Think about the last time you drove on the highway. Chances are, you passed several large commercial trucks along the way. While these vehicles play an important role in our economy by transporting goods across long distances, they also pose a significant risk to other drivers on the road. According to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), over 510,000 crashes involving large trucks were reported in 2019 alone.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, it is important to understand your rights and options for seeking compensation for damages. In this guide, we will discuss some of the most common types of damages that truck accident victims may be eligible to recover.
Whether you are dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or other expenses related to the accident, contact a truck crash attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case and determine the best course of action.
Types of Damages in Truck Accident Cases
We will divide the damages in truck accident cases into three main categories:
- Economic Damages
- Non-economic Damages
- Punitive Damages
1. Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to any financial losses that resulted from the truck accident. These can include:
- Medical expenses: This includes current and future costs for hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and more.
- Lost wages: If you were unable to work due to injuries sustained in the accident, you may be eligible to recover the income you would have earned during that time.
- Property damage: Truck accidents can cause significant damage to vehicles involved, leading to repair or replacement costs.
2. Non-economic Damages
Non-economic damages are more difficult to quantify as they refer to the physical and emotional impact of the accident on the victim. These can include:
- Pain and suffering: This includes any physical pain, discomfort, or limitations caused by injuries sustained in the truck accident.
- Emotional distress: Truck accidents can be traumatic experiences that leave lasting emotional effects such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries have impacted your ability to participate in activities you once enjoyed, you may be eligible to seek compensation for this loss.
- Loss of consortium: If a spouse or family member has been seriously injured in a truck accident, their loved ones may be able to recover damages for the loss of companionship and support.
3. Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are meant to punish the at-fault party for particularly egregious behavior or actions that led to the truck accident. These damages are not as common as economic and non-economic damages, but they can be awarded if the court determines that the defendant acted with intentional wrongdoing or gross negligence.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney Today
Regardless of what type of damages you have suffered in a truck accident, it is important to work with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the complex legal process. They will fight for your rights and work to secure the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, do not hesitate to contact a truck crash attorney for guidance and support. Your recovery should be your top priority, and an attorney can handle the legal aspects of your case so you can focus on healing.
