Use this calculator to estimate potential settlement amounts for a semi-truck accident claim. Please note that this is an estimation tool and actual settlement values can vary significantly based on numerous factors, including jurisdiction, specific case details, evidence, and negotiation. Always consult with a qualified personal injury attorney for accurate legal advice.
Damages & Costs
Adjustments & Fees
Estimated Settlement Details
Enter values and click "Calculate" to see your estimated settlement.
function calculateSettlement() {
// Get input values
var pastMedicalExpenses = parseFloat(document.getElementById('pastMedicalExpenses').value) || 0;
var futureMedicalExpenses = parseFloat(document.getElementById('futureMedicalExpenses').value) || 0;
var pastLostWages = parseFloat(document.getElementById('pastLostWages').value) || 0;
var futureLostWages = parseFloat(document.getElementById('futureLostWages').value) || 0;
var propertyDamage = parseFloat(document.getElementById('propertyDamage').value) || 0;
var lossOfConsortium = parseFloat(document.getElementById('lossOfConsortium').value) || 0;
var painSufferingMultiplier = parseFloat(document.getElementById('painSufferingMultiplier').value) || 0;
var punitiveDamages = parseFloat(document.getElementById('punitiveDamages').value) || 0;
var plaintiffFaultPercentage = parseFloat(document.getElementById('plaintiffFaultPercentage').value) || 0;
var attorneyFeePercentage = parseFloat(document.getElementById('attorneyFeePercentage').value) || 0;
var insurancePolicyLimit = parseFloat(document.getElementById('insurancePolicyLimit').value) || 0;
// Validate inputs
if (painSufferingMultiplier 5) {
alert("Pain & Suffering Multiplier must be between 1.5 and 5.");
return;
}
if (plaintiffFaultPercentage 100) {
alert("Your Share of Fault must be between 0% and 100%.");
return;
}
if (attorneyFeePercentage 100) {
alert("Attorney Fee Percentage must be between 0% and 100%.");
return;
}
// 1. Calculate Economic Damages
var totalEconomicDamages = pastMedicalExpenses + futureMedicalExpenses + pastLostWages + futureLostWages + propertyDamage;
// 2. Calculate Pain & Suffering (Non-Economic Damages)
var estimatedPainAndSuffering = totalEconomicDamages * painSufferingMultiplier;
// 3. Calculate Gross Total Damages (before fault reduction)
var grossTotalDamages = totalEconomicDamages + estimatedPainAndSuffering + lossOfConsortium + punitiveDamages;
// 4. Apply Comparative/Contributory Negligence (Plaintiff's Share of Fault)
var damagesAfterFault = grossTotalDamages * (1 – (plaintiffFaultPercentage / 100));
// 5. Calculate Attorney Fees
var attorneyFees = damagesAfterFault * (attorneyFeePercentage / 100);
// 6. Calculate Net Settlement before Insurance Cap
var netSettlementBeforeCap = damagesAfterFault – attorneyFees;
// 7. Apply Insurance Policy Limit
var finalNetSettlement = netSettlementBeforeCap;
if (insurancePolicyLimit > 0 && netSettlementBeforeCap > insurancePolicyLimit) {
finalNetSettlement = insurancePolicyLimit – attorneyFees; // Attorney fees are usually taken from the capped amount
if (finalNetSettlement 0 && damagesAfterFault > insurancePolicyLimit) {
maximumRecoverableFromInsurance = insurancePolicyLimit;
}
var finalAttorneyFees = maximumRecoverableFromInsurance * (attorneyFeePercentage / 100);
var finalEstimatedSettlement = maximumRecoverableFromInsurance – finalAttorneyFees;
if (finalEstimatedSettlement < 0) finalEstimatedSettlement = 0; // Ensure settlement isn't negative
// Display results
var resultDiv = document.getElementById('result');
resultDiv.innerHTML = `
Total Economic Damages: $${totalEconomicDamages.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2})}
Estimated Pain & Suffering: $${estimatedPainAndSuffering.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2})}
Gross Total Damages (before fault reduction): $${grossTotalDamages.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2})}
Damages After Your Share of Fault (${plaintiffFaultPercentage}%): $${damagesAfterFault.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2})}
Estimated Attorney Fees (${attorneyFeePercentage}%): $${finalAttorneyFees.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2})}
Estimated Net Settlement (after fees & potential insurance cap):$${finalEstimatedSettlement.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2})}
${insurancePolicyLimit > 0 && damagesAfterFault > insurancePolicyLimit ? 'Note: Settlement capped by insurance policy limit.' : "}
`;
}
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Understanding Semi-Truck Accident Settlements
Semi-truck accidents, also known as commercial truck or 18-wheeler accidents, often result in severe injuries and significant damages due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles. Calculating a fair settlement in such cases is complex, involving various types of damages and legal considerations. This estimator provides a general idea, but a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents is crucial for a precise evaluation.
Types of Damages in Truck Accident Claims
Settlements typically comprise two main categories of damages: economic and non-economic.
1. Economic Damages (Specific Damages)
These are quantifiable financial losses directly resulting from the accident. They are often easier to calculate as they come with bills, receipts, and wage statements.
Past Medical Expenses: Costs for emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation already incurred.
Estimated Future Medical Expenses: Projections for ongoing treatment, future surgeries, long-term care, physical therapy, and adaptive equipment. This often requires expert medical testimony.
Past Lost Wages: Income lost from time off work due to injury and recovery.
Estimated Future Lost Wages/Loss of Earning Capacity: Compensation for income that will be lost in the future if the injury prevents the victim from returning to their previous job or working at the same capacity.
Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses: This can include transportation to medical appointments, home modifications for accessibility, and other related costs.
2. Non-Economic Damages (General Damages)
These are subjective losses that do not have a direct monetary value but significantly impact the victim's quality of life. They are often calculated using a "multiplier" method, where economic damages are multiplied by a factor (e.g., 1.5 to 5, depending on severity).
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress caused by the injuries.
Loss of Consortium: Damages awarded to a spouse for the loss of companionship, affection, and support due to the injured partner's condition.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the inability to participate in hobbies, activities, and daily routines that were once enjoyed.
Emotional Distress: Includes anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychological impacts.
3. Punitive Damages
In rare cases, if the truck driver or trucking company's conduct was exceptionally reckless, malicious, or grossly negligent, a court might award punitive damages. These are not meant to compensate the victim but to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future. They are difficult to predict and are not included in most settlement calculations unless there's clear evidence of extreme misconduct.
Factors Influencing Settlement Amounts
Several critical factors can significantly impact the final settlement value:
Severity of Injuries: More severe and permanent injuries generally lead to higher settlements.
Medical Prognosis: The long-term outlook for recovery and future medical needs.
Clear Liability: How clearly the truck driver or company was at fault. Strong evidence (police reports, witness statements, black box data, dashcam footage) strengthens a claim.
Comparative/Contributory Negligence: If the injured party is found partially at fault, their settlement may be reduced proportionally, depending on state laws.
Insurance Policy Limits: Trucking companies are required to carry high insurance limits (often $750,000 to several million dollars), but the settlement cannot exceed these limits unless other assets are pursued.
Jurisdiction: Laws and jury tendencies vary by state and county.
Quality of Legal Representation: An experienced truck accident attorney can significantly impact the negotiation and litigation process.
The Role of an Attorney
Given the complexities, the involvement of multiple parties (driver, trucking company, cargo loader, maintenance crew), and the high stakes, retaining a skilled personal injury attorney is highly recommended. They can:
Investigate the accident thoroughly.
Gather crucial evidence (logbooks, maintenance records, black box data).
Negotiate with aggressive insurance companies.
Work with medical and economic experts to accurately assess damages.
Represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
This calculator is a tool for estimation. For a precise valuation of your semi-truck accident claim and expert legal guidance, always consult with a qualified attorney.