What Determines Settlement Value?
Key Drivers in Big-Rig Cases
Severity of Injuries
Catastrophic harm-surgeries, TBI, spine injuries-raises medical costs and future-care needs.
Liability
Clear violations (hours-of-service, maintenance lapses, unsecured cargo) speed resolution and increase leverage.
Insurance Limits
Commercial trucks often carry higher primary limits and may have excess/umbrella coverage-critical in severe cases.
Lost Wages & Life Impact
Time off work, diminished earning capacity, and daily limitations increase case value.
Typical Settlement Ranges in Utah
Understanding Numbers Without Overpromising
Minor injury truck cases may resolve above typical auto baselines due to commercial liability exposure, while serious injury and surgery cases can reach well into six figures or more-subject to proof and available coverage. Every case is unique; we evaluate facts, not averages.
Economic vs. Non-Economic Damages
What Your Settlement Can Include
Economic Damages: medical bills (past/future), rehab, home/vehicle modifications, lost income, diminished earning capacity, and property loss.
Non-Economic Damages: pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and in limited cases, disfigurement and emotional trauma.
Policy Limits, Layers & Underinsured Coverage
Finding the Money to Make You Whole
Commercial motor carriers may have primary and umbrella policies. If third parties share fault (maintenance contractors, shippers/loaders), their policies may apply too. If coverage still falls short, your own UM/UIM policy can help bridge the gap.
Settlement vs. Trial Verdict
Certainty Now or Potentially More Later
Settlements deliver faster, guaranteed payouts and closure. Trials can produce larger awards but take longer and carry risk. We prepare every case for trial to drive better settlement offers.
How Top Law Utah Maximizes Settlements
Evidence-Rich Demands and Relentless Negotiation
We calculate full damages, retain respected experts, prove regulatory violations, and reject lowball offers. Insurers know we will file suit and try the case if needed.
FAQs About Truck Settlements
Will my settlement be taxed?
Compensatory personal injury settlements are generally not taxable; ask your tax professional about any exceptions.
How long until I get paid?
Typically 30-60 days after signing the release and resolving liens.
Should I accept the first offer?
Usually not. Commercial carriers often start low-let us value the claim before you decide.
Free Case Evaluation
Get a Personalized Settlement Assessment
Every truck crash is different. Contact Top Law Utah for a free consultation about the value drivers in your claim-whether your collision happened in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo/Orem, St. George, or Cedar City.