A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Compare that to your average passenger vehicle — about 3,000 to 4,000 pounds. So when a crash happens, the consequences aren’t just serious — they’re often life-altering.
If you’ve been hit by a commercial truck, you’re probably facing medical bills, lost income, pain, and uncertainty. One of the first questions people ask is: how much money will I receive after this accident? As an experienced 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Lawyer, I can tell you the answer depends on a few key factors: how the accident happened, who was at fault, and how badly you were injured.
This guide breaks down the most important elements that affect how much your case might be worth. We’ll cover how truck accidents happen, how fault is determined, and how damages are calculated — so you can take informed action.
What Are the Biggest Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents?
Commercial trucks spend thousands of hours on the road each year. With that comes risk — and when a mistake is made, the impact can be devastating.
According to a study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), these are the most common causes of semi-truck accidents:
1. Driver Fatigue
Truckers are under pressure to deliver cargo on tight deadlines. Even though federal law limits driving hours (known as HOS regulations), many drivers still push those limits. Fatigue slows reaction times and affects judgment.
- FMCSA found fatigue was a factor in 13% of truck crashes.
2. Distracted Driving
Like anyone else on the road, truck drivers are vulnerable to distractions — phones, GPS devices, eating, or even adjusting the radio.
3. Speeding or Driving Too Fast for Conditions
Large trucks need longer distances to stop. Driving even slightly above the speed limit — especially in poor weather or heavy traffic — significantly raises the risk of a crash.
4. Improper Maintenance
Tires, brakes, lights, and other equipment must be regularly maintained. When companies cut corners, trucks become hazardous. Mechanical failure was cited in 29% of large truck crashes.
5. Poor Training or Inexperience
Operating an 18-wheeler requires skill and experience. Inadequate training can lead to improper lane changes, wide turns, or failure to secure loads properly.
6. Drug or Alcohol Use
While less common, substance use is still a serious issue. The FMCSA requires regular testing, but some drivers still take risks.
How Is Fault Determined After a Truck Accident?
Establishing fault in a commercial truck accident is more complicated than a typical car crash. Multiple parties may share liability. Here’s what the investigation looks at:
1. Truck Driver
If the driver was speeding, distracted, or fatigued, they may be directly responsible.
2. Trucking Company
Companies may be liable if they failed to maintain the vehicle, pushed drivers to break regulations, or hired someone without proper credentials.
3. Cargo Loaders
Improperly loaded or unbalanced cargo can cause rollovers or make it harder to control the truck. In those cases, the party responsible for loading may share liability.
4. Vehicle Manufacturer
If a mechanical failure contributed to the accident and it resulted from a design or manufacturing flaw, the truck or parts manufacturer may be liable.
5. Other Drivers
In some cases, a third party causes the accident — such as a car cutting off the truck — and the truck’s response causes a chain reaction.
Evidence is key. Your 18 wheeler injury lawyer will gather:
- Police reports
- Dashcam or surveillance footage
- Driver logbooks
- GPS and black box data
- Maintenance records
- Eyewitness testimony
- Expert accident reconstruction
This evidence builds the case for who is at fault — and how much compensation you’re entitled to pursue.
How Are Damages Determined After a Truck Accident?
When it comes to getting paid after an 18-wheeler hits you, there are two categories of damages: economic and non-economic.
1. Economic Damages
These are the actual, out-of-pocket costs and losses caused by the crash. They’re usually well-documented with bills, receipts, and records. They include:
- Medical Expenses: Emergency room visits, surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, prescriptions, future treatment
- Lost Wages: Time off work, reduced hours, job loss
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If you can no longer work at the same level or in the same field
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle and personal property
2. Non-Economic Damages
These are harder to quantify but no less real. They often represent the largest portion of a settlement in serious injury cases.
- Pain and Suffering
- Mental Anguish
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
- Disfigurement
- Permanent Disability
In wrongful death cases, families can also pursue:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of consortium (relationship)
- Loss of future income and support
3. Punitive Damages
In rare cases, if the truck driver or company acted with gross negligence — like driving drunk or intentionally ignoring safety laws — you may be awarded punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer.
How Much Could You Receive?
There’s no fixed payout for a truck accident. Each case is fact-specific. That said, these examples provide a general idea:
- Minor injuries (soft tissue, short recovery): $20,000–$75,000
- Moderate injuries (broken bones, surgery, long recovery): $75,000–$250,000
- Severe injuries (brain injury, spinal cord damage, permanent disability): $500,000 to several million dollars
- Wrongful death cases: often range from $1 million to $5 million+
Insurance policies also impact payouts. Most trucking companies carry commercial liability insurance of at least $750,000 — but often much more.
Why You Need an 18 Wheeler Injury Lawyer
Truck accident claims are not DIY projects. Trucking companies have teams of lawyers and adjusters working to limit their exposure. They may offer a quick settlement that’s far below what you deserve.
An experienced 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Lawyer:
- Knows how to preserve key evidence before it disappears
- Understands federal trucking regulations and liability standards
- Works with medical experts, economists, and accident reconstruction specialists
- Negotiates with insurers who don’t have your best interests in mind
- Takes the case to court if necessary
Call The Roth Firm
If you’ve been injured in a commercial truck accident, your future may depend on the decisions you make right now.
At The Roth Firm, we fight for people injured by 18-wheelers and large commercial trucks. We know how these companies operate. We understand how to build a case that gets results. And we’ve helped our clients recover millions in settlements and verdicts.
You don’t have to face the trucking company alone. If you’ve been wondering, “How much will I get paid if an 18-wheeler hits me?” — the answer starts with a free case review from someone who knows how to get results.
Contact The Roth Firm today to speak with a skilled 18 wheeler injury lawyer. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your options, and help you fight for the compensation you deserve.