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A collision with a commercial truck can leave you with devastating injuries and a long road to recovery. Medical bills pile up quickly, and the physical and emotional toll may last for months or even years. If another party’s negligence caused the accident—the truck driver, the trucking company, or another party—you can recover compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
This blog explains the types of damages that may be available in a truck accident, how they are calculated, and why working with an experienced attorney can make a difference.
Medical Expenses: The Foundation of Most Claims
Medical costs are often the largest and most immediate expense after a truck crash. You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency care and ambulance transport
- Hospital stays and surgical procedures
- Diagnostic imaging (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans)
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Medication, mobility aids, and medical equipment
- In-home care or long-term treatment facilities
If your injuries require ongoing treatment, your claim can also include projected future medical expenses. These damages must often be supported by medical experts and cost assessments that reflect long-term needs.
Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity
Truck accident injuries can keep you out of work for days, weeks, or even permanently. Your claim may include:
- Income lost while recovering from the crash
- Missed business opportunities or bonuses
- Sick leave or vacation time used during recovery
If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job—or reduce your ability to earn income in the future, you may also be eligible for loss of earning capacity. This type of damage often requires the input of vocational or economic experts to establish how your career path and earning potential have been affected.
Pain and Suffering
Not every loss shows up on a bill. Pain and suffering damages are designed to compensate for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries. These damages are more subjective and can vary based on:
- The severity of your injuries
- The length and difficulty of recovery
- Whether you experienced chronic pain or permanent disability
- Impact on your sleep, mobility, or quality of life
Because these damages don’t come with a receipt, insurance companies often try to downplay or dismiss them. That’s why detailed documentation and legal advocacy are key.
Emotional Distress and Mental Health Effects
In addition to physical injuries, many truck accident victims suffer from serious emotional or psychological impacts. These may include:
- Anxiety, depression, or PTSD
- Fear of driving or riding in a vehicle
- Flashbacks, nightmares, or sleep disorders
- Difficulty concentrating or returning to daily routines
Emotional distress is often included as part of non-economic damages, especially when backed by mental health treatment records or expert evaluations.
Property Damage
Your vehicle and personal belongings may have been damaged or destroyed in the crash. You can seek compensation for:
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Towing and rental car expenses
- Damaged items inside the vehicle (phones, car seats, laptops, etc.)
While property damage is often handled separately from bodily injury claims, it can be a significant part of your overall financial recovery.
Punitive Damages in Certain Cases
In rare cases involving extreme recklessness or intentional wrongdoing, the court may award punitive damages. These are not tied to your personal losses—they’re meant to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar conduct in the future.
Examples of conduct that may justify punitive damages include:
- Driving under the influence
- Knowingly violating safety regulations
- Falsifying driver logs or maintenance records
- Road rage or aggressive driving
Punitive damages are not available in every case, and they must meet a high legal standard. An attorney can determine whether this type of compensation is appropriate.
Factors That May Affect Your Damages
Several factors can influence the amount of compensation available in your case:
- Fault–New Jersey follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you’re found to be partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced accordingly.
- Insurance Coverage–Commercial trucking companies often carry large insurance policies, but coverage limits and policy exclusions can still affect your recovery.
- Injury Documentation–Medical records, treatment history, and expert reports all play a role in determining damages.
A well-developed case backed by strong evidence and expert support can significantly increase the value of your claim.
Get Help Calculating the Damages You Deserve
Filing a truck accident lawsuit is about more than proving who was at fault—it’s about showing the full extent of how the crash has changed your life. You deserve to be compensated for every part of your recovery, from physical injuries to emotional hardship and future care needs.
At Nagel Rice, we represent truck accident victims throughout New Jersey and help them pursue the full range of damages available under the law. If you’ve been injured in a truck crash, contact us today to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help.