Average Truck Accident Settlement in Orange County

If you’ve been injured in a truck crash in Orange County, you may be wondering what your case is worth. Understanding the average truck accident settlement in Orange County can help you set realistic expectations and prepare for the claims process. These cases are often more complex than standard car accidents and require careful investigation, especially when commercial insurance policies are involved.

How the Severity of Your Injury Affects Your Settlement

In Orange County, truck accident settlements are heavily influenced by the extent of the injuries involved. A crash that causes injured victims to be disabled, often due to spinal cord damage, can lead to significantly higher compensation than collisions that result in soft tissue injuries and shorter recovery timelines.

Trucking collisions tend to cause more serious harm due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles. According to Caltrans and SWITRS, Orange County recorded over 12,600 injury or fatal crashes in 2022, up from 9,600 in 2020. Across the county, 413,583 trucks of various sizes are registered. Victims with permanent limitations or chronic pain usually see higher settlement offers to reflect future treatment, lost earning potential, and diminished quality of life.

What Should My Settlement Cover?

A truck accident settlement should account for more than just immediate medical bills. It should include compensation for lost income, future medical costs, rehabilitation, property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

One recent California case shows how significant a truck collision settlement can be. In Los Angeles County, a jury awarded $21.3 million to a woman who was rear-ended by a commercial truck while waiting to make a left turn.

The driver worked for a food distribution company, and the plaintiff’s attorneys argued he was distracted and fatigued, leading to the crash. Though the defense claimed she stopped too abruptly, the jury sided with her after hearing all the evidence.

How Negotiations Affect Your Settlement

Settlements are often the result of extensive back-and-forth negotiations. They are the result of strategy and persistence on the part of the plaintiff’s attorney. Insurance companies often start with low-ball offers that fail to reflect the true cost of a victim’s injuries. Injured victims can strengthen their case by presenting strong documentation, medical records, and evidence of liability to support a higher demand.

Trucking companies typically have large policies and legal teams that work to limit their exposure. Without negotiation leverage, a victim may end up settling for less than they are owed. The threat of trial, especially with compelling evidence like dashcam footage or black box data, often pressures insurers to increase their offer and avoid courtroom risk.

Can an Attorney Maximize My Compensation?

Absolutely. An experienced personal accident attorney in Orange County can significantly improve the outcome of your case. Lawyers familiar with federal regulations, driver log violations, and vehicle maintenance records know how to uncover signs of negligence that may increase liability.

Injury lawyers understand how to calculate both your current and future losses and present them in a way that insurers take seriously. Whether you’re dealing with a local delivery company or a national freight carrier, legal representation ensures your rights are protected and that you’re positioned to recover the full compensation you’re owed.

FAQs

Q: How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?

A: Truck accident settlements can vary considerably based on the severity of the injury incurred by the claimant and available insurance coverage. Civil claims are also resolved through settlements that can compensate plaintiffs for the harm they suffered, both physically and emotionally. Compensation typically reflects the cost of medical expenses and lost wages, among other damages.

Q: When Is a Good Time to Accept a Settlement?

A: A fair settlement should compensate you for your financial losses and any emotional hardships you suffered. Reaching a fair settlement can take time, but an experienced lawyer can keep the process moving even when the other party is not cooperative.

With legal representation, you can gather the evidence needed to compel the at-fault driver or their insurer to pay you what you are worth. Consult your attorney to see if the offer fairly compensates you for your losses.

Q: How Much Should I Get for Pain and Suffering From a Car Accident?

A: Pain and suffering compensation reflects how your injury affects your physical comfort and daily routine. This type of non-economic damage considers the pain you suffered and the emotional trauma tied to the injury. Typically, injured victims claim pain and suffering through a civil court claim. Insurance claims focus on tangible losses like medical bills, vehicle damage, and lost wages.

Q: How Much Will You Get Paid if an 18-Wheeler Hits You in California?

A: Settlements from truck collisions are based on how clear the fault is and the financial losses an injured victim suffered following an 18-wheeler collision. These cases often involve larger claims because of the potential for serious harm. Compensation may cover medical bills, missed work, and the effect on your quality of life. An experienced attorney can help you build a strong claim and push for the maximum recovery possible.

Q: How Much Is the Average Accident Settlement in California?

A: Average settlements vary depending on the facts of the case. Key factors include medical treatment, time off work, and whether liability is disputed. Minor injuries may resolve quickly, while more serious accidents require deeper investigation and negotiation. The quality of your evidence and representation can significantly influence the outcome and help ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses.

Schedule Your Settlement Consultation Today

Truck accident settlements in Orange County and the surrounding areas vary widely depending on the injuries, fault, and available insurance coverage. Without legal representation, you may end up accepting an offer that fails to reflect the full impact of your injuries and financial losses.

At Duque & Price, we take a focused, client-centered approach to truck accident claims by building strong cases backed by evidence and driven by results. If you’ve been injured in a truck collision, contact our office today to learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

About The Author

Brent A. Duque

From humble beginnings and son of hard-working immigrant parents, Brent Duque was raised in La Puente, California. After graduating from West Covina High School and Mt. San Antonio College, Mr. Duque went on to graduate from Cal State University Fullerton with a Bachelors degree in Political Science. After obtaining his undergraduate degree, Mr. Duque did his graduate studies in Education and Public Administration at California Polytechnic University Pomona. After working for other firms, Mr. Duque knew that if he opened his own firm, he could provide more aggressive representation, better communication with clients, and secure larger settlements and verdicts for his clients. In 2006, he started his firm and has had a remarkable and successful career that he attributes to his firm’s aggressive and relentless pursuit of justice for his clients. As owner and managing attorney of the firm, Mr. Duque has fought for and secured millions of dollars for his clients.

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