There is no average settlement for a truck accident in Ohio because every case differs in unique ways, and its outcome depends on several factors. The compensation you may receive can vary greatly based on the specifics of your accident, such as:
- How serious your injuries are
- Who’s at fault for the crash
- The evidence available to show what happened and why
Our Hamilton truck accident lawyer will explain these variables and how they could affect your potential settlement during a free consultation.
Various Factors Can Influence Truck Accident Settlements
Settlements in truck accident cases vary widely based on multiple factors, including:
Severity of Injuries
One of the most important factors in determining a settlement is the severity of the injuries sustained in the accident.
Minor injuries may lead to a smaller settlement, while catastrophic injuries, such as spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), typically result in larger settlements to cover long-term care, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Liability
Determining who is at fault in a truck accident plays a significant role in the outcome of your settlement. If the truck driver, their employer, or another party is found to be at fault, you may be entitled to a higher settlement.
In cases where fault is disputed or shared, it can affect the final settlement offer.
Evidence
The quality of evidence in your case also influences the settlement. This includes police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence. Strong evidence that supports your claim can help secure a higher settlement.
Insurance Coverage
The amount of insurance coverage available can affect a settlement. Trucking companies and their drivers typically carry large insurance policies, which means there may be more compensation available in cases involving severe injuries.
However, some trucking companies may try to avoid paying out the full value of a claim. Our attorneys will address this if it happens in your case. We know the strategies insurance companies can use to reduce or deny claims, so we challenge settlement offers that are too low for your needs and advocate for your full recovery.
Economic Losses
Your economic losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage, will factor into the settlement. If your injury prevents you from working or requires costly ongoing treatment, these losses will be included in the settlement negotiations.
Non-Economic Damages
In addition to economic losses, you can recover losses that do not have a fixed dollar amount. These non-economic damages can be included in a settlement award. These damages, which include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, are subjective and can vary depending on what happened in your accident.
For a free legal consultation, call 513-894-3333
Key Steps and What to Expect During the Truck Accident Settlement Process
Here’s an overview of the process that typically occurs when pursuing a truck accident settlement in Ohio.
Filing the Claim and Investigation
The first step is filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Our lawyers will handle your full case, which involves:
- Investigating the accident, which includes reviewing police reports, speaking with witnesses, and examining the scene to determine the cause of the crash.
- Gathering important evidence, including dashcam footage, accident scene photos, medical records, and expert testimonies that support your case.
- Listing all liable parties who contributed to the crash, including the truck driver, the trucking company, maintenance contractors, and other third parties who may share responsibility.
- Identifying your losses from the accident, which can include medical expenses, rehabilitative therapy costs, lost income and reduced earning ability, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Working with professionals as we build a case that supports your claim for damages.
This step can take time but it is important to complete to ensure that all relevant facts are considered.
Negotiation Talks With Insurance Companies
Once the investigation is complete, your lawyer will begin negotiating with the insurance company. Insurance companies often try to settle claims for much less than they are worth.
Having an attorney from our firm on your side can level the playing field and help us as we work to secure a more favorable offer. If the insurance company offers an unfair settlement, your lawyer can continue negotiations or proceed with further legal action.
Settlement Offer and Review
If the insurance company offers a settlement, we will carefully review the terms to determine whether it adequately covers your damages. If the offer is fair, you can accept it and resolve your case. However, if the offer is insufficient, we will seek a higher settlement or proceed to trial if necessary.
Going to Trial for Your Financial Recovery
In cases where both sides can’t agree on a fair settlement, we may recommend taking the case to trial. While this can extend the process, it may be necessary to get the compensation you deserve.
Going to trial adds additional costs and risks, but it can also result in a more favorable outcome for you. We will advise you throughout your case and determine how much we can seek to recover.
Ohio Statute of Limitations
Our legal team will also file your case on time. Under Ohio Revised Code § 2305.10(a), we generally have two years from the date of the truck crash to sue for damages. If you miss this deadline, the court will likely bar you from moving forward.
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Get Help With Your Ohio Truck Accident Settlement—Call Us
At Kruger & Hodges, our Ohio-based law firm has experience handling truck accident cases. We are your hometown lawyers who understand the complexities of these cases and will handle your case while you recover from your injuries.
Even if there are no average truck settlement amounts available, we will explain how the details of your case influence your settlement and work hard to secure the compensation you deserve.
Whether your case involves serious injuries or complex issues of liability, we will lead your case toward a fair and just settlement. Call us today for a free consultation.
Call or text 513-894-3333 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form