Free California Semi Truck Accident Settlement Calculator
Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
Updated on 4/1/24
Looking to calculate your California 18 wheeler accident settlement quickly? Fill out our online calculator form to get a rough estimate in about 90 seconds and start your road to recovery.
*This calculator was just updated for 2023-2024.
California semi-truck accident settlement calculators can be helpful tools for estimating the potential value of a wrongful death or personal injury claim resulting from a semi-truck accident.
However, these calculators are not a substitute for the guidance of an experienced attorney. The formulas used by these calculators are typically based on a set of assumptions and do not consider the unique circumstances of each case.
The settlement value of a semi-truck accident will depend on a variety of factors such as the severity of the injuries, the extent of the property damage, the liability of the parties involved and the available insurance coverage.
The estimates generated by truck accident settlement calculators should not be considered as a guarantee of the outcome of your case. Only a qualified truck accident or car accident attorney can provide an accurate assessment of the potential value of a claim and advise you on the best course of action after considering all the facts and evidence in your case.
How much will you get paid if an 18-wheeler hits you in California?
The amount that you would be paid if an 18-wheeler hits you in California will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of the property damage, and the liability of the parties involved. In general, the more severe your injuries, the higher the potential settlement value of your case.
The settlement value of a case can also depend on the specific circumstances of the accident, and on the evidence that can be presented to prove liability. It is impossible to provide a specific estimate of the potential settlement value of a case without more information on the specific details of the accident.
How do truck accident settlement calculators work?
Commercial truck settlement calculators utilize a formula that factors in different elements such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
To use an 18-wheeler accident calculator, you will typically need to enter information about the accident and your injuries, as well as the expenses you have incurred as a result of the accident. Some calculators may also ask for information about the other parties involved in the accident and any insurance coverage that may be available.
How are truck accident cases calculated in California?
In California, the value of a truck accident case is calculated based on the damages that the victim has incurred as a result of the accident. These damages can include both economic and non-economic damages.
- Economic damages refer to the actual financial losses that the victim has incurred, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. These damages can be easily quantified and are typically reimbursed by the liable party.
- Non-economic damages refer to the intangible losses that the victim has suffered, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
These damages are more difficult to quantify and are typically compensated by the liable party based on the severity of the injuries and the impact they have had on the victim’s life. In California, the victim of a truck accident can also recover punitive damages, which are meant to punish the liable party for particularly egregious conduct and deter similar conduct in the future.
The final settlement or award in a truck accident case is calculated by adding up the value of all the damages incurred by the victim. This total sum is then used as a starting point for negotiations with the liable party or their insurance company. An experienced attorney can help you evaluate the full extent of your damages and negotiate for a fair settlement or take the case to trial if need be.
What are some example cases?
Some common causes of semi-truck accidents include:
- Driver fatigue: Long hours on the road and lack of rest can cause drowsy or fatigued driving, either of which can greatly increase the risk of an accident
- Distracted driving: The use of cell phones, navigation systems, and other distractions while driving can take attention away from the road, which can result in auto collisions
- Improperly loaded cargo: Cargo that is not properly secured or balanced on a semi-truck can shift during transit, causing the cargo to fall off or the driver of the truck to lose control
- Mechanical failure: Semi-trucks require regular maintenance to ensure they are in good working condition. If a truck is not properly maintained, it can experience mechanical failure
What does a settlement check cover?
A settlement check in a semi-truck accident case is intended to compensate the victim for the damages they have incurred as a result of the accident. The specific terms of a settlement check will depend on the specific circumstances of the case, and the agreement reached between the parties.
A settlement check in a truck accident suit may cover a variety of expenses, including:
- Medical expenses: This can include costs associated with emergency treatment, hospitalization, rehabilitation, therapy, and any future medical expenses related to the accident
- Lost wages: If the victim is unable to work because of the accident, the settlement check may cover the lost wages and any future loss of earning capacity
- Property damage: If the victim’s vehicle or other personal property was damaged in the accident, the settlement check may cover the cost of repairs or replacement
- Pain and suffering: This can include compensation for physical and emotional pain, suffering, and trauma caused by the accident
- Punitive Damages: If the liable party’s conduct was particularly egregious, the settlement check may include punitive damages which are meant to punish the liable party and deter similar conduct in the future.
Should I speak with any insurance companies?
It is recommended that you consult with an attorney who specializes in semi-truck accident cases before speaking with an insurance company. An attorney can help you understand your rights, the claims process, and what to expect from the insurance company. They can also communicate with the insurance company on your behalf and ensure that you don’t make any statements that could be used against you.
Be cautious if you decide to speak with an insurance company on your own. insurance companies have a vested interest in paying out as little as possible in any accident claim. They may try to use various tactics to minimize the amount of compensation you receive, such as downplaying the extent of your injuries, arguing that you were partially to blame for the accident, or offering you a low settlement that is less than what you deserve.
What Evidence is Needed for My Case?
In order to prove a semi-truck accident case, you will need to gather and present evidence that demonstrates that the other party was at fault and that you have suffered damages as a result of the accident. The specific evidence needed will depend on the specific circumstances of your case, but in general, some of the evidence that may be needed includes:
- Police report: This report will provide details of the accident, including the date, time, location, and the names of the parties involved.
- Eyewitness statements: These statements can provide valuable information about the cause of the accident and the actions of the parties involved.
- Photographs and videos: These can provide visual evidence of the accident scene, the damage to the vehicles involved, and the injuries sustained by the parties involved.
- Medical records: These records will provide evidence of the injuries sustained in the accident and the treatment received.
- Inspection and maintenance records of the truck: These documents can provide evidence of the truck’s condition and compliance with safety regulations.
Is a truck accident suit worth it?
If you have been seriously injured or have suffered significant property damage as a result of a truck accident, it may be worth pursuing a lawsuit. A truck accident suit can help you recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages that you have incurred as a result of the accident.
Trucking companies and drivers have a legal responsibility to operate their vehicles safely and to follow all traffic laws and regulations. If they fail to do so and an accident occurs as a result, a lawsuit can help to ensure that they are held accountable for their actions and that similar accidents are prevented in the future.
Should I Hire a Lawyer?
It is highly recommended that you hire a lawyer if you are considering filing a claim for a truck accident. Truck accident cases can be complex and often involve multiple parties, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, and the manufacturer of the truck or its parts.
An attorney who is experienced in handling truck accident cases will have the knowledge and resources to navigate these complexities and build a strong case possible on your behalf. Hiring an experienced, reputable lawyer for your truck accident claim can give you peace of mind and greatly increase your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one were recently injured in a semi-truck accident anywhere in the Los Angeles area, LawLinq can help. Our referral service can connect you with experienced and qualified attorneys who specialize in truck accident cases.
We understand that the aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming–our number one priority at LawLinq is to make the process of finding and hiring an attorney as easy and stress-free as possible.
Our referral service can help you find an attorney who has the knowledge and experience to handle your case effectively. We carefully screen and vet all the attorneys in our network to ensure that they have the qualifications and licensing to take on your truck accident case.
When you use our service, you can be confident that you are working with a lawyer who is well-versed in the laws and regulations related to truck accidents and who has a proven track record of success in these types of cases. If you have any questions about your situation, please visit our site or contact us at 855-997-2558.
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