What is the average truck accident settlement?

There is no reliable public average because outcomes depend on injuries, liability and insurance. Truck claims tend to be larger than car claims mainly because injuries are more severe and the at-fault company usually has $750,000 or more in coverage.

How much insurance do semi trucks have to carry?

Under federal rules (49 CFR 387.9), for-hire interstate trucks hauling general freight must carry at least $750,000 in liability coverage. Certain hazardous materials require $1 million or $5 million. Intrastate trucks may fall under lower state requirements.

Who is liable in a truck accident?

Possibly several parties: the driver, the motor carrier, the truck or trailer owner, the shipper or loader, and maintenance companies. Each may have its own insurance.

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Truck Accident Settlement Calculator

Truck crash claims are often worth more than car claims because injuries are more severe and interstate trucking companies must carry at least $750,000 in liability insurance, far above state car minimums. This calculator starts from that federal minimum and applies your state's fault rule and deadline.

All 50 states + DC
Verified 2026-11-13
Free · nothing stored

Your accident

State where the accident happened

How serious is the injury?

Minor×1.5–2Soft tissue, sprain, bruising; heals in weeksModerate×2–3Whiplash or back pain with months of therapySerious×3–4Fracture, herniated disc, concussion, surgerySevere×4–5Brain or spinal injury, permanent disability

Your costs so far

Medical billsLost wages

That's all you need for a first estimate. Rough numbers are fine.

Optional: make the estimate more accurate fault, insurance, lawyer fee

Fault and future costs

Your share of fault 0%Not at faultFully at faultExpected future treatment

Insurance

Trucking company's limitPrefilled with the $750,000 federal minimum for interstate trucks; change it if you know the policy.Your UM/UIM coverage

What comes out of it

Attorney fee 33%No lawyer45%

Case costsMedical liens to repay

Choose your state to see your estimate

What your claim may be worth
What you would actually take home
Your state's deadline to file

What makes a truck accident claim different

Much higher insuranceFor-hire interstate carriers hauling general freight in vehicles over 10,000 lbs must carry at least $750,000 in liability coverage; carriers of certain hazardous materials must carry $1 million to $5 million (49 CFR 387.9). Many carry more.

More than one defendantThe driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, the truck owner and maintenance contractors can all share liability, which can add more insurance to the claim.

Evidence disappears fastElectronic logging device (ELD) data, hours-of-service records, dash cams and inspection reports can be overwritten or discarded. A preservation letter early on matters.

Injuries are usually seriousBecause of the weight difference, truck crashes more often cause fractures, spinal and brain injuries; choose the severity that matches your diagnosis.

Rules in your state

Your state's fault rule and lawsuit deadline apply to truck accident claims. Pick your state for its rules and official sources, or compare fault rules and deadlines across all states.

Frequently asked questions

What is the average truck accident settlement?: There is no reliable public average because outcomes depend on injuries, liability and insurance. Truck claims tend to be larger than car claims mainly because injuries are more severe and the at-fault company usually has $750,000 or more in coverage.
How much insurance do semi trucks have to carry?: Under federal rules (49 CFR 387.9), for-hire interstate trucks hauling general freight must carry at least $750,000 in liability coverage. Certain hazardous materials require $1 million or $5 million. Intrastate trucks may fall under lower state requirements.
Who is liable in a truck accident?: Possibly several parties: the driver, the motor carrier, the truck or trailer owner, the shipper or loader, and maintenance companies. Each may have its own insurance.

Other accident calculators

Sources

FMCSA: 49 CFR 387.9, financial responsibility minimum levels