Truck accidents typically result in much higher settlements than car accidents. Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, the severity of injuries, and complex liability factors, trucking companies and their insurers often pay out substantial compensation to victims. Additionally, federal regulations, large insurance policies, and corporate responsibility all contribute to higher settlement values.
This guide explains why truck accident settlements are usually higher than car accident cases and what factors influence the final compensation amount.
1. Severity of Injuries and Fatalities
Truck Accidents
- Trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making collisions far more devastating than regular car accidents.
- Victims often suffer catastrophic injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Amputations
- Severe burns
- Permanent disabilities
- Medical expenses and long-term care costs are significantly higher, increasing settlement amounts.
Car Accidents
- While car accidents can cause serious injuries, they are generally less catastrophic than truck accidents.
- Many car accident victims recover within weeks or months, leading to lower medical costs and compensation.
Example: A truck rear-ends a compact car on the freeway, causing a spinal cord injury that leaves the victim paralyzed. The lifetime medical costs alone exceed $2 million, leading to a multi-million-dollar settlement.
2. Higher Insurance Policy Limits for Trucks
Truck Insurance Coverage
- Commercial trucks carry much higher insurance policies than personal vehicles.
- Federal law requires a minimum of $750,000 in liability coverage, but many trucks carry $1 million or more in coverage.
- In accidents involving hazardous materials, trucking companies may be required to carry up to $5 million in insurance.
Car Insurance Coverage
- In California, the minimum liability insurance for personal vehicles is:
- $15,000 per person for bodily injury
- $30,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $5,000 for property damage
- These limits are much lower than commercial truck policies, meaning less money is available for victims in car accident cases.
Example: A car accident victim has $200,000 in medical expenses, but the at-fault driver’s insurance policy only covers $50,000. In contrast, a truck accident claim could access millions in coverage.
3. Multiple Liable Parties in Truck Accidents
Truck Accidents
- Liability in a truck accident often extends beyond just the driver. Potential defendants include:
- The trucking company (if they violated safety regulations or pressured drivers to exceed hours-of-service limits).
- The cargo loading company (if improperly loaded cargo contributed to the crash).
- The truck manufacturer (if a mechanical defect caused the accident).
- The maintenance provider (if poor truck maintenance led to the crash).
Car Accidents
- In most cases, only the at-fault driver and their insurer are liable.
Example: A truck crash occurs because the driver was fatigued after exceeding legal driving hours. The trucking company, which pressured the driver to keep driving, is also held liable, increasing the final settlement.
4. Federal Trucking Regulations and Violations
Truck Accidents
- Truck drivers and companies must follow strict federal regulations, including:
- Hours-of-Service (HOS) rules limiting how long drivers can work without rest.
- Weight restrictions to prevent overloaded trucks.
- Regular maintenance and inspections required by law.
- Drug and alcohol testing for commercial drivers.
- If a trucking company violates these regulations, victims can seek additional compensation in lawsuits.
Car Accidents
- Regular drivers do not have to follow federal trucking laws, so violations do not impact settlements as much.
Example: A trucking company forces a driver to work 16 hours straight, violating HOS regulations. The violation strengthens the victim’s claim, leading to a higher payout.
5. Economic and Non-Economic Damages Are Higher
Truck Accidents (Higher Damage Awards)
- Economic Damages (Financial Losses)
- Higher medical bills due to catastrophic injuries.
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity (many victims are permanently disabled).
- Long-term rehabilitation and in-home care costs.
- Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)
- Greater emotional distress, mental trauma, and loss of quality of life.
- If a victim loses a limb or is paralyzed, pain and suffering damages increase significantly.
Car Accidents (Lower Damage Awards)
- Lower medical expenses and financial losses in most cases.
- Pain and suffering compensation is lower unless permanent injuries occur.
Example: A truck accident victim who is paralyzed for life will likely receive millions in damages, while a car accident victim with whiplash may only receive $50,000.
6. Punitive Damages Are More Common in Truck Accidents
Truck Accidents
- Punitive damages are awarded if gross negligence or reckless behavior is proven.
- If a trucking company:
- Knowingly violates safety regulations, or
- Covers up driver log violations,
- Falsifies maintenance records,
- A jury may award millions in punitive damages.
Car Accidents
- Punitive damages are rare unless the driver was drunk, reckless, or intentionally caused the crash.
Example: A trucking company ignored multiple brake failure warnings, leading to a fatal crash. The jury awarded $5 million in punitive damages to punish the company.
7. Trucking Companies Fight Claims Aggressively
- Trucking companies and their insurers aggressively defend claims because of the large financial exposure.
- They hire teams of lawyers to reduce or deny payouts.
- Victims often need an experienced San Diego truck accident attorney to counter these tactics.
Example: A trucking insurer blames the victim for the crash, offering a lowball $100,000 settlement. A lawyer gathers black box data proving the truck driver was speeding, forcing the company to pay $2 million instead.
8. Why Hiring a Truck Accident Lawyer Is Essential
Because trucking companies have massive resources, victims should not handle claims alone. A truck accident lawyer can:
- Investigate all potential defendants (driver, company, manufacturer, maintenance provider).
- Secure evidence before it is deleted (black box data, logbooks, maintenance records).
- Negotiate with insurers for maximum compensation.
- Take the case to court if necessary.
Most truck accident lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning victims pay nothing unless they win their case.
Conclusion
Truck accident settlements are often much higher than car accident claims due to severe injuries, higher insurance coverage, multiple liable parties, federal regulations, and the potential for punitive damages. Because trucking companies aggressively fight claims, victims should seek legal representation immediately to maximize their settlement.
References
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. (2023). Truck accident liability and insurance regulations. Retrieved from https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2023). Comparing truck vs. car accident settlements. Retrieved from https://www.nhtsa.gov
- California Department of Insurance. (2023). Truck accident claims and settlement values. Retrieved from https://www.insurance.ca.gov