Types of Compensation You Can Receive After a Truck Accident in Denver

The impact of a truck accident in Denver can be life-altering. Victims are often left with severe injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and an inability to return to work. When you’re facing this reality, one of the most pressing questions is, “What types of compensation can I receive?” While no amount of money can undo the trauma, a successful personal injury claim can provide the financial security you need to rebuild your life. Our Denver truck accident attorney team at Treviño Law is dedicated to helping you secure the maximum compensation possible. Here, we break down the different categories of damages available under Colorado law.

1. Economic Damages

Economic damages are the quantifiable financial losses you’ve incurred as a result of the accident. These are tangible, verifiable expenses that can be calculated using bills, receipts, and other financial records. They are a core component of your personal injury claim and include:

  • Medical Expenses: This covers all costs related to your injuries, from emergency room visits and hospital stays to surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy, and long-term care.
  • Lost Wages: You can be compensated for the income you lose while you are unable to work due to your injuries.
  • Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries are permanent or disabling, preventing you from returning to your previous job or earning the same income, you can seek damages for your future lost earnings.
  • Property Damage: This includes the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the crash.

2. Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are compensation for the intangible, non-monetary losses you’ve suffered. These damages are designed to compensate you for the ways the accident has affected your quality of life. Unlike economic damages, they are not tied to a specific bill, but they are a crucial part of your claim. In Colorado, these damages include:

  • Pain and Suffering: This compensates for the physical pain and discomfort caused by your injuries.
  • Emotional Distress: Truck accidents can lead to significant psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed, such as hiking or spending time with family, you can be compensated for this loss.
  • Disfigurement and Permanent Impairment: This covers damages for scarring, amputations, or other permanent physical changes.

It is important to note that while economic damages are not capped in Colorado, there are caps on non-economic damages. As of recent changes, these caps are adjusted for inflation. A skilled attorney will know how to navigate these complexities and build a strong case to maximize this part of your recovery. For an official reference on damages, you can find helpful information in documents from the Colorado Judicial Branch.

3. Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are not intended to compensate you for your losses. Instead, they are awarded in rare cases to punish the at-fault party for particularly reckless or egregious behavior and to deter similar conduct in the future. In a truck accident case, punitive damages may be available if the crash was caused by:

  • Driving Under the Influence (DUI): If the truck driver was intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
  • Intentional Misconduct: If the driver or trucking company acted with malice, fraud, or willful and wanton conduct.

Colorado law generally caps punitive damages at an amount equal to the total of your compensatory (economic + non-economic) damages, though this can be increased in extreme circumstances. Your attorney will determine if your case qualifies for punitive damages and fight to hold the reckless party accountable.

Let a Denver Truck Accident Attorney Maximize Your Recovery

Determining the true value of your claim requires a meticulous and comprehensive approach. At Treviño Law, we accurately calculate all economic and non-economic damages, and we leverage our expertise to build a compelling case for full compensation. Don’t leave money on the table or let an insurance company undervalue your suffering. Contact our Denver truck accident attorneys today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.