By: Jacob Maslow
If you’ve recently been involved in a truck accident in Tempe, chances are you’re wondering what kind of settlement you should expect.
It’s one of the important questions in the whole process. It’s not always easy to figure out what a reasonable settlement is, especially if you do not have a Tempe truck accident lawyer to help you through the process.
A reasonable settlement should fully compensate you for the losses you’ve suffered. But it shouldn’t just cover the obvious costs like medical bills or repairs to your vehicle. It should also cover every aspect of the accident that affects your life, both now and in the future.
The Average Truck Accident Settlement in Arizona
Truck accident claims vary widely, but the numbers can be staggering. Truck accident settlements in Arizona can vary widely, with some cases involving severe injuries potentially leading to higher compensation amounts.
However, the amount can range from tens of thousands to millions, depending on several factors.
What Should a Fair Settlement Cover?
For a settlement to be considered fair or reasonable, it should cover a good chunk of the following damages.
Medical Expenses
A reasonable settlement should cover your current medical expenses, which include all costs directly related to treating your injuries from the accident. This could involve hospital care, surgeries, physical therapy, or long-term rehabilitation.
The settlement should aim to cover your medical bills, including both the initial emergency treatment and any future care you may need.
Here are the specifics of the medical expenses:
- Ambulance transport and emergency care
- Hospital stays, surgeries, and doctor visits
- Ongoing care like home nursing or rehab therapy
- Medical equipment like wheelchairs or prosthetics
- Therapy for physical, occupational, and psychological needs
- Home modifications (e.g., ramps or wider doorways), if necessary for mobility
Future Medical Costs
Medical care doesn’t stop when you leave the hospital. Many accident victims need ongoing treatment, which a fair settlement should account for.
If, for example, you require joint replacements or ongoing care for a serious injury like a spinal cord injury, these future costs should be factored into your settlement.
A personal injury lawyer can help estimate these future expenses by consulting with medical professionals who understand your long-term needs. By including these future costs, you would actually get to avoid the risk of running out of funds when the initial settlement is gone.
Lost Wages
If your injuries have caused you to miss work, you should be compensated for the wages you’ve lost. This includes not just the time you were off work for treatment and recovery, but also any long-term loss if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or affect your ability to work full-time or perform the same tasks.
Even if you return to work, your injuries may prevent you from working as much or as effectively as before. This loss in earning capacity should also be covered in your settlement.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering covers more than just physical injuries. It also includes the emotional and mental toll the accident has taken on you. This could involve anxiety, depression, or even PTSD from the trauma of the accident.
A good settlement should also take into account how your injuries affect your quality of life. The settlement should compensate you for the emotional and physical pain that interferes with your well-being.
Property Damage
If your vehicle or personal belongings were damaged in the accident, the cost to repair or replace them should be included in the settlement.
While this might seem straightforward, it’s important to obtain accurate estimates for repair or replacement costs and include them in your claim.
A reasonable settlement should address these areas and help reduce the financial burden following an already traumatic experience.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Every truck accident claim is unique, and the details of your specific case may require the expertise of a qualified attorney. For personalized legal guidance or advice, please consult with a licensed attorney who specializes in personal injury or truck accident claims in your jurisdiction. The content in this article does not establish an attorney-client relationship.
Published by Mark V.
