It’s a quiet afternoon on Rosedale Highway, one of Bakersfield’s busiest routes for commercial trucks. Suddenly, a crash involving a semi truck leaves you injured, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to do next.
This is the reality for many truck accident victims in California, and understanding your legal and medical rights is crucial. When it comes to truck accident claims, knowing what types of medical care and damages you can claim can make the difference between struggling to recover and receiving the fair compensation you deserve.
Here’s what you need to know to take control of your recovery and your case.
Types of Damages in a Truck Accident Claim
In California, truck accident victims can seek compensatory damages, which fall under two major categories: economic and non-economic damages. In rare cases, punitive damages may also apply.
1. Economic Damages
These cover your measurable financial losses.
| Type | Examples |
| Medical Expenses | Emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, and prescriptions |
| Loss of Earnings | Time missed from work, reduced ability to earn income |
| Property Damage | Vehicle repairs or replacement costs |
| Pocket Expenses | Out-of-pocket costs like transportation to medical appointments |
2. Non-Economic Damages
These cover your physical pain and emotional suffering.
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship or loss of consortium
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
3. Punitive Damages (Exemplary Damages)
Awarded when the fault party acted with extreme negligence or intentional harm, such as a truck driver operating under the influence or a trucking company that failed to maintain safety standards.
Legal Context and California Law
Under California’s comparative fault rule (California Civil Code §1431.2), you may still recover damages even if you’re partially at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault. For instance, if you’re found 20% at fault, your recovery will be reduced by 20%.
In addition, insurance companies representing the responsible parties, like a commercial vehicle owner or the trucking company, may try to downplay your injuries. That’s why proper documentation is essential.
3 Actionable Steps to Strengthen Your Truck Accident Claim
To increase your chances of maximum compensation, follow these key steps:
1. Document Everything
- Keep all medical records and receipts.
- Maintain a pain journal detailing your physical injuries and emotional challenges.
- Get written notes from doctors outlining your treatment and limitations.
2. Understand How Damages Are Calculated
- Actual damages (economic) are calculated based on actual costs.
- Non-economic damages are often determined using the multiplier method, where your total economic damages are multiplied by a number (usually between 1.5 and 5) depending on the severity of your personal injuries.
3. Know Who Can Be Held Accountable
More than one liable party may be involved in commercial truck accidents:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- Third-party maintenance providers
- Vehicle manufacturers (if a defect caused the crash)
Common Injuries in Truck Accident Claims
Commercial truck crashes can cause devastating injuries that lead to long-term disabilities or even wrongful death. These may include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones and spinal injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Emotional trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Permanent loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Medical Care Tips for Accident Victims
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if symptoms seem minor. Some injuries—like internal bleeding or head trauma—may not appear right away.
- Follow through with all recommended treatments, including physical therapy, specialist visits, or mental health support.
- Request and keep copies of all medical records and receipts. These documents are essential when calculating damages and building a strong personal injury claim.
- Avoid gaps in treatment—insurance providers may use delayed or inconsistent care to reduce your compensatory damages.
- Track your symptoms and limitations in a daily journal, noting how your physical injuries affect daily activities and mental well-being.
Taking care of your health is critical, but so is properly documenting your recovery. These steps support your healing and strengthen your case for maximum compensation.
Legal Support Matters
Navigating truck accident claims alone, especially while injured, can be a costly mistake. Insurance adjusters may offer a fast payout, but that amount often doesn’t reflect the full impact of your injuries.
Example: After a collision with a commercial truck on Highway 99, a Bakersfield resident was offered $10,000 upfront by the insurance company. With the help of an experienced truck accident lawyer, they could document economic and non-economic damages, including loss of earnings, pain and suffering, and ongoing therapy needs, ultimately settling the case for about 7 to 10 times more.
Tip: Never accept an offer without understanding your medical expenses and how your injuries will affect your quality of life. Speak to a local truck accident lawyer in Bakersfield who understands the trucking industry and California’s comparative fault laws.
At Farahi Law Firm in Bakersfield, our truck accident attorneys are ready to advocate for you and ensure the liable party is held accountable.
Act Now. Get the Care and Money You Deserve.
Truck accident claims involve more than proving you were hurt—they require showing the full impact on your life. From actual damages like hospital bills to loss of companionship and pain and suffering, every detail counts. Don’t leave your recovery in the hands of insurance companies focused on minimizing payouts.
Contact our trusted Bakersfield personal injury attorney today to discuss your personal injury claim and secure a path toward healing and justice. We offer free consultations at Farahi Law Firm and are here to help you fight for a fair settlement—because your recovery, future, and dignity matter.
