Economic damages: medical expenses, lost wages, property damage

Economic damages are the measurable, financial losses suffered by victims of truck accidents. They are often the foundation of compensation claims, supported by records and expert analysis.

Truck Accident Law Team avatar
  • Truck Accident Law Team
  • 2 min read
Article 1 of 6 in Damages in Truck Accident Cases/

Economic Damages in Truck Accident Cases

1. Medical Expenses

  • Immediate Costs: Ambulance transport, emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, and prescription drugs.
  • Ongoing Care: Physical therapy, rehabilitation, follow-up appointments, assistive devices, and long-term nursing care.
  • Future Medical Needs: Projected costs for future surgeries, medications, and therapies, often established through expert testimony.

2. Lost Wages

  • Short-Term Losses: Time off work during recovery.
  • Reduced Hours or Modified Duties: Victims may return to work but earn less due to restrictions.
  • Long-Term or Permanent Loss: If injuries prevent returning to previous employment, damages may include loss of earning capacity.
  • Calculated through pay stubs, tax returns, and sometimes vocational expert testimony.

3. Property Damage

  • Vehicle Repair or Replacement: Covers the cost of repairing or replacing cars, trucks, or other property damaged in the accident.
  • Personal Belongings: Compensation for destroyed items like phones, laptops, or cargo in personal vehicles.
  • Rental Car Costs: Reimbursement for temporary transportation while repairs are made.

Proof and Documentation

  • Medical bills, hospital invoices, and pharmacy receipts.
  • Employer statements and wage records.
  • Auto repair estimates, receipts, and insurance adjuster reports.
  • Expert testimony for future medical and wage loss projections.
  • Economic damages provide the most objective, easily calculable form of compensation.
  • They set a baseline for settlement negotiations, often supplemented by non-economic and punitive damages.

Summary: Economic damages in truck accident cases cover tangible financial losses—medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. They are typically supported by extensive documentation and form the foundation of compensation claims.

Comment

Disqus comment here

Truck Accident Law Team

Written by : Truck Accident Law Team

Attorneys, investigators, and legal writers focused on U.S. trucking safety, litigation strategy, and victim advocacy.

Recommended for You

Medical records and expert testimony

Medical records and expert testimony

Truck accident cases often involve catastrophic injuries, making medical documentation and expert testimony vital to proving the extent of harm and securing fair compensation.

Common insurance company tactics

Common insurance company tactics

Insurance companies often employ strategies to minimize payouts in truck accident claims. Recognizing these tactics helps victims and their attorneys counter them effectively.

Types of insurance coverage for trucking companies

Types of insurance coverage for trucking companies

Because of the high risks and potential damages associated with commercial trucking, companies are required to carry specialized insurance policies. These cover not only the trucks themselves but also the wide range of liabilities that can arise after an accident.

Steps in filing a complaint

Steps in filing a complaint

Filing a lawsuit after a truck accident begins with the formal complaint. This legal document initiates the case and outlines the plaintiff’s claims against the defendants.