What Is the Average Settlement for a Semi-Truck Accident in Virginia?

Semi-truck accidents regularly leave devastation in their wake, and the resulting injuries and damage can be costly, to say the least. If someone else was at fault, and you deserve compensation, it is only natural to wonder, what is the average settlement for a semi-truck accident in Virginia?

Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to that question, especially without assessing the specifics of your crash and injuries. At Geoff McDonald & Associates, we can meet with you for free, listen to your story, and give you a better idea of what to expect. Contact our Virginia truck accident law firm today. 

There is No “Average” Settlement for Semi-Truck Accidents in VA Because Every Case is Different

For semi-truck accidents in Virginia, there is no one-size-fits-all settlement amount. Each case is unique, and the settlement amount can vary greatly depending on different factors. The compensation you seek and the outcome of your case will depend on the specific details and circumstances surrounding the accident. 

Factors Considered in a Semi-Truck Accident Settlement

Our attorneys take several factors into consideration when calculating the damages for a semi-truck accident in Virginia. These can include:

• Liability: Proving who is at fault for the accident is necessary to determine the settlement amount. Knowing the truck driver, the trucking company, or other involved parties will help determine how much you might receive in damages, depending on their insurance coverage.
• Extent of injuries: The severity of your injuries plays a direct role in the settlement amount. Often, more severe and catastrophic injuries result in greater losses, so they justify greater settlements. 
• Economic damages: We assess your economic damages, which include medical expenses, lost wages, and future medical costs. Our attorneys ensure that all current and future economic damages are accurately documented and presented during settlement negotiations.
• Non-economic damages: You can also seek compensation for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life. These intangible losses are more difficult to quantify but should still be considered in a semi-truck accident settlement.

Our legal team knows how to consider current and future economic and non-economic damages when calculating how much to demand in a settlement. Then, we present evidence and start negotiating with insurers for the full amount you deserve. 

How Insurance Companies Try to Reduce Your Settlement

No matter how much proof you have of your losses, insurance companies are primarily interested in minimizing their own financial exposure. As a result, they often use tactics to reduce the settlement amount they offer.

One common strategy they use is to downplay the severity of your injuries. They may argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim or that they were pre-existing conditions. This can lead to a lower settlement offer, leaving you struggling to cover your medical expenses and other damages.

Insurance companies might also try to shift the blame onto you. This is a particularly important issue in Virginia, as the law follows a pure contributory negligence theory. Virginia is one of the few states in which, if a victim is even slightly to blame for their own injuries, they completely lose the right to recover compensation. For this reason, if an insurer successfully shifts blame, you can receive no settlement at all. 

Our truck accident lawyers can counter these tactics by proving the extent of your injuries and challenging any unfair accusations of blame. Working with the right attorney can protect your rights and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.

Consult Our Trusted Virginia Truck Accident Lawyers for Free

Instead of wondering about the average semi-truck accident settlement in Virginia, contact our experienced truck accident lawyers at Geoff McDonald & Associates today for a free consultation. Call us now at 804-888-8888 or contact us online. We can determine how much compensation you deserve and fight for it.