How Much Can You Get from a Semi-Truck Accident?

What Is a Semi-Truck Accident Case?

A semi-truck accident case is when the victim of a truck accident sues the negligent party or parties for monetary compensation. These cases are meant to help the victim offset the costs of the sudden medical bills the victim has because of the injuries from the accident.

The timeline of a commercial truck collision case can vary, depending on the complexity of the claim. It can take anywhere from a few months to over a year to settle. This is because truck drivers and trucking companies must follow local, state, and federal laws (regular passenger vehicles only have local and state to follow). Because of the different regulations truck drivers and trucking companies must follow, it can increase the number of parties liable for your accident. This, in turn, automatically makes the case a bit more complicated.

For example, the truck driver may be directly responsible for the accident because he was driving while fatigued. Your Regan Zambri Long truck accident attorney would file a claim directly against the truck driver. However, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the truck company he worked for was supposed to restrict the number of hours he was on the road to 14 hours per day.

If the truck company pressured the driver to forego the federal regulations and continue the trip, your Regan Zambri Long truck accident lawyer would hold the trucking company accountable and file a claim against the company as well as the driver.

Wondering How Much Can You Get From a Semi Truck Accident? We Got a  $3M Settlement Amount For One of Our Clients

Do not worry about the complicated nature of truck accident cases. The Regan Zambri Long semi-truck accident lawyers have a history of securing the maximum compensation for their clients. One of our cases led to a $3 million settlement value for a woman who suffered an amputation from a semi-truck crash.

Our national trial lawyers are deeply knowledgeable in DC, Maryland, and Virginia trucking laws. We understand the filing process and various insurance policies. Our firm has the financial backing and the resources to take your case to trial if you do not receive a favorable settlement.

What are the causes of semi-truck accidents?

There are several different factors that can cause a semi-truck accident. Sometimes, things that are done or not done months before the accident occurred may actually be the root cause of the truck crash. The main causes of semi-truck accidents include:

• Mechanical failure (especially brake failure and tire blowouts)
• Speeding
• Reckless driving
• Distracted driving
• Drowsy driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs
• Bad weather
• Poor road conditions
• Driver inexperience
• Overloaded cargo

It is important to know that the one thing these causes have in common is negligence. At Regan Zambri Long, we firmly believe you should not pay if you are not the at fault party. We will work tirelessly to secure fair compensation for your injuries. Call today for your free initial consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Semi-Truck Accident Claims

Q: What should I do after a semi-truck accident?

A: Following a semi-truck accident, you will most likely be in a state of shock. The following steps are designed to not only keep you as safe as possible, but also help in your truck accident settlement in the future.

• Get somewhere safe: If you can, pull your car over to the side of the road to avoid getting hit by other cars.
• Call 911: This is absolutely essential. When another driver is at fault, he or she may try to convince you not to call the police so they can avoid getting in trouble. Do not let anyone convince you not to call the police. Call 911 immediately. The responding officer will be able to coordinate the medical attention you need, and will start investigating the scene of the accident right away.
• Document the accident scene: If you are able, take photos and videos of the damage done to your car and to the tractor trailer. Document all of your visible injuries and how you are feeling. Take notes of the property in your car that was damaged, and any injuries your passengers suffered. If there were any witnesses to the accident, take down their statements and their contact information.
• Seek medical attention: Not all injuries are visible right away, and some injuries may develop or worsen over time. This is why it is so important to see a doctor right away. Seeking medical care also helps in your semi-truck accident settlement. If you do not seek medical attention, the defendant may make the claim that you were not that injured from the accident.
• Call a Regan Zambri Long semi-truck accident attorney: It is not required to have legal representation before you speak to the insurance company about your accident. However, it is strongly encouraged. Insurance companies want to save money and many do not have your best interest in mind. Insurance adjusters are known to manipulate the facts and get you to accept a low settlement offer quickly. With a Regan Zambri Long semi-truck accident lawyer, you will have an experienced attorney by your side who will not allow the insurance company to take advantage of you. Call today for a free consultation.

Q: What is the average payout for a semi-truck accident settlement?

A: There is no exact estimate for the average settlement of a commercial truck accident case. The damages depend on the severity of your injuries. However, the Regan Zambri Long truck accident attorneys will work diligently to secure the maximum compensation available to you. We will hold all liable parties accountable for their negligence and pursue damages from each party. Our truck accident lawyers will pursue damages that cover the following:

• Current and future medical bills
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma and mental anguish
• Wrongful death

During the free case evaluation, you will speak with an expert truck accident lawyer who will consider the facts of your case and be able to offer their legal advice on how much can you get from a semi truck accident claim.

Q: What are typical injuries from a semi-truck accident?

Injuries from a semi-truck accident can range from minor scrapes and bruising all the way to major traumatic brain injuries. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injury (paralysis)
• Organ damage and internal bleeding
• Broken bones/fractures
• Soft tissue injuries
• Neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Whiplash
• Lacerations
• Amputation
• Disfigurement
• Burns

Q: Who pays for tractor-trailer crash injuries?

A: Your Regan Zambri Long personal injury lawyer will determine each party whose negligence caused the crash, how much can you get from your semi truck accident case and make sure they are held liable. The negligent parties will pay fair compensation to the victim of the crash.

It is important to note that DC, Virginia, and Maryland still practice contributory negligence, which means if you are found to be at all responsible for the accident, then you may not be eligible for any compensation. Your Regan Zambri Long lawyer will prove you, in no way, caused the vehicle collision.