There is no such thing as an average Sacramento semi-truck accident settlement. This is because truck accidents result in minor to critical injuries and damage, depending on the complexity of the accident.
At Jacoby & Meyers, we have won truck accident settlements ranging from $1,000,000 to $17,500,000. Read on to learn how to maximize compensation from a crash if a semi-truck causes injuries and other damages.
What is the Difference Between a Semi-Truck and a Truck?
A commercial truck encompasses any truck businesses regularly employ for operations or any vehicle for transporting commercial goods or supporting commercial services.
A semi-truck is a type of commercial truck consisting of two components: a trailer responsible for transporting cargo and a tractor that contains the engine. A semi-truck tractor can detach from the trailer, and it is common for semi-trucks to travel without trailers.
How Dangerous is a Semi-Truck Accident?
Semi-trucks can pose certain risks on the road due to several factors, such as:
- The size and weight of semi-trucks are larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, which means they require more space to maneuver and have longer stopping distances.
- Due to their size, they have restrictions when maneuvering in specific scenarios, such as making quick turns or changing lanes.
- They have significant blind spots, or “no-zones,” around their sides and back.
- Semi-truck drivers are frequently exposed to rigorous schedules and may develop fatigue due to prolonged time on the road.
Aside from these, there are instances where a trailer detaches from the tractor while operating the semi-truck. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, two fatal semi-truck accidents resulted from a malfunctioning trailer hitch. While it may seem uncommon, it may still happen to any truck anywhere.
Furthermore, semi-truck accidents can result in minor to life-threatening injuries, such as:
- whiplash,
- spinal and back injuries,
- Fractures,
- soft tissue damage, and
- traumatic brain injury.
What To Do in a Semi-Truck Accident in Sacramento
When a semi-truck driver hits you, the essential thing is to look over your health and seek the necessary medical attention for your injuries, if you have any. You may follow these steps below to ensure your safety after the crash and help support your personal injury claim if you choose to pursue one:
- Remain calm.
- Call 911 or the Sacramento Police Department.
- Check if you or other victims have injuries.
- Seek medical attention and contact the nearest hospital in Sacramento immediately.
- Collect evidence at the accident scene, such as the negligent party’s contact information, truck company details, photos of the damages, and witness testimonies.
- Cooperate with the Sacramento police officers in the investigation.
- Contact Sacramento semi-truck accident lawyers who can help build your case.
Can I file a Claim for a Sacramento Semi-Truck Accident?
If you are involved in a Sacramento semi-truck accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may file a claim against the at-fault party to receive compensation. You must demonstrate that the truck driver’s negligence caused the incident to establish your claim.
In general, the following elements can be used to determine negligence:
- The truck driver was accountable for ensuring everyone’s safety on the road.
- They failed to fulfill this duty.
- A truck accident resulted from the breach of duty.
- The collision caused injuries and property damage.
When pursuing a truck accident claim, you must have the essential proof to justify the truck driver’s negligence, such as:
- the police report,
- witness statements,
- photographs of vehicle accidents,
- CCTV or surveillance video,
- the truck driver’s log, and other operation-related documents.
Sometimes, accident victims sustain serious injuries that prevent them from acquiring evidence at the scene. If this happens to you, you may contact a Sacramento semi-truck accident attorney who can evaluate your case and work with investigators to exhaust all potential evidence to help construct your claim.
What Is the Average Sacramento Semi-Truck Accident Settlement?
When filing a claim, most truck accident victims ask, “What is the average semi-truck accident claim?” In reality, there is no such thing as an average semi-truck accident settlement. The value of your compensation depends on several factors that may reduce or increase it.
Essentially, the following factors influence how much your settlement costs:
- The complexity of the case, such as when both drivers share liability in a truck crash.
- The severity of the injuries and damages from the accident, and
- The impact of the damage on the victim’s life.
For instance, a catastrophic semi-truck accident resulting in a permanent back injury may have a higher compensation value than a minor collision causing property damage.
Another example of this is when you are partly liable for the collision. In such cases, your settlement will likely be reduced depending on how much you are responsible for the accident damage.
When calculating your total compensation value, make sure to consider the following damages to maximize your payout:
| Economic Damages (financial losses) | Non-Economic Damages (non-monetary losses) |
|
|
Determining the value of non-economic losses can be challenging. While economic damages can be calculated through receipts and other documents, non-economic losses require more specific legal skills to be computed.
Sacramento semi-truck accident attorneys have the knowledge and skills to accurately assess and measure non-monetary damages. Their expertise ensures that you receive the highest possible financial compensation.
How Long Does It Take to Settle Truck Accident Claims?
The time it takes for a truck accident claim to settle depends on the complexity of the case. An uncomplicated truck accident will likely be resolved quicker than an injury case resulting in catastrophic injuries.
Let’s say you incurred a long-term leg disability from the collision. In this case, you will need more time to determine the overall compensation value, including your future medical bills and the emotional distress from the crash.
While you may consider all the possible damages to maximize your payout, remember that a personal injury claim can only be pursued for two years after the accident in California. So, hiring a Sacramento semi-truck accident lawyer who understands the legal steps of filing a claim is the best way to avoid missing the deadline.
How Can I Maximize My Semi-Truck Accident Settlement?
In some cases, truck companies can be held liable for an accident. Unfortunately, they usually try to reduce your compensation by pressuring you into accepting a lowball settlement offer.
For example, they made an initial offer covering your current medical expenses. While this may seem helpful with your expenses, it typically doesn’t cover the future health costs and non-monetary losses you sustained from the collision.
A Sacramento semi-truck accident attorney will investigate your case thoroughly and do the following to win your claim:
- Examine the facts of the accident.
- Collect sufficient evidence to support your claim.
- Prove the liability of the responsible party.
- Calculate the total damage caused by the accident.
- Communicate with the insurance company.
- Fight for your rights by going to trial if necessary.
Jacoby & Meyers is a trusted law firm with skilled Sacramento truck accident attorneys with extensive experience in protecting the rights of truck accident victims. We are committed to providing high-quality service to assist you in recovering financially, emotionally, and physically after a crash. For a free consultation, contact us at 800-992-2222.
Works Cited
“Best Hospitals in Sacramento, CA Rankings | US News Best Hospitals.” US News Health, https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/sacramento-ca. Accessed 5 July 2023.
Bieber, Christy. “What Are Economic Damages? – Forbes Advisor.” Forbes, 6 April 2023, https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/personal-injury/economic-damages/. Accessed 5 July 2023.
Bieber, Christy. “What Are Non-Economic Damages? (2023 Guide) – Forbes Advisor.” Forbes, 3 February 2023, https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/personal-injury/non-economic-damages/. Accessed 5 July 2023.
“Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts 2015.” Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/safety/data-and-statistics/Large-Truck-and-Bus-Crash-Facts-2015.pdf. Accessed 5 July 2023.
“negligence | Wex | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute.” Law.Cornell.Edu, https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/negligence. Accessed 5 July 2023.
“Police.” City of Sacramento, https://www.cityofsacramento.org/police. Accessed 5 July 2023.
“Sacramento Police Department | State of California – Department of Justice – Office of the Attorney General.” California Department of Justice, https://oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/locations/sacramento-police-department. Accessed 5 July 2023.
“Semi Truck Injury Treatment Options, Symptoms and Causes | AICA.” AICA Orthopedics, https://aica.com/we-treat/injuries/semi-truck-accident/. Accessed 5 July 2023.
“Statute of Limitations – getting_started_selfhelp.” California Courts, https://www.courts.ca.gov/9618.htm?rdeLocaleAttr=en. Accessed 5 July 2023.
“What is a Commercial Truck? | Commercial Truck Definition.” Bergey’s Truck Center, https://www.bergeystruckcenters.com/what-is-a-commercial-truck/. Accessed 5 July 2023.
“What is a Semi Truck? | Why is it Called a Semi Truck?” TopMark Funding, 27 August 2019, https://www.topmarkfunding.com/what-is-a-semi-truck/. Accessed 5 July 2023.