Crashes involving big and heavy commercial trucks cause severe injuries and property damage. Depending on the impact, victims can suffer life-altering injuries or fatalities. Truck accidents can also involve several liable parties, making the claims challenging to pursue.
If you or a loved one was recently in a truck accident, you can enlist the help of a lawyer familiar with these claims. Your lawyer can help you investigate the case and gather evidence to build a strong case. They can also help you determine a fair truck accident settlement amount in Los Angeles.
What Is the Average Truck Accident Settlement Amount in Los Angeles?
Every truck accident case is unique. Therefore, there's no average settlement for all accidents. The amount of money you can claim as compensation will depend on damages to your property, the severity of injuries, and the effects of the accident or injuries in your life. Your lawyer can help you consider the economic and non-economic damages to calculate a fair value for your claim.
The settlement for a victim who suffered life-altering injuries, such as paralysis or disability, will be likely higher than for a victim who sustained minor injuries. When calculating the value of your settlement, you should consider:
- Damages to property
- Past, current, and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future income
- Medical devices, such as a wheelchair or prosthetic limb
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
You can review your state's laws to determine exactly what damages you can claim. If the accident was fatal, the victim's family members could also claim medical bills, funeral and burial expenses, and lost financial support. However, this will depend on the victim's role in the family.
How Long Can it Take to Settle a Truck Accident Claim?
The claim process can take several weeks or even months. Furthermore, you may have to negotiate a better settlement in the event of a lowball offer. If you cannot reach an amicable settlement, you may be able to take the case to court.
Some of the factors that can affect the duration it takes to settle a claim include:
- Number of liable parties
- Driver liability
- The accident's cause
- Unclear liability
- Unclear injuries
- Evidence
- Lengthy negotiations
- Possibility of a lawsuit
You will want to gather as much evidence as possible if you want a speedy settlement. If the other party doesn't have solid proof to deny the claim, you can expect the case to settle fast. Moreover, filing a claim as soon as possible will give you enough time to build a strong case and increase your chances of a fair settlement.
What Are the Causes of Truck Accidents in Los Angeles?
According to recent statistics, most truck accidents occur because of the truck driver's negligence. A driver's actions, such as fatigued driving, speeding, distracted driving, and driving while under the influence of alcohol, are some of the leading causes of accidents.
However, accidents can also occur due to:
- Inadequate truck repair and maintenance
- Incorrectly loaded cargo
- Mechanical failure or defective parts
- Untrained drivers
- Poor road design or maintenance
How Do You Determine Liability in a Truck Accident?
If you want to claim compensation after a truck accident, an essential step is to know the at-fault party or determine liability. The liable parties in truck accidents depend on the cause of the accident and federal laws.
To determine liability, your lawyer can help you investigate the cause of the crash. You can use the police report, expert testimonies, witness statements, and accident scene pictures to do this.
In some cases, multiple parties may be responsible. While a truck driver may be at fault for fatigue or distracted driving, the manufacturer may be liable for faulty parts. Since trucking companies must adhere to state and federal laws, violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations will also determine liability and other penalties.
Let Our Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyer Help with Your Claim
You can contact an attorney to help you determine a fair truck accident settlement amount in Los Angeles. At the Dolman Law Group, we'll investigate your case, gather evidence to support your claim, and help you value your claim. We can also negotiate with the liable parties on your behalf to ensure you receive your settlement with minimal issues. Contact us today for a free case review.