Common Mistakes After a Truck Accident (and How to Avoid Them)

Many victims make common mistakes after a truck accident that can weaken their case and reduce compensation. Truck accidents often cause severe injuries, property damage, and very complex legal issues. The accident scene is usually chaotic, and accident victims of a truck crash often have injuries and are taken to a hospital. Because of this, in the aftermath, it's difficult to know what to do. In many cases, it's possible to file a personal injury claim following an accident like this, but if a victim isn't aware of the proper steps, they could be making costly mistakes. 

Tom Fowler Law is a law firm that works with those who have been in an accident caused by a truck driver in a commercial vehicle. This truck accident lawyer wants to make sure that victims and their families know what to do...and what not to do...following a truck accident. They can also share common mistakes after a slip and fall.

Leaving the Scene of a Truck Accident Too Early

One of the biggest mistakes following a truck accident is leaving too early. Even if the injured person was not responsible at all, or if a driver was in an accident and not hurt, everyone involved in the accident must remain at the scene until police arrives. This allows everyone and everything to be documented in a police report, which could be very important evidence in an injury case. Leaving too early could lead the victim to being accused of a hit-and-run or cause the loss of evidence. The only exception, of course, is if the injury was so severe, the victim needed seek immediate medical attention.

Not Calling Law Enforcement After a Commercial Truck Accident

Not calling the police is a big mistake. A police report is extremely important in a case like this, and it's a crucial piece of evidence. In most cases, a police report is seen as a neutral account of the crash, and everything from road conditions and witness statements to a recorded statement from the driver can all be part of a police report. Trucking companies often have strong legal teams on their side, and they will do everything they can to keep settlements low. 

Not Getting Medical Attention at the Scene 

It is not uncommon for people to be in shock or to be fueled by adrenaline following an accident. Because of this, serious injuries caused by the accident might not be noticed at first. For instance, serious injuries like internal bleeding are often not noted until after the fact, and the rush of adrenaline people get will mask pain. Though visible injuries might not be present, other injuries, which might not show symptoms right away, could appear later. Not getting treatment can weaken any claim for medical bills. Medical records are very important in a case like this, and an injury attorney will use them to create a link between the accident and injuries. Otherwise, insurance adjusters could argue that your injuries aren't serious or linked to the accident. 

Not Collecting Evidence at the Scene

Critical evidence like photos and videos, witness statements, and other evidence from the scene can make or break a case. Not getting this information is one of the critical mistakes people often make following an accident. In addition to taking photos or videos of damage, injuries, and skid marks, it's also important to preserve damaged property, clothing, or any other evidence from the accident scene that could support a case. 

Admitting Fault or Apologizing

It is very common for people to apologize or inadvertently admit fault. A simple "I'm sorry," could be looked at as an admission of guilt, even if the truck driver was at fault. Truck accident victims might say things that are misinterpreted or used by the defense to show that the injured person is taking some blame for the truck or auto accident. In this case, the value of your claim could be lower and you won't get the compensation you need. It's best to never say anything other than the facts and never give a recorded statement without speaking to an experienced truck accident attorney.

Giving a Recorded Statement Without an Attorney or Speaking to Insurance Adjusters

Insurance companies are notorious for wanting to pay the least amount possible in a settlement. This is why they will offer a fast settlement or a settlement offer that is unfair. When in an accident, the victim deserves fair compensation, and only a personal injury attorney can ensure this happens and share insight on common mistakes after a dog attack.

Ignoring Medical Advice In Accident Cases

Depending on the extent of their injuries, a doctor might advise medical treatment like physical therapy or specialist intervention. In this case, ignoring that advice could affect an accident claim. For instance, if the victim's case is based on the impact of their injuries, but they don't keep up on medical appointments, the driver or trucking company's lawyer might try to say the injuries weren't that serious and the victim doesn't deserve as much as they are asking for. 

Accepting a Quick Settlement Offer

Insurance adjusters are trained to get the lowest possible settlement. So, as mentioned above, they might approach a victim for a quick settlement or a low settlement. Accepting a quick settlement means that the victim could lose valuable compensation in the future, and it means that the case is over -- nothing more can be done once the settlement is over. A victim should never accept any settlement without legal guidance and fully understanding the extent of what it means. 

Not Reaching Out to a Truck Accident Lawyer or Law Firm - Waiting Too Long to Contact Legal Professionals

Finally, not scheduling a consultation with a personal injury lawyer could be a mistake. An accident claim with a truck is often much more complex than a typical car accident. Because the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has very strict rules, multiple entities could be at fault, including the driver themselves and the trucking company or maintenance contractor. Working with a lawyer as soon as possible helps to put accident victims on the right path from the start. For more information, a truck accident law firm in Des Moines may be able to help.

Work With a Personal Injury Lawyer for a Free Consultation on a Possible Accident Claim

Taking the right steps following a truck accident is very important if a person wants to recover lost wages, medical bills, property costs, and other compensation. Insurance companies will do their best to pay as little as possible to those injured in a truck accident. Fortunately, in Des Moines, Tom Fowler Law is here to help. 

It doesn't matter how much damage you have or the extent of your injuries, you have rights. Tom Fowler Law can work with you to limit the impact of the accident and help you avoid costly mistakes. The firm is familiar with semi-truck accident cases and will work hard to protect your rights. Call now or fill out the form online and leave your contact information. Someone will get back to you quickly.