When faced with injuries and mounting medical bills after a collision with a truck, you might ask: How much are most truck accident settlements in Pennsylvania? The answer depends on injury severity, available insurance coverage, and liability. Our truck accident lawyers help victims pursue the full compensation they deserve after a devastating truck crash.
For nearly seven decades, Munley Law has represented Pennsylvania families in complex trucking litigation, securing eight-figure verdicts and settlements, including $26 million in a landmark case. Our attorneys are leaders in trucking litigation, and we are the only Pennsylvania firm with three board-certified lawyers in Truck Accident Litigation with the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
Truck accident settlements can include compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, future care costs, and other long-term losses. Understanding what affects settlement value can help you protect your rights and avoid accepting less than your case is worth.
Contact Munley Law’s truck accident lawyers for a free consultation.
How Is the Value of a Truck Accident Settlement Determined in Pennsylvania?
The value of a truck accident settlement can vary widely. Each one is based on a client’s unique situation and losses. For better or worse, there are also many variables that influence the final sum you walk away with. These elements must be taken into consideration so your compensation accurately reflects what you have suffered. Below are some common factors that can influence how much your settlement could be worth.
The Severity of Your Losses
Settlements are impacted by the severity of your injuries and losses in a case. Injuries that lead to permanent disfigurement or disability often receive larger settlements. The greater your losses, the more compensation you will need to cover your expenses and secure the resources you need.
As such, all of your losses must be carefully calculated to determine how much you are entitled to receive. This is one of the primary reasons settlements vary so much, and why you need an experienced lawyer on your side. We make sure that all your losses are accounted for and fairly compensated.
Liability on Your Part
How much you can recover in a settlement can be impacted by Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence rule. This means that if you are partially at fault for contributing to the crash, you may receive damages in certain circumstances. Your contribution to the accident will dictate how much you may recover. Parties who are 50% or less at fault for an accident may recover compensation, but their recovery will be reduced by their percentage of fault. Parties who are more than 50% at fault are barred from recovering compensation.
If you find yourself in this precarious legal position, your lawyer can fight to reduce your liability in the collision so you can recover as much compensation as possible for your losses. Your lawyer will investigate the evidence surrounding the crash, including reviewing data from the truck’s black box, dashcam footage, driver logs, and vehicle maintenance schedules to determine fault distribution.
Insurance Companies and Policy Caps
Insurance companies and policy caps can influence the sum of your settlement. While trucks are likely to have higher coverage limits, as mandated under 49 CFR § 387.9, there may be times when a policy cap could limit what you may recover.
On top of that, insurance companies often try to pay you as little as possible or avoid paying you. A settlement from them may be far lower than the value of your losses. Avoid accepting the first offer and allow a Pennsylvania truck accident attorney to review all settlements first.
Failing to Avoid Certain Mistakes
Making mistakes is a natural human thing, but not when you are dealing with a lawsuit. You need to have every “i” dotted and “t” crossed. Some people try to handle their own claims and end up suffering financially. For example, if you fail to collect sufficient evidence, imply you are in any way partially at fault, refuse medical care at the scene, or post about your accident on social media, it is all fuel for the other side to low-ball you on a settlement offer.
However, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is not hiring a lawyer. Insurance research shows that injured victims who get attorney representation are more likely to receive higher settlements, whereas individuals often recover considerably less when handling their own claims.
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Call Us At 844-686-5397 What is the Difference Between Economic and Non-Economic Damages?
Settlements are often made up of both economic and non-economic damages. The former provides for your monetary losses, and the latter provides for your pain and suffering. Both types of damages are calculated differently to account for their unique qualities, and determining the settlement value for your accident is an important step to help you receive the results you deserve. Punitive damages may also apply in cases of extreme loss caused by truck driver negligence.
Economic damages are tangible and straightforward to calculate. Financial losses from medical bills, repairs, and wages can be added together to determine an overall sum that reflects your monetary need. Additionally, if you need continued medical care or experience a loss in earning capacity, then the value of these ongoing, future needs will also be calculated and included in your settlement estimate.
On the other hand, non-economic damages are intangible and harder to show. Pain and suffering losses are more subjective, so they cannot be added up in the same way. Rather, the value of these losses is often determined by multiplying the value of economic damages by a number between 1.5 and 5. These numbers reflect the severity of your pain and suffering, so the higher the number, the greater the value of this settlement portion. Other methods may also apply, so consult with your attorney.
What Is the Difference Between a Truck Accident Settlement and a Trial Verdict?
Most cases are settled out of court to save time and money. Your lawyer will negotiate your case and compensation with the insurance company or the other party who hurt you. If an agreement is reached, then your case can be settled. If an agreement cannot be reached, then your case may proceed to trial before a judge and jury. They will issue a decision, or verdict, to declare who is at fault and how damages are to be disbursed.
We understand how overwhelming this can feel, and we are dedicated to getting you results in the most efficient and effective way possible. We support you throughout your case to reduce your stress.
What Losses You Could Recover in a Settlement in Pennsylvania
While the value of your settlement will vary, there are certain losses that are generally covered by a truck accident settlement. The damages you receive will reflect the specific losses you have suffered and how severe they are. Some common losses that you can recover in a settlement include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages or earning capacity
- Damage to your vehicle and personal belongings
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional and psychological distress
- Decreased quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment
- Loss of companionship
To rest easy knowing that you have accounted for all expenses and losses in your case, be sure to discuss the details of your case with your lawyer. Save all forms of documentation so your lawyer can accurately calculate how much your case is worth. You should also avoid waiting too long to talk with your lawyer about your case before the two-year statute of limitations expires, which prohibits you from pursuing a settlement.
Why Choose Munley Law for a Pennsylvania Truck Accident Settlement Claim?
Munley Law is here to help you recover the full amount of compensation in your case. Every case is nuanced, and our trial-ready lawyers, with their customized approach, help us achieve better results and serve you better.
Marion Munley is the current Vice President of the American Association for Justice (AAJ), and was the first woman to head the Trucking Litigation Group, which Daniel Munley also Chaired. Marion and Daniel Munley are also members of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (ATAA) Board of Regents and have been named Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyers with the National Trial Lawyers Association.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accident Settlements in Pennsylvania
How Long Does It Take to Receive a Truck Accident Settlement in Pennsylvania?
Truck accident settlements can take anywhere from several months to more than a year, depending on the case’s complexity. Claims involving severe injuries, disputed liability, or multiple defendants often require additional investigation and negotiation.
Insurance companies may delay claims to reduce payouts, especially in commercial trucking cases. Working with an experienced truck accident lawyer can help move your case forward while protecting the value of your claim.
Are Truck Accident Settlements Usually Higher Than Car Accident Settlements?
Truck accident settlements are often significantly higher than standard car accident settlements because the injuries and damages tend to be more severe. Commercial trucks can cause catastrophic harm due to their size and weight.
These cases may also involve multiple liable parties, including trucking companies, cargo loaders, maintenance providers, and insurers. Larger insurance policies can increase potential compensation, but they also tend to lead to more aggressive defense strategies.
What Evidence Helps to Increase the Value of a Truck Accident Claim?
Strong evidence can significantly improve your settlement’s value. Important evidence may include black box data, truck maintenance records, driver logbooks, dashcam footage, medical records, witness statements, and accident reconstruction reports.
Trucking companies often move quickly after a crash to protect themselves, which is why early legal intervention matters. Preserving evidence can make a substantial difference in proving negligence and damages.
Can Truck Accident Settlements Include Future Medical Expenses?
Yes. Serious or catastrophic accident injuries often require ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, surgeries, or long-term care. A settlement should account for both your current and anticipated future medical costs. Your attorney may work with medical and financial experts to accurately estimate future expenses. Accepting a settlement too early could leave you paying out of pocket later.
Are Punitive Damages Available in Pennsylvania Truck Accident Cases?
Punitive damages may be available when a trucking company or driver acted with extreme negligence or reckless disregard for safety. Examples can include drunk driving, falsifying driver logs, or knowingly violating federal trucking regulations.
Punitive damages are intended to punish wrongdoing and deter similar misconduct. They are awarded less frequently than compensatory damages and are subject to taxation, but can substantially increase case value.
What Happens If the Trucking Company, Driver, or Insurer Denies Responsibility?
It is common for trucking companies and their insurers to deny liability after a serious crash. They may argue that another driver caused the accident or claim your injuries are less severe than reported.
An experienced attorney can investigate the collision, gather evidence, and challenge attempts to shift blame. In some cases, filing a lawsuit may become necessary to pursue fair compensation.
Contact Munley Law’s Truck Accident Attorneys Today
Munley Law’s Pennsylvania truck accident attorneys never stop fighting for you as we negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
To discuss your case with a lawyer and see how much it may be worth, contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation
Daniel W. Munley
Daniel W. Munley is a nationally recognized, leading truck accident lawyer. He has been board certified in Truck Accident Law by the NBTA as well as being a charter member for the American Association for Justice Trucking Litigation Group. Daniel often takes part in speaking engagements presenting the latest cutting-edge technology and trial techniques to help attorneys nationwide protect the rights of truck accident victims. Additionally, Daniel has secured numerous multi-million dollar settlements for victims, including the largest truck accident settlement for an individual plaintiff on record in Northern Pennsylvania, at $26 million.
