damages’ values are subjective and, therefore, hard to calculate.
Lost Wages and Future Earning Capacity
Sometimes, victims cannot work because they are injured, temporarily or permanently. Sometimes, they have a new disability affecting what they can do at work, affecting their future earning capacity.
Severity of Injuries and Medical Expenses
The extent of injuries is crucial in determining the settlement amount. Medical bills can include:
- Surgeries
- Medicine
- Hospital stays
- Rehabilitation
- Ongoing treatments
- Emergency room visits
Property Damage and Repair Costs
Another significant factor is the cost of repairing or replacing vehicles. Because of their size and weight, many truck crashes cause substantial property damage. As a result, vehicles often must be totaled or require extensive repairs.
Liability
Determining who is at fault for the accident is the most critical step in the settlement process. Multiple parties could be at fault, increasing your potential total amount. Some examples include the truck driver, the trucking company, or even other drivers involved in the accident.
How the Modified Comparative Fault Standard Affects Your Case
If you were partially responsible for the car accident that you endured, that would affect the total amount of damages you can receive. Texas follows a modified comparative fault model, which provides that a victim’s negligence affects the compensation they could receive. The victim’s liability is assessed into a percentage of contribution from one to 100% of the wreck. However, they are not entitled to compensation if they are more than 51% at fault for the incident. Figuring out fault can be intimidating, but an experienced Houston attorney could help an injured person recover as much compensation as possible in the truck wreck settlement.
The Importance of Working With Legal Counsel
Some may think they can handle these legal situations alone, but insurance companies regularly pressure plaintiffs to accept cheap offers. They may try to get the plaintiff to admit fault to lessen their right to compensation. Insurance companies also try to get victims to settle early on before they hire legal assistance to fight on their behalf.
A lawyer could use their expertise to investigate a case, communicate with insurance companies, litigate the case to trial in court, and collect evidence. Some key pieces of evidence a lawyer may use to win include photos of the accident scene, eyewitness testimonies, medical bills, or expert witnesses. With the right evidence, a plaintiff can push for a higher settlement offer from an insurance company or swing a jury in the plaintiff’s favor. A lawyer could help semi truck crash victims in Houston collect and present convincing evidence to win the compensation they deserve.
Consult a Houston Attorney About Truck Wreck Settlements
Working with the right attorney is imperative to the success of your case. Your attorney must have the knowledge and experience to get you the best compensation possible. Regardless of whether you choose to engage in a Houston truck accident settlement or go to court, the help of a legal professional makes all the difference. Reach out to our firm today to schedule a consultation and get started.