Compensation Available for Truck Accident Victims in San Diego

author
Conor Hulburt
published
January 24, 2025
Blue semi tractor trailer driving on the highway.

Truck accidents can have devastating consequences, leaving victims with severe injuries, emotional trauma, and significant financial burdens. If the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, you have the legal right to seek compensation for your losses.

In this guide, we explain the types of compensation available to truck accident victims in San Diego.

Economic vs. Non-Economic Damages

Truck accident victims may be entitled to two main types of compensation: economic damages and non-economic damages. In some cases, victims may also be awarded punitive damages to punish particularly reckless behavior.

1. Economic Damages (Financial Losses)

Economic damages cover the tangible, out-of-pocket expenses resulting from the accident. These damages are easier to quantify because they have a specific dollar value.

2. Non-Economic Damages (Intangible Losses)

Non-economic damages compensate for the emotional and psychological impact of the accident. These damages are subjective and often require skilled legal representation to calculate and prove.

3. Punitive Damages (Punishment for Gross Negligence)

In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish defendants for egregious misconduct and to deter similar behavior in the future. These damages are awarded in addition to economic and non-economic damages.

Types of Compensation Available to Truck Accident Victims

1. Medical Expenses

Truck accident injuries are often severe and require extensive medical treatment. Victims are entitled to compensation for both immediate and long-term medical costs.

Medical Expenses May Include:

  • Emergency Room Care
  • Hospital Stays and Surgeries
  • Doctor Visits and Specialist Consultations
  • Prescription Medications
  • Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
  • Medical Equipment (wheelchairs, prosthetics, etc.)
  • Ongoing Medical Care and Home Health Services

For catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries, medical costs can be lifelong. Our legal team works with medical experts to accurately calculate the total cost of care.

2. Lost Income and Loss of Earning Capacity

If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover compensation for the income you have lost and the income you are expected to lose in the future.

This Includes:

  • Lost Wages: Income missed due to time off work during recovery.
  • Loss of Earning Capacity: If you can no longer work in the same capacity or must change careers due to your injuries.
  • Lost Benefits: Loss of bonuses, commissions, and retirement contributions.

Severe injuries can prevent victims from returning to their previous job or working at all. We consult financial experts to assess how your injuries will impact your long-term earning potential.

3. Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering compensation addresses the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and resulting injuries.

Pain and Suffering Damages May Cover:

  • Chronic Pain and Physical Discomfort
  • Emotional Distress and Anxiety
  • Depression and Mental Anguish
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Because these damages are subjective, it’s essential to have an experienced truck accident attorney who can present compelling evidence to justify the compensation you deserve. 

"Your non-economic damages - physical pain, mental suffering, and emotional distress - are far and away your greatest damages. Economic damages pay for your medical bills or replace lost income. But non-economic damages compensate you for the life-changing physical, mental, and emotional harm. An experienced trial attorney is essential to ensure you receive full and fair non-economic damages."

4. Property Damage

Truck accidents can cause extensive damage to personal property, especially vehicles. Victims can recover the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property.

Property Damage Compensation Covers:

  • Vehicle Repairs or Replacement
  • Damage to Personal Items (phones, laptops, etc.)
  • Rental Car Costs
  • Towing and Storage Fees

Our attorneys ensure that all property damage costs are accurately documented and included in your claim.

5. Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care

Severe injuries may require long-term medical care and ongoing rehabilitation. Victims can seek compensation for these future expenses.

This May Include:

  • Physical and Occupational Therapy
  • Speech Therapy (for brain injuries)
  • In-Home Nursing Care
  • Modifications to Home or Vehicle (wheelchair ramps, lifts, etc.)

For catastrophic injuries, long-term care costs can be enormous. Our legal team works with life care planners to estimate these costs and ensure they are included in your compensation.

6. Disability and Disfigurement

If the accident caused permanent disability or disfigurement, victims are entitled to compensation for the lasting impact on their quality of life.

This Includes:

  • Loss of Limb (Amputation)
  • Scarring and Disfigurement
  • Loss of Mobility or Paralysis
  • Loss of Sensory Functions (vision or hearing)

These injuries not only affect a victim’s physical abilities but also their emotional well-being and self-esteem.

7. Loss of Consortium

Loss of consortium refers to the deprivation of companionship, support, and intimacy due to a spouse's injuries. 

8. Wrongful Death Damages

If a truck accident results in the tragic loss of life, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for their emotional and financial losses.

Wrongful Death Compensation May Include:

  • Loss of Love, Companionship, Comfort, Care, and Affection
  • Loss of Financial Support
  • Funeral and Burial Expenses
  • Loss of Household Services

At Hulburt Law Firm, we provide compassionate legal support for families seeking justice after losing a loved one in a fatal truck accident.

Attorneys Conor and Leslie Hulburt

How Hulburt Law Firm Maximizes Your Compensation

At Hulburt Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping truck accident victims in San Diego recover the maximum compensation they deserve. Our legal team:

  • Conducts a Thorough Investigation: We collect evidence, review accident reports, and consult experts.
  • Identifies All Liable Parties: We hold drivers, trucking companies, manufacturers, and other responsible parties accountable.
  • Accurately Calculates Damages: We work with medical and financial experts to assess your total losses.
  • Aggressively Negotiates with Insurance Companies: We fight for a full and fair settlement.
  • Take Your Case to Trial if Necessary: We are experienced trial attorneys ready to stand up in court.

Why Choose Hulburt Law Firm?

Hulburt Law Firm's top-rated San Diego Truck Accident Attorneys have extensive experience handling truck accident cases in San Diego. We understand how overwhelming this time can be, and we are here to guide you through every step.

What We Offer:

  • Free, No-Obligation Consultation
  • No Fees Unless We Win
  • Aggressive Representation Against Trucking Companies
  • Compassionate and Personalized Legal Support

Contact Hulburt Law Firm Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you deserve justice and full compensation for your losses. Contact us today at 619.821.0500, or complete the contact form below. Because The Truth Demands Justice.

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