Factors That Affect Truck Accident Settlement Amounts in Summerville

When a truck accident happens in Summerville, the financial impact can be devastating. Medical bills pile up, lost wages add stress, and you’re left wondering what your case is worth. Understanding truck accident settlement amounts helps you know what to expect and how to protect your rights.

Truck accident settlements vary widely—from $100,000 to $500,000 or more—depending on several key factors. Your specific settlement amount depends on the severity of your injuries, who was at fault, and the insurance coverage available. This guide walks you through what affects your settlement and how to maximize your recovery.

Why Choose Crantford Meehan for Your Truck Accident Claim

When you’re injured in a truck accident, you need attorneys who understand the complexities of commercial vehicle cases. Crantford Meehan has recovered millions for truck accident victims across South Carolina.

Both partners at Crantford Meehan are Trial Lawyers College graduates—an elite credential earned by fewer than 1% of attorneys nationwide. William C. Crantford holds an AV rating and serves as a member of the National Trial Lawyers and Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Jerry A. Meehan Jr. carries an AV Preeminent rating and was named Top 10 Under 40 by the National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys.

The firm’s track record speaks for itself. In April 2019, Crantford Meehan recovered $2.35 million for a family rear-ended by a tractor-trailer on I-26 in Berkeley County—plus an additional $400,000 in medical payments. More recently, the firm secured $1 million for clients struck by an 18-wheeler on I-26 near Summerville. These results demonstrate the firm’s ability to handle serious truck accident cases and negotiate substantial settlements.

Crantford Meehan operates a Summerville office at 136 W Richardson Ave and offers 24-hour availability. The firm works on contingency, meaning you pay nothing upfront—you only pay if you win.

What Is a Truck Accident Settlement?

A settlement is an agreement between you and the at-fault party’s insurance company to resolve your claim without going to trial. Instead of fighting in court, both sides agree on a dollar amount to compensate you for your injuries and damages.

Settlements typically take 6 to 16 months to finalize, depending on the complexity of your case and how quickly liability can be established. During this time, your attorney negotiates with the insurance company, gathers medical records, and builds your case.

A truck accident settlement covers several types of damages: medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage. The settlement amount reflects the full scope of your losses.

Average Truck Accident Settlement Amounts

National data shows truck accident settlements typically range from $100,000 to $150,000 on average. However, this average masks significant variation. Some settlements fall below $50,000, while serious cases exceed $500,000.

While some limited studies suggest a median settlement of around $30,000 for minor injury claims, cases involving commercial liability policies often settle for significantly more due to the higher insurance limits involved.

Settlement amounts break down roughly by injury severity:

• Minor injuries: $10,000–$50,000
• Moderate injuries: $50,000–$250,000
• Severe or permanent injuries: $250,000–$500,000+

Your specific settlement depends on where your injuries fall within these ranges and other case-specific factors. Catastrophic injuries like spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injury typically result in higher settlements.

Key Factors That Determine Your Settlement Amount

Severity of Your Injuries

The most important factor in your settlement is how badly you were hurt. Catastrophic injuries—spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injury, amputation, or permanent disability—command much higher settlements than minor injuries.

Medical expenses tell part of the story. If you required surgery, hospitalization, or ongoing physical therapy, your settlement reflects those costs. But pain and suffering damages go beyond medical bills. Permanent scarring, chronic pain, or loss of function increase your settlement value significantly.

Liability and Fault Determination

Who caused the accident matters enormously. If the truck driver was clearly negligent—speeding, distracted driving, or violating hours-of-service regulations—your settlement increases. If liability is disputed or shared, your settlement may decrease.

Sometimes multiple parties share fault. The truck driver, the trucking company, the truck manufacturer, or even a government agency responsible for road maintenance could bear responsibility. Your attorney investigates all potential defendants to maximize your recovery. Federal trucking regulations often play a critical role in establishing negligence.

Insurance Coverage Limits

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations require minimum coverage of $750,000 for standard commercial trucks carrying non-hazardous freight. However, trucks carrying hazardous materials must carry significantly higher limits—typically $1,000,000 to $5,000,000 depending on the cargo.

These insurance limits cap your settlement. If your damages exceed the available coverage, you may pursue additional recovery through other means, but the insurance policy sets the practical ceiling for most cases. Understanding underinsured motorist coverage can help protect you when insurance limits are insufficient.

How Truck Accident Settlements Are Calculated

Settlement calculations combine economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are straightforward: medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Your attorney adds up receipts and invoices to establish these numbers.

Non-economic damages—pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life—require judgment. Attorneys use formulas like multiplying medical expenses by a factor of 1.5 to 5, depending on injury severity. A serious injury might be valued at 4 times medical expenses, while a minor injury might be 1.5 times.

Punitive damages apply in South Carolina when the defendant’s conduct was particularly reckless or intentional. These damages punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct. Punitive damages are possible if the driver was reckless (e.g., drunk driving). In South Carolina, these damages are generally capped at three times your compensatory damages or $500,000 (whichever is greater), though exceptions exist for cases involving felony conduct or impairment.

Your attorney’s negotiation skills directly impact your final settlement. Experienced attorneys know how insurance companies evaluate cases and can present evidence persuasively to maximize your recovery. When you work with Crantford Meehan truck accident attorneys, you gain access to attorneys with proven success in truck accident litigation.

Truck Accident Settlement FAQs

How long does a truck accident settlement take in South Carolina?

Most truck accident settlements are resolved within 6 to 16 months. Simple cases with clear liability may settle faster. Complex cases involving multiple parties or serious injuries take longer. Understanding the settlement timeline helps you plan accordingly.

What is the average settlement for a truck accident in Summerville?

Summerville truck accident settlements typically range from $100,000 to $250,000 for moderate to serious injuries. Catastrophic cases may exceed $500,000. Your specific settlement depends on your injuries and case facts.

Can I settle my truck accident case without going to court?

Yes. Most truck accident cases settle before trial. Settlement avoids the uncertainty and expense of litigation while providing faster compensation.

What if the truck driver was partially at fault?

South Carolina follows comparative negligence rules. Even if you were partially at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. If you were 20% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you recover $80,000.

How much of my settlement goes to my attorney?

Crantford Meehan works on contingency, typically taking one-third of your settlement as the attorney’s fee. Court costs and expenses are deducted separately. You keep the remainder. Learn more about personal injury attorney fees.

What should I do immediately after a truck accident?

Seek medical attention first. Call police to file a report. Document the scene with photos if safe. Get witness contact information. Avoid discussing fault with the other driver or insurance companies. Contact an attorney before speaking with insurance adjusters. Learn what to do after a truck accident to protect your claim.

Do I need an attorney for my truck accident claim?

While you can file a claim alone, an attorney significantly increases your settlement. Insurance companies know unrepresented claimants often accept lower offers. An experienced truck accident attorney levels the playing field and protects your rights.

Get Your Free Truck Accident Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Summerville, don’t wait to seek legal help. Crantford Meehan offers a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case.

Call (843) 832-1120 today to speak with an experienced truck accident lawyer in Summerville. There’s no cost to talk about your claim, and you pay nothing unless you win. The sooner you contact Crantford Meehan, the sooner we can begin protecting your rights and fighting for the compensation you deserve.