What is the Average Truck Accident Injury Settlement in Florida?
Semi-truck accidents are a serious safety concern. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle (FLHSMV) reports that more than 35,000 happen in the state each year. Following a bad crash with a large truck, you need full and fair financial compensation. This raises an important question: What is the average settlement for a personal injury in a truck accident case? The short answer is that a settlement of five, six, or even seven figures is well within the normal range. Here, our West Palm Beach trucking accident lawyer explains the key things to know about the typical settlement for a truck accident injury claim in Florida.
Truck Accident Compensation is Case-Specific: No True Average Settlement
Truck accident injury compensation is highly case specific. The somewhat unsatisfying answer to the initial question is that there is no true “average” truck accident settlement amount in Florida. As no two cases are identical, it is challenging to declare any figure the “average” settlement for a truck accident in Florida. It is important for injured victims to understand that settlements are tailored to their losses. You need compensation to pay your bills and support your family.
The Three Big Factors that Will Affect a Truck Accident Settlement in Florida
- Liability (Fault)
While Florida has a no-fault insurance law for motor vehicle collisions, a truck accident victim who suffered a serious injury has the right to bring a fault-based claim against the at-fault trucker or trucking company. Liability plays a big role in determining the settlement amount in a serious truck accident injury claim. Florida operates under a modified comparative negligence system for these types of claims. If you are partially at fault for a crash, your compensation may be reduced.
- Damages
In Florida, personal injury compensation—including a truck accident settlement—is generally designed to ensure that the victim is made “whole.” In other words, you have the right to pursue compensation for your damages, including your intangible losses. You may be entitled to compensation for vehicle repairs, medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To maximize your truck accident settlement, it is crucial that your damages are thoroughly documented.
- Insurance Coverage
Finally, insurance coverage can also play a big role in a truck accident claim. The type and amount of insurance coverage available can greatly influence the settlement outcome. Trucking companies often have substantial insurance policies given the potential for a catastrophic crash. Indeed, trucking companies in Florida are generally required to carry at least $750,000 in liability coverage. Injured victims need a lawyer who knows how to hold the insurer accountable.
Consult With Our West Palm Beach Trucking Accident Attorney Today
At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our West Palm Beach truck accident lawyer rights aggressively to help injured victims secure the absolute maximum settlement. Hurt in a crash? You need a top-rated lawyer. Get in touch with us by phone or connect with us through our website for your free consultation. We represent truck accident victims throughout all of South Florida.
Source:
flhsmv.gov/pdf/crashreports/crash_facts_2022.pdf