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Average Settlement for a Commercial Vehicle Accident in Alabama
There is no set average settlement for commercial vehicle accidents. Each case is unique. Settlements vary greatly on things like who caused the wreck, how severe the injuries are, and how much insurance coverage there is.
Our attorneys can review the details of your case and provide an estimate of how much compensation you could receive based on the specifics of your case.
Long & Long Injury Attorneys offers free case reviews, and we don’t charge you anything unless we win your case. Our legal fees are deducted from your settlement amount, so you never have to worry about out-of-pocket expenses. If you’ve been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, our team is prepared to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn how much compensation you could be eligible to receive.
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Factors That Influence Your Settlement Amount
There are many factors that affect your settlement amount, and your attorney cannot guarantee you will receive a specific amount. However, we can estimate the value of your case based on these and other factors:
- Type of Accident: The nature of the accident matters a great deal. Accidents involving jack-knifing, roll-overs, cargo shifts, or highway collisions with large trucks will often produce more severe injuries and higher damages.
- Liability: Establishing who is at fault—and to what degree—is vital. In Alabama, you must show the defendant owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, that breach caused an accident, and you suffered damages as a result. Alabama has a contributory negligence law, which means that if the injured person’s fault caused the accident, then they oftentimes cannot obtain compensation.
- Damages: Your losses from the accident—medically, financially, physically, and emotionally—are known as “damages” and they help your attorney determine how much compensation you deserve. Under Alabama law you may recover economic damages (medical costs, lost wages, etc.) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, mental anguish, etc.) if you win your case. In cases of extreme negligence, the court may award you punitive damages which are intended to punish the wrongdoer. Punitive damages are also the only damages awarded in wrongful death cases in Alabama.
- Insurance Coverage: The available insurance policy (or policies) behind the truck driver/trucking company often sets a limit on settlement potential. A powerful case may still be limited by the insurance limits. Also, regulatory violations (e.g., FMCSA rules) may increase pressure for insurers to settle. If the trucking company or driver lacks sufficient insurance, recovering damages may be harder.
Contacting an attorney as soon as possible after a trucking accident makes it easier for them to collect vital evidence before it disappears. They also know how to navigate the legal landscape and negotiate for a full and fair settlement on your behalf. Trucking companies and insurance companies don’t want to pay you, so they will do everything they can to undermine your claim. That makes it especially important to hire a lawyer quickly.
How to Maximize Your Semi-Truck Accident Compensation
To maximize your settlement in a semi-truck accident in Alabama, you should follow these steps to the best of your ability:
- Seek prompt and complete medical care to document injuries. Early treatment and documentation help corroborate your injury claims and can identify any potential future injuries that may appear as a result.
- Preserve evidence: accident scene photos and videos, witness statements, and pictures of your injuries.
- Do not sign any release or accept a settlement offer until you fully understand future medical needs and long-term damages.
- Act quickly: Because the statute of limitations in Alabama is 2 years from the date of injury in most personal injury cases you must file a lawsuit within this timeframe or lose your right to seek compensation.
- Hire an attorney experienced with commercial truck accidents in Alabama. These cases involve more complexity so having a truck accident attorney can give you a better chance of a successful outcome.
When you hire Long & Long, we’ll get to work immediately, investigating your accident and compiling evidence. Our team will handle every aspect of your case. We’ll keep you informed of important updates and make sure your needs are met along the way. The only thing you have to do is get better and we’ll do the rest. Contact us today to get started.
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How Long Will Your Semi-Truck Accident Settlement Take?
Your case could settle in a matter of months or take up to several years. The timeline to reach a settlement in a semi-truck accident case in Alabama varies significantly depending on:
- Severity of injuries
- Complexity of liability
- Number of defendants
- Insurance issues
- Length of medical treatment
- Whether the case must go to trial
If you have questions about any of these aspects, our attorneys can offer advice.
Learn What Your Case Could Be Worth
Long & Long Injury Attorneys has been serving Alabama for over 3 decades and our attorneys have more than 200 years of combined legal experience. We’re skilled, knowledgeable, and relentless. We won’t settle for less than you deserve. If you’ve been injured in Mobile, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Foley, Daphne, Fairhope, Robertsdale, Loxley, Spanish Fort, Bay Minette, Malbis, or any surrounding area, contact us today to get a free case review and learn your legal options.