What is the Average Truck Accident Settlement in New Jersey?
When a truck accident upends your life, you are probably concerned about the seriousness of your injuries, missing work, taking care of your family, and whether your settlement will cover all these expenses. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact amount that you may receive. Several factors influence the value of a truck accident settlement, including liability, damages, and whether the victim chooses to settle or go to trial. If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, contact us at Harrell Law Firm.
Through hard work and dedication, we have secured significant settlements and judgments for our clients throughout New Jersey. Put experience on your side and send a message to the insurance companies that you will not settle for less than your claim is worth.
What Does It Mean to “Settle” in a Truck Accident Lawsuit?
A settlement is when both parties in a lawsuit agree to resolve the case without going to trial. The plaintiff agrees to waive their right to a trial in exchange for compensation from the defendant. The attorneys typically negotiate settlements for each party. In some cases, mediators or arbitrators may also be used.
Many factors go into deciding whether or not to settle a case. These can include the strength of the plaintiff’s case, the amount of damages sought, the likelihood of winning at trial, and the cost. In some cases, settling may be in the best interests of both parties.
Determining Liability in a Truck Accident
Truck accident liability is especially complicated because many parties can be liable. In some cases, fault is clear-cut. For example, the truck driver ran a red light and collided with another vehicle. However, in other accidents, there may be multiple layers of liability. For example, truckers are chronically overworked, with the average trucker driving 60 hours per week. If an exhausted driver is the culprit, their employer could also be liable.
There are several ways to establish liability in a truck accident case. One is by looking at the police report. If there are witnesses to the accident, their testimony can also help to inform what happened and who is at fault. Finally, liability can also be established by looking at surveillance footage.
What Damages Are Available to Truck Accident Victims?
Victims of truck accidents can attempt to claim economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Wrongful death
Punitive damages may also be available in some cases—these serve to punish the liable party and deter future similar conduct. However, these damages require substantial evidence of gross negligence on the part of the responsible party.
What Influences The Value of a Truck Accident Settlement?
Insurance companies will look at all your expenses, damage to your vehicle, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering to determine the value of a truck accident settlement. Your medical bills are usually one of the most influential factors in determining this. They will also look at who is at fault.
In addition, lost wages can also increase the value of a settlement. When an injury leaves someone unable to work or reduces their capacity to hold a job, current and future lost wages could be included in the final amount. In addition, pain and suffering, loss of companionship in the case of wrongful death, and many other non-economic factors come into play. To maximize a settlement, you need an attorney adept at accurately calculating your damages and negotiating on your behalf.
Contact Harrell Law Firm for a Free Consultation
Our attorneys advocate for our clients in and out of the courtroom. We know how to navigate the unique complexities of truck accidents and fight for the best settlement every step of the way. Insurance companies work hard to protect their bottom line. As a result, they will often devalue, delay, or deny accident claims. Having an attorney on your side protects your rights and ensures you get the money you are entitled to.
Contact a New Jersey truck accident lawyer at Harrell Law Firm today for a free consultation– there is no obligation to hire us afterward. And since we work on a contingency fee basis, you will not pay attorney’s fees unless we win compensation for your injuries. We look forward to hearing from you.
