How much do truck accident cases settle for in Abilene, Texas.

How much will my truck accident case settle for in Abilene, Texas?

So you are driving along I-20 in West Texas. The sun is shining and the roads are clear, when all of a sudden your vehicle is thrown into the air and you land in a ditch on the side of the highway. You realize quickly that you have been hit by an 18-wheeler truck and you are injured. The next thing you know you are in the hospital having surgery, missing work and terrified of what is coming next. You are worried about your medical bills, your every day bills, your job, your family. If you find yourself in this situation, call an Abilene Texas truck wreck lawyer at The Low Law Firm (325) 455-1889.

Truck accidents often result in severe consequences and substantial settlements, especially in Abilene, Texas, one of the largest hubs for commercial truck traffic in the United States. The vast network of highways and the state’s central role in the country’s goods distribution make truck traffic exceptionally heavy, increasing the likelihood of truck-related incidents. When these accidents occur, they can result in serious injuries, significant property damage, loss of work, and complex legal disputes often centered around negligence. This article explores what truck accidents typically settle for in Texas, examining factors such as the severity of injuries, property damage, loss of work, and negligence.

1. Severity of Injuries

The severity of injuries sustained in truck accidents is a critical factor influencing settlement amounts. Due to the massive size and weight of trucks, injuries in these accidents are often severe or catastrophic. These can range from broken bones and lacerations to more severe cases like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or even fatalities. Settlements in such cases not only account for immediate medical expenses but also for long-term care costs, ongoing rehabilitation, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
Case Studies and Statistical Data

For instance, in Texas, a case involving a spinal cord injury where the victim required lifetime medical care could settle for millions of dollars. According to data from Texas courts, settlements in cases involving severe permanent disabilities often reach or exceed seven figures, especially when lifelong care is needed. These settlements are designed to cover the entire spectrum of expenses and losses, including future medical costs anticipated over the victim’s lifetime.

2. Property Damage

Truck accidents typically involve significant property damage, not only to other vehicles but also to infrastructure such as roads and bridges. The extent of property damage can greatly influence the settlement amount. The cost to repair or replace a vehicle can be substantial, and in cases where commercial property or public infrastructure is damaged, the figures can escalate quickly.

Calculation of Damages

The settlement might include the cost of vehicle repairs or replacement, towing fees, storage, and the loss of use of a vehicle. For instance, if a truck collides with a small business’s storefront, the settlement would include the repair costs and could also cover business interruption losses.

3. Loss of Work

Victims of truck accidents often face significant loss of work, both in terms of immediate lost wages and long-term diminished earning capacity. Settlements typically aim to compensate for these losses fully. The calculation of these damages can be complex, especially when the injured party is a high-wage earner or when the injury leads to permanent disability affecting the victim’s ability to work.

Economic Impact

For example, a skilled technician who earns $75,000 annually and is unable to return to work after a truck accident might receive a settlement that includes not only lost wages but also compensation for future earnings until retirement age.

4. Negligence Factors

In Texas, as in other states, negligence plays a crucial role in determining liability and settlement amounts in truck accidents. The concept of comparative negligence—whereby both parties’ negligence is weighed—can significantly affect settlement outcomes. Factors such as speeding, violating hours-of-service regulations, failing to maintain the vehicle, and distracted driving are commonly examined in truck accident cases.

Legal Implications

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that a party can recover damages only if their percentage of fault is less than 51%. If a truck driver is found 80% at fault for an accident due to fatigue and the other driver 20% at fault for speeding, the second driver can recover damages minus their percentage of fault.

The settlement of truck accidents in Texas can vary widely, driven by the severity of injuries, extent of property damage, loss of work, and factors of negligence involved. Each case is unique, with settlements reflecting the complex interplay of these factors. Given the high stakes involved, both legally and financially, victims of truck accidents should seek the expertise of attorneys specialized in this field to ensure they receive fair compensation that fully addresses their losses and injuries.

If you have been involved in a truck wreck in Abilene, Texas you need an experienced truck wreck attorney. One who is familiar with west Texas and West Texans. Call The Low Law Firm today at (325) 455-1889.