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Victim of a Truck Accident? Here’s How to Get Compensated

by: adminOn: September 17, 2025

Truck accidents can be incredibly dangerous — not just for the person behind the wheel but for anything or anyone unfortunate enough to be caught in the path. The heavy vehicles are known to cause serious injuries, fatalities, and damage to property. It’s one of the major reasons why the transportation industry is the second most dangerous sector for employees, and the seventh most dangerous for civilians.

If you or a loved one has been injured in such an incident, you should know that the law offers certain protections. In this article, discover what truck damages you can recover, and how our law firm in Glendale can help you file truck accident claims.

What Truck Damages Can You Recover?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration puts out an annual report recording the number of commercial truck accidents. In 2021, it reported about 166,000 incidents.

Over the next two years, the numbers declined marginally, and safety standards improved significantly. But the problem, unfortunately, still persists, affecting thousands of families each year. The physical, emotional, and financial toll can be overwhelming. If you or someone you know has been affected, you may be eligible to recover some of these common economic damages:

Medical Expenses

You can recover the cost of all medical treatment related to the accident. This includes all medical bills — from first aid and emergency care to physical therapy and long-term rehabilitation. It may also include compensation for consultations, prescriptions, as well as transport to and from the hospital. Our Glendale personal injury lawyers can help you identify and compile this list.

Lost Wages

If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be compensated for the lost income during the period. In serious cases, where the accident leaves you with lasting injuries, you may also be compensated for future wages, or “loss of earning capacity”, which prevents you from earning the same amount you did before the incident.

Compensation for Lost Wages After a Truck Accident

Property Damage

Your truck accident settlement usually also includes costs of repairs or replacement, as well as any damage to personal items inside the vehicle at the time.

Wrongful Death

If a loved one loses their life in a truck accident, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for funerals, loss of financial support, or emotional suffering.

Legal Fees

In many cases, legal expenses incurred while pursuing your claim are recovered. This includes bills for legal counsel as well as the costs of court-related services. Many firms will, in fact, waive their fees unless they win you the case, or until a truck accident settlement has been reached.

Moreover, i​n addition to these special damages, you may also be entitled to non-economic damages, which can include:

  • Pain and Suffering: This accounts for physical discomfort, chronic pain, and emotional distress caused by the accident and its aftermath.
  • Mental Anguish: Truck accidents often leave long-term psychological effects like anxiety, depression, or PTSD, especially in victims who are now afraid to drive or travel.
  • Loss of Consortium: This refers to the deterioration of relationships due to injuries — including the loss of companionship, intimacy, or emotional support.
  • Loss of Enjoyment: If your injuries prevent you from participating in hobbies, or missing family events, you may be eligible to claim compensation.

If you’re unsure about which apply to you, reach out to us for a free case evaluation

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Who Can be Held Liable For Damages After a Truck Accident?

Determining liability after truck accidents isn’t always straightforward. Multiple parties may be involved, and identifying who is legally responsible is key to building a strong claim. Those who may be held liable for punitive damages include:

  • The Driver: Whether due to fatigue, distraction, speeding, or driving under the influence, the driver may be directly at fault.
  • Trucking Company: If the company failed to maintain the vehicle, ignored safety protocols, or pressured the driver into unsafe practices, it may share liability.
  • Vehicle Manufacturer: Defective parts, such as brakes or tires, can cause or worsen an accident. In such cases, the manufacturer may be held accountable.
  • Government Entities: If hazardous road conditions — like potholes, or missing signs — contributed to the accident, local agencies may share responsibility.
  • Other Drivers or Pedestrians: Often, other parties on the road contribute to or cause a truck accident.

The purpose of punitive damages isn’t to directly compensate the plaintiff, but punish the defendant. However, the plaintiff may receive some — if not all — of the punitive damages as part of their truck accident compensation.

It’s a lot to keep track of, which is why we always recommend working with the experts. Our truck accident attorneys in Glendale specialize in identifying every liable party and maximizing your compensation.

How to Preserve Evidence After a Truck Accident?

Collecting and safeguarding evidence is essential to building a successful truck accident damages claim. Here’s how to make sure you’re protected:

  • Take photos and videos of the crash site, your injuries, and damage.
  • Gather witness statements to help corroborate your version of events. 
  • Document medical bills and opinions of medical experts who back your claims.

Collecting this evidence may seem obvious, but in the moments following a major accident, it’s likely that the injured party may be too disoriented to take immediate action. It’s always recommended that you work with a lawyer who can help negotiate with insurance companies and ensure smooth recovery. 

How to Preserve Evidence After a Truck Accident

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I recover damages after a truck accident?

Following an accident, you’ll need to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party’s insurance. The lawyers at Pogosyan law can help gather evidence, file your claim, and negotiate for the best settlement.

Do I need to collect medical bills after a truck accident?

Yes. Medical bills are key evidence of your financial losses and are essential in calculating compensation. 

Who can be held liable for damages in trucking accident cases?

Multiple parties can be held liable — including the driver, trucking company, parts manufacturers, government entities, and other parties involved in the incident.

What is the average settlement in a truck accident case?

Settlements vary widely based on the severity of injuries, extent of damage, and more. Truck accident settlements can range from $100,000 to $500,000. Serious injury or wrongful death claims can reach into the millions. 

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