Truck accidents normally cause catastrophic injuries, extensive medical bills, along severe emotional trauma. The victim will want justice and fair compensation in any case, but a few mistakes severely reduce the possibility of being able to win. Before proceeding, it is wise to consult a truck accident lawyer to avoid pitfalls that might jeopardise your case.
1. Failing to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
One common mistake that victims and other affiliated persons make is not seeking medical help right after the accident. The injuries may not display symptoms immediately but may worsen over time. If you do not get any treatment immediately, the insurance adjusters will conclude that your injuries were not caused in the accident.
Furthermore, medical records are used as vital evidence to back up claims in this fight. Without treatment, it would become very hard to prove that the accident resulted in your injuries, and you will therefore have less chance of achieving a fair settlement.
2. Admitting Fault at the Scene
Truck accidents can be messy events. Having to deal with things at the crash site, victims often feel pressured into apologising or admitting fault when they did not. Avoid statements like, “I didn’t see him,” or “It was my fault.”
Anything you say at that particular site can be held against you later. Refrain from admitting to anything-even if you feel some glimmer of responsibility the presence of others, until the investigator does their full job. They will allow the police and your lawyer to interpret facts, at which time you may choose whether or not to accept blame.
3. Not Collecting Evidence
The gathering of evidence will be a shot in the arm for the good case after the accident. Because of shock, disarray, or worry, many victims of accidents forget to note down important details—at the very least, pictures of the damage to the vehicles, skid marks, the road, injuries, and the coordinates of the truck’s licence plate.
Also, get contact details of any witnesses and the truck driver. The sooner you gather your evidence, the better, for it will strengthen your lawyer’s case against the respondent. Relying solely on a police report may not always be sufficient to support your side of the story.
4. Talking to Insurance Companies Without Legal Advice
Insurance companies aim to pay you as little money as possible. Adjusters might call you soon after the accident and ask for recorded statements. They may be seemingly amiable, but their aim is to discover any information that can decrease the value of your claim.
Never discuss your injuries, the accident, or settlement offers with insurance representatives without talking to your attorney first. A wrong word spoken at the time could crush your claim. Remember, insurance companies never work for you.
5. Settling Too Early
Many victims simply accept the first settlement offer because they want quick cash to cover immediate bills. Yet, first offers are generally less than what your claim is worth. Once the settlement is made, you can no longer ask for more money, even though you might lose out on future medical expenses.
Sometimes truck accidents require long-term treatment or result in permanent disabilities. A quick settlement without fully understanding the magnitude of your injury and loss may leave you in a financial bind later on.
Final Thoughts
Truck cases can be tricky when more than one party may share the blame. You may have to charge anyone from the drivers to the companies, or perhaps even the maintenance providers. Even the smallest of mistakes can give an insurance company a valid reason to deny or undervalue your claim.
To go against it and protect your rights, here are five mistakes never to make, plus always consult an expert. Your experienced lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, gather pertinent evidence for your case, and make certain you receive compensation commensurate with your injuries and damages.
