Alejandra Prado | March 22, 2023 | Truck Accidents
Knowing just how much you are likely to receive from a Florida truck accident settlement is crucial to making an informed decision about whether to settle your case or press ahead toward a trial. But hearing that you may have suffered “catastrophic” or “devastating” injuries and losses does little to answer this important question.
The Many Factors that Go into a Settlement
While a general idea of settlement figures in truck accident cases is available, any settlement you obtain in your truck accident case may be more or less than these average figures.
Numerous factors go into whether a truck crash case will settle and for how much, including the following:
Availability and Strength of Evidence Showing Fault
One of the central issues in any Florida trucking accident case is whether the truck driver was at fault for the crash. When there is evidence that answers that question in the affirmative, it is more likely that you will be able to reach a favorable settlement.
Documentation Supporting Your Injuries and Losses
When your physical injuries, lost wages, and emotional harm are well-documented with solid evidence, your case is more likely to settle for an appropriate amount. It is difficult to argue the extent of your harm when you have medical bills, wage statements, and other supporting evidence available.
Conversely, where your injuries and losses are speculative, securing a higher settlement amount can be harder. This makes it hard to estimate your losses and damages.
Willingness to Settle
The other party must be willing to settle your dispute in order for you to have the best opportunity at a sufficient settlement award. When the other party wishes to avoid a trial, they are generally more willing to pay higher compensation than those not intimidated by the expenses and publicity associated with a trial.
Examples of Truck Accident Settlements
A jury in Nassau County returned a $1 billion verdict in a truck accident case involving the death of an 18-year-old. The verdict included $100 million in compensatory damages and $900 million in punitive damages. It would be an extreme and outlying case where a trucking company or its insurer would agree to a billion-dollar settlement.
Thus, when you’re considering the size of the average truck accident settlement in Florida, one can say with confidence that most settlements will fall somewhere between tens of thousands of dollars and several millions of dollars, depending on the unique facts of each case.
Maximizing a Settlement Offer
You can do certain things that could increase the size of your settlement offer, including:
- Keep all medical records and bills in a secure place
- Attend all medical appointments, and be honest with your doctor
- Do not stop taking prescribed medication
- Follow through with all recommended treatment
The evidence you gather can help demonstrate the severity of your losses and persuade the other party to settle for a fair amount. It will also protect you from allegations that you failed to mitigate your damages.
Consult a Trucking Accident Lawyer
The possible settlement values in your case may vary widely, but a skilled trucking accident lawyer can recommend ways to make the settlement offer you receive stronger and larger.
Contact Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim.
Contact the New Port Richey Truck Accident Law Firm of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact the legal team of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation with a truck accident lawyer in New Port Richey. We have four convenient locations in Florida: Clearwater, New Port Richey, and Tampa.
We serve throughout Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and its surrounding areas:
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater Office
1811 N. Belcher Road, Suite I-1
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 787-2500
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Congress Ave Office
2360 Congress Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 591-5610
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Tampa Office
6601 Memorial Hwy Suite 202
Tampa, FL 33615
(813) 686-7588
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – New Port Richey Office
2515 Seven Springs Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL, 34655
(727) 815-8442