The damages you can recover in a delivery truck accident depend on the impact the crash had on your health, property, and ability to work, though common examples include medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Victims of delivery truck crashes involving semi-trucks, big-rigs, or commercial vehicles may be entitled to compensation for both financial and emotional losses.
It’s important to consult a truck accident lawyer in Los Angeles to understand how liability works and how negligence can affect the outcome of your truck accident lawsuit.
Economic Damages after a Delivery Truck Accident
There are two main types of compensatory damages: Economic and non-economic. Economic damages are the measurable financial losses tied to the accident. Medical records, receipts, and work documentation often support these.
Common types of economic damages include:
- Medical expenses, including hospitalizations, doctor bills, and prescription medications
- Physical therapy or ongoing medical treatment
- Lost income from missed work, including future earnings
- Vehicle repair or replacement for property damage
These losses can add up quickly after an accident involving big rigs, commercial vehicles, or USPS trucks. Keeping records helps show how your life and finances were affected.
Non-economic Damages for a Delivery Truck Crash
Non-economic damages are harder to measure but just as important. They reflect how the accident changed your daily life and well-being.
Examples include:
- Pain and suffering from injuries
- Emotional damages such as emotional distress, anxiety, or depression
- Loss of enjoyment in daily activities
- Changes to relationships or life at home
People recovering from spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or amputations may feel lasting effects well after the accident. Even those without permanent injuries can experience emotional and physical struggles.
(310) 526-8383Can You Get Punitive Damages After a Delivery Truck Hits You?
In rare cases, courts may award punitive damages. These are not tied to your losses. Instead, they are meant to punish serious wrongdoing. For example, if a truck driver was speeding while under the influence, or if a trucking company ignored federal regulations, a judge may consider this type of award.
Factors such as defective truck parts, inadequate vehicle maintenance, or failure to comply with hours-of-service rules may also contribute to the issue. A truck accident lawyer can explain how punitive damages work in California.
3 Things You Need to Know About Delivery Truck Accidents and Damages
Accidents involving delivery trucks, semi-trucks, or other commercial vehicles can lead to serious injuries, high medical expenses, and lasting effects on your daily life. If you’re thinking about a truck accident lawsuit or insurance claim, there are a few important facts to understand before moving forward.
The following points can help you understand what may be involved in claiming damages and what steps can support your recovery.
1. Building a Case for Damages
To claim compensation after a delivery truck accident, it’s often necessary to show how the crash affected you and who was responsible. A strong case may include:
- Medical records, bills, and reports showing your medical treatment
- Accident report and photos from the scene
- Witness interviews and expert witnesses, such as those in accident reconstruction
- GPS systems, black box data, or dash cam footage
- Documentation of vehicle maintenance or signs of product liability
This kind of evidence helps support claims for economic damages like hospitalizations and lost income, as well as non-economic damages such as pain and suffering or emotional distress.
2. How Liability Affects Compensation
Liability is a key factor in determining what damages can be recovered. In some cases, the truck driver may be responsible due to speeding, fatigue, or human error. In others, the delivery company, vehicle manufacturer, or independent contractors may share fault.
Multiple defendants can be involved, especially if the cargo was loaded incorrectly or if the truck failed due to poor maintenance. When vicarious liability applies, a company may be held responsible for a driver’s actions during a delivery.
3. Understanding the Statute of Limitations
Every personal injury case, including those involving delivery truck crashes, must be filed within a set amount of time. If a claim is not filed on time, it may be dismissed, even if injuries are serious or the evidence is strong. In California, the statute of limitations is two years.
Factors that can affect the deadline include:
- Whether the injured person is a pedestrian, bicyclist, or passenger
- The age and health of the injured person
- How long it took to discover an injury
- Whether the defendant is a private company or a government agency
Acting early can help you gather the records and support needed for your case. If you’re unsure how the time limit applies to your situation, speaking with a personal injury attorney may help.
(310) 526-8383Consult a Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyer at Omega Law at No Cost
If you’ve been injured in a delivery truck accident and are dealing with medical expenses, property damages, or lasting emotional trauma, an experienced personal injury attorney can help explain your options. At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, clients receive personalized guidance and support throughout the legal process.
You can ask about economic and non-economic damages, how to approach insurance policies, or whether your case could move toward a settlement or trial. Whether the truck was making deliveries for online companies or hauling cargo for a large chain, your recovery matters.
