Average Truck Accident Settlement in Missouri (2025)

While all vehicle accidents can have life-altering consequences, truck accidents can lead to catastrophic consequences due to their sheer size and mass. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, it is normal to be looking into what the average truck accident settlement in Missouri is, especially as the hospital bills pile up and emotions become overwhelming.

What Is a Truck Accident Settlement?

A common resolution for truck accidents is a legal settlement. In these cases, the party found liable pays an agreed-upon sum to the injured person to compensate them for their losses. In Missouri, the truck driver, trucking company or owner, vehicle and parts manufacturers, and cargo loaders could be found at fault for an accident.

How the Settlement Is Calculated

Every settlement is different, but the amount is calculated based on:

Liability/Fault

Liability, or who is at fault, is one of the most critical factors when calculating the value of a truck accident settlement. It impacts who is responsible for paying the compensation. After the accident, there will be an investigation to determine the cause. This means reviewing police reports, collecting physical evidence, talking to witnesses, and sometimes reconstructing the accident scene.

How Severe the Injuries Are

The severity of the injuries has a big role in the value of the settlement, as it will determine the amount of medical and other expenses required to treat these injuries. If the accident caused severe injuries or death, it would likely result in a higher final settlement.

Insurance Coverage

The insurance policy of the person or company found liable can impact the amount of the settlement. Those found liable may have limited insurance coverage. If the awarded damages surpass the policy limit, the injured party might not get the entire settlement amount. Fortunately, Missouri does require truck drivers and trucking companies to hold more insurance than the minimum required for regular passenger vehicles.

The amount of insurance they are required to hold depends on how heavy the vehicle is, whether they travel intrastate or interstate, and what type of freight they’re hauling. Many companies will choose to carry additional coverage beyond the minimum requirements.

Missouri Pure Comparative Negligence System

The state follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning people can recover damages from an accident, even if they are found to be partially at fault. For example, if the court finds that the individual seeking a settlement is 20% liable for the accident, 20% of the final settlement will be taken off. Therefore, if they were awarded $100,000, they would receive $80,000.

Types of Damages Available for Truck Accident Victims

There are two primary types of damages you could recover in a truck accident case. The first is economic damages. These are quantifiable financial losses that came from the accident, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and any out-of-pocket expenses, like travel costs for appointments.

The other is non-economic damages. These are more difficult to calculate than economic damages because they are non-monetary losses. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of relationships, permanent disability or disfigurement, and the loss of life enjoyment.

A less common type of damage awarded in a settlement can be punitive damages. This is meant to punish those found liable if they committed a particularly egregious and reckless act, such as driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, driving with defective equipment, and exceeding service hours.

Representation Matters

Due to the state’s pure comparative fault law, having a skilled attorney by your side after a truck accident can significantly impact your settlement amount. An attorney can handle the legal process, potentially minimize any of your liability, and recover what you deserve. They can work diligently for you by:

• Investigating the accident
• Gathering evidence
• Identifying all liable parties
• Calculating your damages
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Representing you in court

It is not only the legal process they can support you through but also the stress and emotional burden that truck accidents can cause. A lawyer can be your advocate throughout the aftermath of your injury, allowing you the time to recover while providing the guidance you need for a more positive future.

FAQs

How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?

The amount a victim can recover from a truck accident settlement will depend on various factors, including how severe the injuries are, the extent of the property damage, and the liability of the parties involved. The court will also factor in the victim’s lost wages, past and future medical expenses, and the amount of pain and suffering the accident caused.

What Kinds of Compensation Can I Recover?

Some of the most common types of compensation you could recover from a truck accident are:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium
• Property damage

These are all classified under economic and non-economic damages. In certain cases, where extreme negligence was found, victims could receive punitive damages to punish the at-fault party.

Who Can Be Held Liable for the Accident?

In Missouri, the liable party could be:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company or truck owner
• A vehicle manufacturer
• A vehicle parts manufacturer
• The cargo loader

Multiple parties could even be held liable for a single accident, depending on the circumstances. If you are unsure who would be liable in your case, an experienced truck accident lawyer can provide guidance.

What If I Am Partially at Fault?

In Missouri, even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover compensation for your injuries. The state follows a “pure comparative negligence” system, which means your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Therefore, if you are found to be partially at fault, you can still pursue legal action.

If You’ve Been Hurt, Let Us Help

Truck accidents often come with devastating consequences. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, reach out to a skilled truck accident attorney. The Bajric and Ramic Law Office is here to recover the compensation you deserve, allowing you to cover medical bills, lost wages, and your pain and suffering.