Truck accidents can leave victims facing serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and months or even years of recovery. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a crash with a commercial truck, you may be wondering how much your case is worth. At Johnson & Lundgreen, we understand that a settlement isn’t just about money—it’s about accountability, justice, and having the resources to move forward with your life.
So, what determines the value of a truck accident case in Idaho? Let’s take a closer look at the key factors that affect settlement amounts.
The Severity of Your Injuries
One of the biggest factors in any personal injury case is the extent of your injuries. More severe injuries typically result in higher settlement amounts. Common truck accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Burns and disfigurement
These injuries often require emergency treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term care. The more extensive and life-altering your injuries, the more your case may be worth.
Medical Expenses (Past and Future)
Your settlement should account for all medical costs related to the accident. That includes:
- Ambulance and ER services
- Hospital stays
- Surgeries and procedures
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Prescription medications
- Medical devices or home care
If your injuries will require ongoing treatment or future surgeries, those expected costs will be factored into the value of your case as well.
Lost Income and Earning Capacity
If you had to miss work due to your injuries, your lost wages can be included in your claim. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your job or limit your ability to earn a living in the future, you may also be entitled to compensation for lost earning capacity. We often work with vocational experts or economists to project those long-term financial losses.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages are meant to compensate you for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. While these damages are more difficult to calculate, they can significantly increase the value of your settlement, especially in cases involving long-term injuries, permanent disability, or trauma.
Liability and Evidence of Fault
In Idaho, truck accident claims are governed by the rule of modified comparative negligence. If you are found partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault—and if you’re more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering anything.
That’s why strong evidence of liability is essential. Our firm gathers and analyzes:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Dashcam or surveillance footage
- Truck maintenance logs
- Driver logs and hours of service records
- Black box data from the truck
The clearer the fault lies with the trucking company or driver, the stronger your case will be.
The Trucking Company’s Insurance Policy
Commercial trucks are required to carry large insurance policies—often $750,000 or more in liability coverage. In severe injury cases, these policies can provide the financial resources needed for full compensation. However, insurance companies often fight hard to minimize payouts. That’s why it’s important to work with a law firm that has experience going toe-to-toe with big insurers.
Your Legal Representation
Insurance companies track which lawyers are willing to settle and which ones are willing to take cases to trial. Having experienced, trial-ready attorneys on your side can increase your settlement value. At Johnson & Lundgreen, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial—because that’s what gets real results.
We don’t just look for a quick payout. We dig deep, build strong claims, and make sure our clients are treated as real people—not case numbers or dollar signs.
Non-Economic Losses and Life Impact
In addition to pain and suffering, your claim may also include compensation for other non-economic losses such as:
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship or support
- Permanent disfigurement or scarring
If the accident changed your life in a lasting way, we work to make sure the settlement reflects that.
Talk to a Truck Accident Lawyer in Idaho
No two truck accident cases are exactly alike, and many factors can affect the value of your settlement. The best way to understand what your case might be worth is to speak directly with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
At Johnson & Lundgreen, we offer free consultations and don’t charge any fees unless we win for you. Contact us today to schedule your case review. Let us fight for the compensation you need to move forward.