We are often asked about financial recovery after truck accidents, specifically: what damages can I receive after a truck crash? Victims of big rig and truck crashes are most often left with debilitating, life-altering injuries that will require significant financial resources throughout their lifetime. Beyond medical expenses and hospital bills, accident victims (plaintiffs) will likely need financial compensation to account for time off work, future medical costs, and other monetary losses caused by the crash.

In a truck accident lawsuit, you may be able to sue for the following damages:

·      Medical bills including diagnostic and laboratory tests, surgeries, medical devices and prescriptions expenses, etc.

·      Physical therapy and rehabilitation

·      Counseling and mental health assistance

·      In-home care or 24/7 medical assistance for disabilities

·      Home remodeling costs (installing guard rails, wheelchair ramps, etc.)

·      Lost wages from time off work

·      Job retraining and educational costs

·      Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)

This list is not exhaustive. In some cases, punitive damages may be available. Punitive damages are intended to “punish” the defendant, or teach them a lesson, and are awarded to plaintiffs in some cases. An experienced truck accident attorney will be able to walk you through the specifics of your case and let you know what you can expect in terms of financial recovery.

Truck Drivers and Federal Laws

Commercial trucks, including 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, and big rigs, can easily weigh 20 times what an average passenger vehicle weighs. For this reason, truck drivers and the companies who hire them carry an additional level of responsibility and liability. In addition to state laws, all California truck drivers must abide by the regulations set out by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.