Truck accidents are unfortunately common on Missouri roads, often resulting in serious injuries and significant financial losses for those involved. Because commercial trucks can cause much more damage than typical vehicles, the consequences for victims can be life-changing. Settlements in these cases are a central part of the recovery process, offering injured individuals much-needed financial support for medical care, lost earnings, and other accident-related expenses.
Understanding the typical settlement amounts and the factors that can influence them helps St. Louis truck accident victims know what to expect and make informed choices as they move forward with their claim.
No Average Settlement Amount For Truck Accidents in St. Louis
There is no set “average” settlement amount for truck accident cases in Missouri. Every crash is different, and settlement amounts depend on many factors. Two truck accident cases that look similar at first glance may result in completely different settlement outcomes. Instead of focusing on average numbers, it’s important to look at the specific details of your situation when estimating what a claim may be worth.
Factors That Influence Truck Accident Settlements in St. Louis, Missouri
Several elements can shape the outcome of a truck accident settlement in Missouri. Here are some of the major factors that impact how much compensation a victim may receive:
Severity of Injuries
Settlement amounts usually increase with the seriousness of the injuries involved. Cases involving broken bones, head trauma, back or spinal cord injuries, or permanent disabilities often lead to higher settlement offers, as they require costly medical care and can have lasting impacts on a person’s life and ability to work.
Liability
Who is at fault plays a big role in settlement negotiations. If the truck driver or trucking company was clearly negligent, through actions like distracted driving, speeding, or improper maintenance, they may be fully liable for the accident. However, sometimes another party, such as a parts manufacturer or cargo loader, may share responsibility, which can affect who pays and how much.
State Laws and Comparative Negligence
Missouri follows a pure comparative negligence law, meaning that if you are partially responsible for the accident, your settlement will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your compensation is lowered by 20%.
Insurance Coverage
Trucking companies are usually required to carry large insurance policies, but policy limits still set the maximum amount an insurer will pay. If the total damages exceed these limits, victims may have a harder time recovering the full value of their claim, depending on what’s available through additional sources.
Evidence
The strength and quality of the evidence can make or break a case. Things like dashcam videos, black box data, photographs from the scene, credible witness statements, and thorough police reports all help prove what happened and who is responsible. Strong evidence can greatly increase your bargaining power in settlement discussions.
Economic Damages
This includes direct financial losses such as medical bills, rehabilitation costs, car repairs, and wages lost due to missed work. All of these damages are carefully calculated and included in the final settlement figure. The more out of pocket expenses you incur, the higher your settlement.
Non-Economic Damages
Truck accident victims can also receive compensation for less tangible harm, such as ongoing pain and suffering, emotional distress, anxiety, or a reduced ability to enjoy life as they did before the crash. While harder to quantify, these damages are often a significant part of larger settlements.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages may also impact truck accident settlements in Missouri. These damages punish a defendant when there is clear and convincing evidence that the defendant either intended to cause harm without just cause or acted with a deliberate and obvious disregard for the safety of others.
510.261. Punitive damages, restrictions on award of — proper award, when — civil actions, initial pleading not to contain claim for punitive damage award. — 1. Except as otherwise provided by statute, punitive damages shall not be awarded unless the claimant proves by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant intentionally harmed the plaintiff without just cause or acted with a deliberate and flagrant disregard for the safety of others.
Punitive damages are only considered in extremely reckless or intentional wrongdoing – such as when a trucking company ignores repeated safety warnings or a driver operates under the influence. If these damages are awarded, they can greatly increase the total settlement amount.
Ultimately, there’s no standard settlement amount for a truck accident. The best way to figure out what your case is worth is to speak with our St. Louis truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer.