When a passenger vehicle or motorcycle collides with a commercial truck or tractor-trailer, the outcome is often uneven. Due to their size and weight, trucks can cause significant damage to smaller vehicles, resulting in serious injuries to their occupants. Victims of truck accidents have the right to seek compensation for their losses. If you've been in a crash with a truck, knowing the average truck accident settlement in California might be helpful.

Your Right to Compensation for Truck Accidents in California

California is an at-fault state, which means you have the legal right to recover compensation for losses or damages to your vehicle following an accident. This also applies to bodily injuries or the death of a loved one resulting from the crash. In truck accidents, you are entitled to seek compensation for both property damage and physical injuries. However, there is a limited period within which you must legally pursue compensation. 

The statutes of limitations in California are as follows:

  • Property Damage : Three years from the date of damage.
  • Personal Injury : Two years from the event that caused the injury, unless the injuries were discovered later.
  • Personal Injury (Discovered Later) : One year from the discovery date.

While these statutes give you years to seek compensation, filing a claim as soon as possible can be beneficial. Over time, your memory of the accident may fade, and witnesses may forget crucial details.

Comparative Fault in California

California follows a comparative fault rule, allowing you to seek compensation even if you share part of the responsibility for the collision. For example, if you are 20% at fault, you can still seek 80% of the total compensation. Even with 50% fault, you can pursue compensation for your injuries.

California Truck Accident Settlement Amounts

The average settlement for truck accidents in California varies based on the type of accident and the resulting damages or injuries. Settlements can range from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, and in severe cases, can exceed a million dollars.

Given the wide range of settlement amounts, consulting with a professional personal injury attorney experienced in truck accident cases is advisable. An attorney can assess your case and help determine an appropriate compensation amount.

FAQs

How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements in California?

Most truck accident settlements in California range from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. The amount depends on factors like injury severity and vehicle damage. You may also be entitled to punitive damages if the truck driver broke the law.

How Much Is the Average Truck Accident Settlement in California?

The average settlement depends on the accident type. Severe injuries from head-on collisions typically result in higher settlements. Consulting with an experienced personal injury lawyer can provide more specific guidance.

How Much Are Most Personal Injury Settlements for Truck Accidents?

Personal injury settlements often range from several thousand to hundreds of thousands of dollars. In some cases, victims have been awarded over a million dollars due to significant injuries.

What Is the Average Settlement for Pain and Suffering From Truck Accidents?

The settlement for pain and suffering varies. To obtain compensation, you must prove that your pain and suffering directly resulted from the truck accident. Non-visible conditions like anxiety or emotional trauma can be challenging to prove without an experienced attorney.

Contact a Reputable Truck Accident Attorney

The attorneys at RightsMatters, are strong advocates for clients involved in truck accidents. If you suffered injuries or property damage due to a truck driver’s negligence, we can provide the legal representation you need to recover the full compensation you are entitled to under California law.