Personal Injury
If you were injured in a commercial truck accident, one of the first questions you probably have is: how much is my truck accident case worth? I hear this question every week. It’s understandable—truck crashes are often violent, life-altering events, and the injuries are frequently far more severe than those in ordinary car accidents.
As a truck accident lawyer at SG Legal Group, I want to be clear from the outset: the value of a trucking accident case is not inherent in the accident itself. The fact that a crash happened—even a serious one—does not automatically determine compensation. Case value is driven by injuries, damages, liability, and proof.
In this article, I explain how truck accident settlements are calculated, why they are often higher than car accident cases, what damages may be recoverable, how fatal truck accident claims are valued, and how Maryland law compares to other states nationwide.
Watch The Video Overview
Many people search for the average settlement for a truck accident. I understand why—but averages are misleading and often harmful.
Truck accident cases vary dramatically based on:
Two truck accidents that look similar on paper can have vastly different outcomes. I routinely see cases where clients believe the claim is valuable simply because a tractor-trailer was involved. In reality, it is the injuries and provable damages—not the size of the truck—that drive value.
Truck accident settlements are often higher than car accident settlements—but not automatically. When they are higher, it’s usually because of the following factors:
1. Severity of Injuries
Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. When that mass collides with a passenger vehicle, the result is often catastrophic injuries such as:
Severe injuries increase medical costs, long-term care needs, and non-economic damages.
2. Commercial Insurance Policies
Trucking companies are typically required to carry higher insurance limits than private drivers. While insurance coverage alone does not determine value, it often allows for full compensation when damages are properly proven.
3. Corporate Defendants
Truck accident cases often involve:
When corporate negligence is proven, the scope of damages can increase significantly.
Liability Comes First
Before damages are even considered, liability must be established. If liability is weak or disputed, the value of the claim drops—sometimes drastically.
In one trucking case I handled, liability was hotly contested until I located an independent witness who contradicted the defendant’s version of events. That single piece of evidence changed the entire trajectory of the case, and the matter settled near policy limits shortly thereafter.
Damages Must Be Built, Not Assumed
Truck accident damages do not “speak for themselves.” They must be built with evidence.
In my practice, properly developing damages often requires:
Expert testimony is often the difference between a modest settlement and a full-value resolution.
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Truck Accident Case?
Truck accident victims may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages (Not Capped in Most States)
Non-Economic Damages
Wrongful Death Damages
In fatal truck accident cases, surviving family members may pursue:
Fatal truck accident cases are among the most complex and heavily litigated personal injury claims in the country. Value depends on:
There is no fixed value for a fatal trucking case. Proper valuation requires economic modeling, expert testimony, and a deep understanding of the applicable state law.
Maryland’s Noneconomic Damage Cap
Under Maryland law, noneconomic damages (pain and suffering) are capped by statute, with the cap increasing annually. Importantly:
Maryland also follows contributory negligence, meaning that if a plaintiff is found even 1% at fault, recovery may be barred entirely. This makes liability analysis especially critical in Maryland trucking cases.
Other States Nationwide
Across the U.S., damage caps vary widely:
Because SG Legal Group handles trucking cases nationwide—through co-counsel, local counsel, and pro hac admissions—we carefully evaluate how each jurisdiction’s laws affect potential recovery before advising clients.
(For Maryland clients, I analyze both the statutory cap and how venue and liability interact with contributory negligence.)
Based on my experience, the factors that most often increase case value include:
Conversely, liability disputes, delayed treatment, inconsistent medical histories, or weak expert support can significantly reduce value.
There is no formula that guarantees a particular settlement outcome. A case with severe injuries but major liability issues may be worth less than a moderate-injury case with crystal-clear fault.
That’s why I never quote numbers without fully investigating the facts. Truck accident settlement value is earned through preparation, evidence, and credibility—not assumptions.
At SG Legal Group, my team and I handle truck accident cases across the country by working with trusted co-counsel, local counsel, and through pro hac vice admissions when appropriate. This allows us to pursue serious trucking claims wherever they occur, while respecting the nuances of each state’s laws.
If you or a loved one was injured—or killed—in a truck accident, do not rely on online averages or insurance company estimates. Your case deserves an individualized analysis.
If you or a loved one was injured, contact me at SG Legal Group. My team and I will help you understand your options and pursue the compensation you deserve. Call 410-618-1277 or visit our Contact page to schedule a consultation.
This article provides general information and is not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, please contact me directly.
Joshua C. Sussex, Esq.
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