What Is the Average Settlement in a Truck Accident Case?

There is no reliable average settlement amount for a truck accident claim because each case’s value depends entirely on the facts of the accident. According to experienced lawyers handling truck accident lawsuits in Kansas City, settlements can range from a few thousand dollars for a minor injury to several million dollars for a case involving catastrophic injury or wrongful death. A few key variables determine where your case falls within that range.

An “Average” Truck Accident Settlement Amount Won’t Tell You Much

Published averages for truck accident settlements are based on a wide range of cases. A minor rear-end collision with a few thousand dollars in medical bills and a catastrophic crash resulting in a spinal cord injury both factor into the same statistic. Any average is unlikely to reflect what you stand to recover after a collision because your settlement will be based on the damages you personally suffered. 

Types of Damages Available to Truck Accident Victims in Kansas City

Depending on the circumstances of your crash, you can recover three types of damages in your truck accident claim:

• Economic Damages: This category covers the financial losses you sustained as a result of the accident. Your economic damages will likely include past and future medical bills, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity if your injury affects your ability to work in the future.
• Non-Economic Damages: These damages compensate for the physical and emotional pain and suffered that you endured. Common examples include mental anguish, chronic pain, depression, anxiety, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disability.
• Punitive Damages: These damages apply only in cases involving reckless or intentional misconduct, and both Kansas and Missouri require plaintiffs to provide clear and convincing evidence of that misconduct. Cases that involve impaired driving or falsified logs are strong candidates for punitive damages.

The Factors That Can Increase or Decrease a Truck Accident Settlement

The value of your truck accident settlement will depend on your individual losses. That said, certain factors can push your settlement higher, or reduce the amount an insurer is willing to offer.

Factors that can increase a settlement include:

• Clear, well-documented liability
• Severe or permanent injuries
• Strong medical evidence linking the injury to the crash
• High policy limits or multiple insurance policies that cover your damages
• Evidence of reckless conduct, such as fatigue or substance use
• Consistent medical treatment with no gaps
• Documented lost income and reduced future earning capacity

On the other hand, your settlement may be reduced if:

• You share partial fault for causing the crash
• You have gaps or inconsistencies in your medical treatment
• You had a pre-existing injury that overlaps with your current symptoms
• The trucking company carries limited insurance coverage
• The evidence of liability is unclear or disputed

A Top-Rated Attorney Can Determine What Your Truck Accident Case Is Worth

No published average or online calculator can tell you what your truck accident case is worth. Getting an accurate number requires an attorney’s analysis of your medical records, pay stubs, and other evidence. Accepting an offer without that review can mean settling for less than you deserve.

Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe will help you calculate your potential damages and fight for the highest possible settlement. If you were involved in a truck accident in Kansas City, contact us today to find out what your case may be worth.