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How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements in AL?
Although the average truck accident settlement in Alabama is hard to quantify, most truck accident settlements are commensurate with the damages and injuries caused. Given that semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles typically do more damage than passenger vehicles, settlements can range broadly, but tend to be higher than those for typical car accidents. The exact amount depends heavily on the specifics of the case.
For reference, here are some of the settlement amounts we’ve secured in truck accident cases:
If you’ve been in a truck accident and are trying to determine how much money you could receive, contact our truck accident attorneys. We will evaluate your unique case and provide an accurate compensation estimate for you. Contact Long & Long Injury Attorneys to get started with a free case review.
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How Are Truck Accident Settlements Determined?
Truck accident settlements are determined primarily by assessing who is at fault (liable) for the accident, the severity of injuries sustained as a result of the accident, and the total damages incurred by the victim (medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, etc.).
Determining Who Was At Fault for the Accident
Determining the cause of the accident is fundamental to determine who was at fault, and therefore, who is responsible for compensating victims for their associated damages. This requires evidence and investigation.
Alabama’s Contributory Negligence Rule
Alabama follows the contributory negligence rule, which means that if the injured party is found to be even partially at fault, they may be barred from recovering damages.
Evidence of fault can disappear quickly after an accident, so the sooner you speak to an attorney, the sooner they will be able to begin investigating and gathering evidence.
This is one reason why it’s important to consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer–if you mistakenly make any admission to fault (which the insurance company will try to make you do), you risk losing any chance of securing much-needed compensation.
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Determining the Extent of Damages
The extent of the damages caused by the accident will generally have the most significant impact on the value of a truck accident claim. In most cases, the more severe the injuries are, the more the value of the final settlement increases. If the accident resulted in the death of one or more parties, the value of the claim can also increase substantially.
Damages fall into one of the following categories:
- Economic damages, such as medical bills, property damage, and loss of income or earning capacity.
- Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, mental and emotional anguish, and loss of consortium.
- Punitive damages are awarded only in cases when the defendant’s behavior was particularly egregious and severely reckless.
Seeking legal representation from a skilled and experienced truck accident law firm is imperative to helping you secure maximum compensation.
Insurance Coverage
In commercial truck accident cases, the insurance policy of the trucking company plays a significant role in the final settlement amount. Semi-trucks are usually insured under commercial policies with much higher liability limits than personal auto insurance. It’s also common for commercial trucks to be associated with several policies; for example, separate policies for the trucking company, the truck itself, the cargo, third-party maintenance companies, etc.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates minimum liability insurance coverage for commercial vehicles operating in interstate shipping:
- Over 10,000 lbs. carrying non-hazardous cargo: $750,000
- Under 10,000 lbs. carrying non-hazardous cargo: $300,000
- Carrying oil: $1,000,000
- Carrying hazardous cargo: $5,000,000
Alabama also sets insurance requirements for trucking companies operating within the state:
- Vehicles with a gross weight of 10,001 lbs or more:
- $750,000 for general freight
- $1,000,000 to $5,000,000 for hazardous materials
- Vehicles under 10,001 lbs: $300,000
- Passenger transport:
- $1,500,000 for vehicles seating up to 15 passengers
- $5,000,000 for vehicles seating 16 or more passengers
These unique commercial insurance factors often make for a more complex and higher-stakes case. Another reason why it is advisable to seek legal representation from a skilled truck accident lawyer.
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Truck Accident Settlement FAQs
There is no established minimum; settlements are based on the specifics of each case. It’s best to speak with a truck accident attorney to see if you have a valid case before trying to pursue compensation.
Generally, yes. Commercial trucks can cause more significant damage and injuries due to their size and weight, often leading to larger settlements.
Although not legally required, hiring a lawyer is advisable due to Alabama’s strict contributory negligence laws and the complexity of truck accident claims. An attorney will be able to guide you through the process and handle the more intricate elements of building a compelling case on your behalf.
Our Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help Calculate Your Settlement
While there is not an easy way to accurately calculate the average settlement for truck accident cases, an experienced attorney will be able to estimate the value of your claim based on its details and the results they’ve secured for similar cases.
The Long & Long team has helped truck accident victims in Mobile, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Foley, and throughout the state. We have a deep understanding of Alabama law and we know how to get you the settlement you deserve. If you’ve been injured in a commercial truck accident, get a free case review with our team to see how much your case may be worth.