Being involved in a collision with a commercial truck can turn your life upside down in an instant. Large trucks, due to their sheer size and weight, often cause far more extensive injuries and property damage than typical car accidents. If you or someone close to you has been injured in a truck accident in Indianapolis, you may wonder what types of financial compensation you can pursue. Understanding the categories of damages you may be entitled to is the first step toward securing the support you need to recover and move forward.
Types of Financial Damages After a Truck Accident
1. Medical Expenses
Truck accidents frequently result in serious, sometimes life-altering injuries. You may be entitled to recover costs related to:
- Ambulance rides and emergency room visits
- Hospitalizations and surgeries
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Medical equipment (crutches, wheelchairs, etc.)
- Ongoing or future medical care due to your injuries
It’s essential to keep detailed records and receipts for any medical treatment arising from your accident.
2. Lost Wages
Injuries suffered in a truck accident often mean time off work while you recover. Compensation for lost wages can include:
- Hours, days, or weeks of missed work due to your injuries
- Lost bonuses or commissions
- Use of paid time off or sick leave that you would have otherwise saved
If your injuries impact your ability to work in the future, you may also claim for loss of earning capacity.
3. Loss of Earning Capacity
Some injuries can result in permanent disabilities or health issues that prevent you from returning to your previous line of work or working at all. In such situations, you may be eligible to recover damages for the difference between what you could have earned had the accident not occurred and what you are now able to earn.
4. Property Damage
Repairing or replacing your vehicle and any personal belongings damaged in the accident can be expensive. You can pursue compensation for:
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Diminished value of your vehicle
- Personal property damaged in the crash (electronics, child seats, etc.)
5. Pain and Suffering
Not all losses can be measured in dollars and cents. Damages for pain and suffering address the physical pain, emotional anguish, and mental distress caused by the accident and your injuries. This includes:
- Physical pain and discomfort
- Emotional trauma, including anxiety and depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life or inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed
- Disfigurement or permanent scarring
6. Wrongful Death Damages
If a family member tragically loses their life in a truck accident, surviving loved ones may pursue a wrongful death claim. Damages in these cases can include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided
- Loss of companionship and emotional support
7. Other Potential Damages
Depending on the facts of your case, you may also be entitled to other forms of relief such as:
- Costs for home or vehicle modifications required for a disability
- Transportation costs for medical appointments
- Out-of-pocket expenses resulting from the accident
How Compensation Is Determined
Every truck accident case is unique, and the amount of compensation you may receive depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the extent of your financial losses, and the circumstances surrounding the crash. Commercial trucking companies often carry high-value insurance policies, but their insurers will work hard to limit payouts. This is why documenting every expense, keeping all receipts, and consulting with a qualified legal team can make a significant difference in your case.
Don’t Wait to Exercise Your Rights
Indiana law places strict time limits on filing a lawsuit after a truck accident. If you wait too long to seek compensation, you could lose your right to recover any damages. By reaching out to a knowledgeable attorney as soon as possible, you help ensure that important evidence is preserved and that your claim is filed within the necessary timeframe.
We’re Here to Help
Recovering after a serious truck accident isn’t just about getting medical care—it’s also about securing the financial resources you need to rebuild your life. If you have questions about what damages you may be entitled to after a big truck accident in Indianapolis, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for guidance and support. Your initial consultation is always free, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.