Truck Accident Settlements in Florida

What’s Different About Truck Accident Settlements?

If you or someone you love has been involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler, tractor-trailer, big rig, box truck, or any other commercial vehicle, you’re probably wondering what a settlement would look like. Large commercial trucks, such as 18-wheelers, are involved in accidents more than you may figure. Any accident with a semi-truck is going to be serious, just given the size, weight & speed of the vehicles involved. Victims often face serious injuries including permanent disablity, fractures, burn injuries, whiplash, and in severe cases, wrongful death, and commonly don’t know where to turn for help with medical bills, lost wages, and other potential losses.

What might also be of surprise to you is that truck accident settlements often occur before going to a court trial. Many cases are resolved through mediation or arbitration, where our attorneys advocate for full and adequate compensation. A fair settlement is often the fastest way to get the compensation you need after your accident.

Call us today at (855) 408-5100, our team is here to help truck accident victims throughout Florida – contact any of our offices in Largo, Tampa, or Sebring today.

What’s the Average Truck Accident Settlement in Florida?

You might be wondering what the average truck accident settlement is in Florida. Truth be told, there isn’t one, because of all the different particulars relative to each case. There is no maximum settlement amount and there is no minimum settlement amount for truck accidents in Florida. The facts of the case and the specific circumstances surrounding every truck accident are different, this makes it impossible to identify an average settlement amount for truck accidents in Florida or any other state.

Settlement amounts can be super low or exceedingly high in a semi-truck accident case, and are dependent on numerous factors we’ll touch on more later – like liability, negligence, comparative fault, and other individuals or third parties involved. Any truck accident payout you receive will be dependent on numerous factors and specific details relative to your particular case. Our attorneys carefully evaluate your claim to calculate both economic damages (medical expenses, lost income), and non-economic damages (pain, suffering, emotional distress) to demand fair compensation from insurance companies and defendants.

The important thing is to hire an experienced Florida truck accident lawyer near you who understands the landscape and has a proven track record of delivering the maximum truck accident settlement amounts for their clients. When you hire our firm, you gain access to our expert witness network, accident reconstruction specialists, and medical expert testimony to prove negligence and establish the full extent of your damages.

Call Cloud Law Firm at 855-408-5100, we have that record.

What Factors Determine the Amount of a Truck Accident Settlement?

Settlements in a truck accident case can occur at any time between the time of the accident and a trial verdict. There are several factors that determine settlement payouts in truck accident cases, including but not limited to:

• Severity of injury (minor, severe, catastrophic, debilitating, or life-threatening)
• Present & future medical expenses, including rehabilitation costs and long-term care needs
• Loss of wages & future earning capacity
• Circumstances of the accident such as driver fatigue, distracted driving, mechanical failure, brake failure, or hours of service violations
• The insurance companies – yours & theirs including policy limits, underinsured motorist coverage, uninsured motorist coverage and umbrella policy provisions
• Pain & suffering
• Whether the victim has a spouse, children, or other family members
• The actions of the truck driver involved and whether punitive damages may apply in cases of gross negligence
• The nature of the materials and/or freight being transported and whether improper loading or overweight truck violations contributed to the crash

Because each truck accident is different, only a skilled truck accident lawyer will discuss with you how these factors, among others, increase the value of your claim. Our comprehensive case evaluation process includes a thorough review of all evidence, police reports, witness statements, and medical documentation to assess the full value of your claim and counter any lowball offer from insurance adjusters.

Are Trucking Companies Required to Carry Insurance for Personal Injury Cases?

Yes, federal regulations require trucking companies to carry liability insurance.

This insurance protects the company that owns the 18-wheeler, semi-truck, box truck, flatbed or commercial vehicle from financial ruin by covering the costs of a personal injury case related to an accident with one of their vehicles. This commercial auto insurance typically includes bodily injury coverage and cargo insurance to protect against various types of collisions and crashes.

However, the minimum liability coverage for trucking companies is only $750,000.

The Motor Carrier Act of 1980 made this a requirement, but it hasn’t increased since then. And due to inflation, this minimum amount is only a fraction of its original value. $750,000 is certainly a significant sum in everyday life, but in the context of a truck accident settlement, it no longer is sufficient to cover many of the accidents involving trucks in the state of Florida. When damages exceed policy limits, our experienced litigation team pursues all available sources of compensation, including claims against multiple defendants and exploration of bad faith insurance practices when insurers deny claims or fail to act reasonably.

How Quick Can You Get a Truck Accident Settlement?

It’s important to remember that a settlement can occur anytime between the accident itself and when a jury hands down a verdict. But that doesn’t mean an early settlement offer is best. By accepting an early settlement offer, you as a victim waive your future rights to bring a lawsuit against the trucking company in question. Our attorneys advise clients to reject inadequate offers and will assist you in understanding the true value of your case before you sign any release of liability.

This in effect ends your case before it’s even begun.

The last possible moment when a settlement can be agreed upon is right before the jury returns with a verdict. This effectively means that your case probably made it through multiple offers to settle out-of-court, and instead it’s now in the hands of the jury. Our trial attorneys have substantial jury trial experience and are prepared to litigate your case through depositions, discovery, and testimony to pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Whether settlement in your truck accident case is speedy or slow is secondary to scope when talking about fair & equitable truck accident settlements in the state of Florida.

When accident victims enlist the help of an experienced truck accident lawyer, the insurance companies see this as a sign that the victim knows their rights and is willing to invoke them. In other words, they are willing to fight the insurance company for what they believe is right. Our legal team protects client rights by managing all communications with insurance adjusters, countering their tactics, and ensuring you don’t fall victim to claim denial or insurance bad faith practices.

Recent Truck Accident Settlements & Awards in Florida

$435,000 Truck Accident Settlement

Our client was stopped at a red light when she was rear-ended by a commercial vehicle. The client initially hired a big-name law firm, but that firm failed to obtain any results during the year following the accident. Once we were retained, we immediately filed a lawsuit. Within six months, we negotiated a $435,000 settlement, which our client accepted. This case study demonstrates our ability to expedite results and secure substantial compensation even when other firms have failed. The settlement provided our client with a lump sum payment to cover medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

And also see our car accident settlement page and motorcycle accident settlement page for more information.

See What Our Clients Say About The Cloud Law Firm

Rating: 5/5 

“Mia Cloud and her assistants were always there for any questions I had. They were professional, kind and attentive. I would recommend Mia to anyone who has gone through a car accident and needed help. They were thorough from day one. Any time I had questions Mia would actually call me personally to answer them. I appreciate everything they did for me. Would highly recommend!”

Amanda
Largo, FL

Rating: 5/5 

“I was referred to the Cloud Law Firm by my physician, whom worked them before. Mia and Chris Cloud were great to work with. They were understanding of my needs and provided me with all of my options. They had a vast knowledge of the law and navigating the procedures that needed to be taken. My case was resolved to my satisfaction and I highly recommend them. Their staff was always polite and courteous. If you call them or email, you WILL get a call back.”

Carolyn
Largo, FL

Rating: 5/5 

“Mia helped me settle my car accident that happened last year. In one year she was able to settle my case and help me take care of my medical bills while also allowing me to keep some money in my pocket. She did a great job and in a timely manner. I would highly recommend Cloud Law Firm to anyone in need of help.”

Vasillaq P.
Largo, FL
January 26, 2020

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