How Much Money Do You Get If an 18-Wheeler Hits You?
March 5, 2026 | By Colombo Law
You may be entitled to substantial compensation if an 18-wheeler hit you. The value of a truck accident claim can range from tens of thousands of dollars to millions of dollars in extreme cases. How much money you may get depends on the seriousness of your injuries, who is at fault, and the losses you have incurred to date/will face in the future.
An 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer at Colombo Law will seek to maximize your compensation. Our team has extensive experience with these cases, preparing each one as though it will go to trial. This ensures that we are ready if the defendant(s) won’t pay what’s fair.
Find out how much your case may be worth and how Colombo Law can help. Call us in Columbus at 614-362-7000 today for a FREE consultation. We serve the victims of 18-wheeler accidents throughout Ohio.
What Happens If an 18-Wheeler Hits You?
Collisions with semi-trucks often lead to devastating injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 75% of the people injured in crashes with large trucks are the occupants of other vehicles. The reasons why should come as no surprise: fully loaded 18-wheelers are about 20 times heavier than the average passenger vehicle.
If you are hit by an 18-wheeler, you are likely to suffer serious injuries. Truck accidents may also result in fatalities due to the forces involved. In recent years, the NHTSA has recorded more than 5,000 deaths annually in large truck collisions.
Prompt medical attention is essential after being struck by a big rig in Columbus. You may need to be transported to a nearby trauma center, such as Wexner Medical Center or OhioHealth Grant Medical Center.
It is also very important to understand your legal rights. Colombo Law can help you file an 18-wheeler accident claim and pursue all of the compensation you deserve.
How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?
A settlement is the most common means of resolving the case if an 18-wheeler hit you. If a settlement is reached, the liable party or parties agree to pay you a certain monetary sum for your injuries and damages.
Settlement amounts can vary in truck accident claims. Colombo Law has secured numerous multi-million-dollar settlements on behalf of clients who were hit by commercial vehicles. These include:
- $22 million settlement: Two people were tragically killed when a large truck smashed into their vehicle at a stoplight. Our investigation found that the trucking company was operating illegally and the shipper failed to perform background checks before hiring the carrier.
- $4.75 million settlement: An elderly woman was injured and her husband ultimately died after they were rear-ended by a truck driver who was distracted by his phone.
- $3.5 million settlement: Our client was riding in a pickup truck when a water tanker pulled out in front of the vehicle. We proved that the driver of the tanker truck was 100% at fault.
NOTE: These examples are provided solely for purposes of illustration, not to suggest how much money may be available to you. Ultimately, our team will need to review your case to determine your right to compensation.
How Much Money Do You Get If You Get Hit by a Semi?
Attorneys at Colombo Law evaluate a number of different factors to calculate the value of a semi-truck accident claim. Some of the most important include:
The Severity of Your Injuries
Being hit by a truck can have lifelong consequences. We have seen victims suffer a wide range of serious injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Facial and eye injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Bone fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burn injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Traumatic amputation/loss of a limb
Often, these injuries require extensive medical care and rehabilitation. They can also affect employment, your ability to perform everyday tasks, and relationships with your family. All of these considerations need to be taken into account when calculating the money you may be due.
Fault & Liability
Assessing the share of fault is one of the most important components in any accident claim. Multiple parties may be liable for a truck accident. We investigate the role each defendant played so they can be held accountable:
- The truck driver: If an 18-wheeler hits you, we first look for signs of negligence on the truck driver’s part.
- Commercial trucking company: The trucking company may be held liable for a driver’s actions as well as negligent hiring, supervision, operations, and maintenance.
- Vehicle and parts manufacturers: Examination of the truck and trailer may reveal defects for which a manufacturer may face liability.
- Cargo loaders: The entities responsible for loading cargo may face legal action if the truck is overloaded or cargo is unsecured.
- Maintenance providers: Liability for faulty maintenance and repairs may rest with the owner of the truck, the trucking company, and/or third-party mechanics.
Proving that multiple parties were at fault requires strong evidence. This goes beyond photos, witness statements, and police reports and often includes complex records and testimony from expert witnesses.
Insurance Coverage
Commercial truck drivers need to meet federal insurance requirements. These are much higher than Ohio’s 25/50/25 mandatory insurance rule. Under federal law, the minimum insurance requirements for an 18-wheeler are:
- $750,000 for carriers of non-hazardous materials and household goods
- $1 million for carriers of hazardous materials such as flammable liquids and solids, corrosive substances, and certain toxins
- $5 million for carriers that transport the most dangerous hazardous materials (explosives, poisonous gases, and radioactive materials)
Higher insurance limits mean more money is available to the victims of trucking accidents. Unfortunately, it also means that insurance companies are likely to be aggressive in disputing claims. Experienced legal representation is key for obtaining a fair settlement or winning at trial.
Economic Damages
Any expenses and financial losses you face after being hit by an 18-wheeler fall under the umbrella of economic damages. You may be entitled to compensation for the following in a truck accident claim:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- The future cost of medical care, therapy, etc.
- Loss of earning capacity
- Household services and assistance
Non-Economic Damages
You may also be entitled to non-economic damages if an 18-wheeler hit you. These losses are not quantifiable like economic damages, instead reflecting the impact on your physical health and emotional well-being.
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
- Permanent disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of the enjoyment of life
There is no cap on non-economic damages if you suffer a permanent injury or disability (see Ohio Revised Code § 2315.18). Colombo Law can collect the evidence needed to prove that your injuries meet this threshold.
Punitive Damages
You may have a claim for punitive damages if the accident occurred due to malice on the part of one or more defendants. This is a high bar to reach (see Ohio Revised Code § 2315.21), but it is worth exploring to see if additional money may be obtained for your truck accident injuries.
Colombo Law can explore your right to punitive damages following a truck accident. Our trial experience is vital for presenting your case in court and proving that you should be awarded additional compensation.
Did an 18-Wheeler Hit You? Contact Colombo Law Today
Having a skilled attorney is critical for obtaining the maximum in a semi-truck accident claim. Insurers, trucking companies, and other parties want to pay as little as possible. Without legal representation, you may get much less than you deserve — or nothing at all.
For decades, Colombo Law has been recognized as Ohio’s top truck accident injury firm. Our motto, Hurt by a Truck?™, demonstrates our commitment to helping those who have suffered serious harm in collisions with tractor-trailers. These are unique and difficult cases, but our lawyers are up to the task of seeking full compensation for you and your family.
If you or someone you love has been hit by an 18–wheeler, we encourage you to call Colombo Law at 614-362-7000 today for a FREE case review. Our truck accident lawyers are based in Columbus and serve clients all over Ohio.
