What’s the Average 18-Wheeler Accident Settlement in Texas?
At Daws Legal, PLLC, we understand the financial and emotional strain that follows an 18-wheeler crash. Unlike minor car accidents, collisions with commercial trucks often cause extensive property damage and serious injuries. How much will you get paid if an 18-wheeler hit you in Texas? The answer depends on many factors.
Each case is unique, and settlement amounts vary widely based on injuries, lost income, liability, and insurance coverage. While an “average” figure is difficult to pinpoint—especially since many settlements remain confidential—understanding why truck accident payouts are typically larger than those for passenger vehicle crashes can help set realistic expectations.
Why Do 18-Wheeler Settlements Tend to Be Higher than Other Car Accident Settlements?
Settlements for commercial truck accidents tend to be substantially higher than those for standard vehicle collisions. Several factors contribute to this:
- Increased property damage. The weight and size of an 18-wheeler can more easily total smaller vehicles, leading to higher repair or replacement costs.
- Severe injuries. Truck crashes more frequently cause life-altering conditions that require expensive, long-term medical care.
- Multiple liable parties. Liability may involve truck drivers, trucking companies, cargo loaders, or truck and truck parts manufacturers. A higher number of liable parties can increase your compensation.
- Strict federal regulations. Violations of safety rules, hours-of-service limits, or maintenance requirements can strengthen a victim’s claim.
Because commercial trucking companies carry higher insurance limits, the potential compensation is often greater than in a typical car accident case.
What Determines the Minimum Truck Settlement in Texas?
There is no universal minimum truck settlement, as compensation depends on several key elements. Understanding these factors can help set expectations and ensure victims do not settle for less than they deserve.
Severity of Injuries and Medical Costs
Even in non-life-threatening cases, medical bills can add up quickly. Emergency treatment, ongoing therapy, and specialized care all influence the final settlement amount. More serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage, typically lead to larger payouts due to the lasting effects on a victim’s health.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
An accident with an 18-wheeler can prevent someone from working for weeks or even permanently. Compensation may include lost income during recovery and, in severe cases, damages for reduced earning potential if the victim can no longer return to the same profession. The longer the recovery period, the higher the potential compensation.
Pain and Suffering
Beyond financial losses, truck accidents often result in physical pain and emotional trauma. Settlement amounts increase when a victim experiences chronic pain, mental distress, or an inability to enjoy daily life as they once did. While pain and suffering do not have a fixed dollar value, they play a significant role in overall compensation.
Liability and Fault
Texas follows modified comparative negligence laws, meaning compensation may be reduced if the victim shares fault for the crash. If an investigation proves the trucking company or driver violated federal safety laws, the settlement is often higher. Strong evidence, including accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony, can establish liability and prevent insurers from shifting blame.
Commercial Insurance Policy Limits
Unlike personal vehicles, 18-wheelers are required to carry much higher insurance coverage. Texas mandates that trucking companies have at least $750,000 in liability coverage, though many policies provide $1 million or more. Since these accidents tend to cause significant damages, the available compensation is often much greater than in cases involving passenger cars. However, insurance companies will work aggressively to minimize payouts, making legal representation critical.
Potential for Punitive Damages
If a trucking company or driver acted recklessly or with gross negligence, Texas law allows courts to award punitive damages. These penalties apply in cases involving drunk driving, deliberate safety violations, or reckless disregard for traffic laws. Though not awarded in every case, punitive damages can significantly increase settlement amounts.
Because no two truck accidents are the same, there is no fixed minimum truck settlement in Texas. Compensation depends on medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, fault, and insurance policies. While minor claims settle for lower amounts, serious truck accident cases can result in high-value payouts. If you were in an 18-wheeler accident, an experienced lawyer can protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation.
How Much Will You Get Paid If an 18-Wheeler Hit You in Texas?
While no two settlements are identical, truck accident claims tend to be much larger than standard vehicle crashes. Many settlement details remain confidential, but past cases show that:
- Minor truck accident claims settle between $50,000 and $150,000, covering vehicle damage and temporary injuries;
- Moderate cases involving broken bones or extended medical care can lead to settlements of $200,000 to $500,000; and
- Severe cases, such as those involving permanent disabilities, spinal cord injuries, or wrongful death, frequently exceed $1 million.
The final amount depends on case-specific details, and working with an attorney ensures you receive the full value of your claim.
How Long Does an 18-Wheeler Lawsuit Take?
One of the most common questions accident victims ask is: How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take? The answer depends on case complexity, liability disputes, and willingness to settle.
- Simple cases—if liability is clear and injuries are minor, settlements may take a few months;
- Moderate cases—more serious injuries or contested claims can extend the timeline to six months to a year; and
- Severe cases—lawsuits involving life-altering injuries, wrongful death, or extensive litigation may take one to three years, especially if they go to trial.
Trucking companies and insurers often try to delay settlements to pressure victims into accepting lowball offers. Having a lawyer handle negotiations can speed up the process and prevent unfair denials.
Texas 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys
At Daws Legal, we know that truck accident claims are more complex than regular car crashes. Our team has extensive experience fighting trucking companies and their insurers so we can get our clients the maximum compensation possible. If you or a loved one was hurt in an 18-wheeler accident, do not settle for less than you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us fight for justice and fair compensation—without gimmicks, just results.
About the Author
Judson is a dedicated and experienced Personal Injury attorney with a passion for justice and a commitment to helping clients navigate complex legal challenges. With 30 years of experience in personal injury, he has successfully represented countless clients, securing favorable settlements and verdicts.
