14. What damages can I recover?

After a truck accident, you may be entitled to recover several types of damages, depending on the severity of your injuries, property damage, and the circumstances of the crash. Economic damages are the most straightforward and include measurable financial losses. This typically covers medical expenses such as hospital bills, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future medical care related to the accident. It also includes lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working, as well as reduced earning capacity if your ability to earn in the future is permanently affected.

Property damage is another recoverable economic loss. This includes the repair or replacement of your vehicle, personal belongings damaged in the accident, and in some cases, costs for temporary transportation or accommodations if your home or car is unusable. Truck accidents often cause significant property damage due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles, making these damages potentially substantial.

In addition to economic damages, you may be entitled to non-economic damages, which compensate for more subjective losses. These include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and the impact of permanent scarring or disfigurement. Non-economic damages are intended to address the personal and psychological effects of the accident, which can be long-lasting and just as significant as financial losses.

Finally, in certain cases, punitive damages may be available if the trucking company or driver acted with gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety. Examples include knowingly violating hours-of-service rules, overloading a truck, or ignoring critical vehicle maintenance. Punitive damages are designed to punish egregious behavior and deter similar misconduct in the future. An experienced truck accident attorney can help identify all potential damages and calculate a fair recovery based on the full impact of the accident.