Average commercial vehicle accident settlement costs and how to reduce risks

In 2021, almost 6,000 large trucks and buses were involved in fatal crashes. With accidents comes damage, which costs money - lost wages, replacement vehicles or litigation. 

The aftermath of an accident almost always involves litigation and potential settlement costs. Learn more about the cost of commercial vehicle accident settlements and how to keep your fleet safe on the road. 

What are the average settlement amounts for commercial vehicle accidents?

It’s hard to determine the average settlement amounts for commercial vehicle accidents due to the numerous factors that affect the total amount. The sheer mass of commercial vehicles causes settlements to be higher compared to passenger vehicle crashes.

An average commercial vehicle accident settlement can cost an estimated $300,000. Depending on the extent of injuries or fatalities, payouts can reach as high as millions of dollars.

How settlement amounts are determined

A vehicle accident settlement is determined by a variety of factors, including:

• The amount of property damage
• The severity of injuries
• Medical expenses 
• Lost wages during recovery
• Pain and suffering
• Insurance coverage
• Liability/Fault
• State laws
• Legal representation

All of the above is why it’s so hard to determine an average settlement amount. It’s also why fleet companies must ensure their drivers drive safely.

Almost every one of these factors is amplified by the size and force of a commercial vehicle, which weighs 20–30 times more than a traditional passenger vehicle.

How fault is determined in an accident

All companies need to be aware of the process of determining fault within a commercial vehicle accident lawsuit.

Liability or fault is the legal term for the responsibility of the accident. If your driver is found to be at fault, they or you will have to pay based on whether you weren’t found at fault or you and your driver were both at fault.

Who can be found at fault in a commercial vehicle accident case? 

• The cargo loading company
• The complainant
• The driver
• The trucking company

Actions that contribute to fault 

So what actions or inactions would cause the fault to fall onto your side? Factors such as:

• Cargo security 
• Level of training
• Poor hiring practices
• Potential vehicle malfunction
• The driver’s action
• Unsafe driving rules and expectations

Maintenance and driver actions are important to note. In 2021, vehicle-related factors, such as the tires or brake system, contributed to 4% of fatal large truck crashes. For that same year, driver’s actions affected 32% of large truck fatal crashes.

The most common misbehavior was distracted driving, eating or impairment. 

Settlement variability by state

Commercial vehicle accident settlement amounts can vary drastically depending on the state where the accident occurs.

States with lower costs of living tend to have lower settlement rates since medical expenses and lost wages are lower in low-cost areas. So, an accident in California (high cost of living) will cost more than an accident in Mississippi (low cost of living).

State laws are also critical to settlement amounts. Some states have “Comparative Fault” laws, which means that both parties are seen as at fault. It’s the percentage of fault that determines the case. For example, if the truck driver is found to be 60% at fault, they’ll pay more than the victim who is found 40% at fault.

Other states have “No Fault” laws that require drivers to use insurance to cover their expenses. If the insurance coverage is exhausted, the complainant can legally go after the other party’s insurance for compensation.

Then there are “Fault” states, where no matter the reason, the driver who causes the accident is at fault. It doesn’t matter that the driver in front of you stopped suddenly and couldn’t stop in time - you hit the car, so you must pay the price. 

How fleet managers can use driving simulators to mitigate on-the-road risks 

Fleet managers must ensure drivers behave responsibly on the road to protect the company from commercial vehicle accident lawsuits. The best way to do this is with comprehensive driver training.

While you can’t control environmental aspects of driving, such as weather, lighting, or other driver behaviors, fleet managers can control how their drivers react to such situations.

This is where state-of-the-art Driver Training Solutions simulators come in.

1. Realistic experiences

Our simulators are equipped with immersive technology to ensure every user’s experience feels as real as possible - while staying in a controlled environment. TranSim™ mimics the feel of driving a commercial truck. In fact, it can mimic specific brands for a more customized experience.

Using real-time physical feedback via the seat and steering wheel column, users will get the same resistance and feeling of turning a large vehicle as they would on the road.

Our simulators also feature adjustable mirrors, automatic and manual transmissions, and physical foot controls. All of these physical features will sync up with what’s occurring in the scenario on our 180-degree screens. 

2. Scenario library

All Driver Training Solutions simulators feature a built-in scenario library and custom scenario builder. What does that mean? It means you can prepare drivers for numerous scenarios - including ones unique to handling a commercial vehicle.

Within a scenario, an instructor can change scenario factors such as:

• Lighting
• Road type
• Time of day
• Type of environment (rural vs. urban)
• Weather

Our simulators also have emergency response situations, so you can prepare drivers for the worst. 

3. Performance assessment

Driver Training Solutions provides instructor stations so trainers can constantly improve their drivers' skills and make proper skill assessments. Features include a scenario replay tool for more direct instructions, in-cab recording of users to enhance driving form, and scenario manipulator tools.

Save money and lives with a driving simulator

While most transportation companies realize accidents are a serious problem, they might forget about the aftermath. One accident can cost your company millions of dollars.

Instead of risking the lives of your drivers and others on the road - the best solution is to invest in a driving simulator to improve your driver training. Driver Training Solutions simulators assist in training drivers of all skill levels and for all situations.

Learn more about TranSim™ today.