Truck accidents are usually highly stressful and overwhelming experiences. From dealing with injuries to determining which insurance claims you must file, the aftermath of a truck accident can seem like a never-ending maze. Furthermore, mistakes following the crash can jeopardize your financial recovery and future in general.
With so much on the line, knowing what to do - and not to do - after your accident is necessary. The best way to know you are on the right track is to consult a truck accident lawyer near you as soon as possible. Their advice and guidance are highly valuable in this confusing time.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
Stay calm and focused to protect your rights and health.
Here are the key steps you should take after a truck accident.
Get Medical Treatment
The first and most important step after a truck accident is to seek medical treatment. Some injuries are catastrophic and obvious, and you should heed the advice of emergency medical personnel regarding ambulance transportation and similar treatment.
Even if you don't feel severe pain or see any visible injuries, still get checked out by a healthcare professional. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be dangerous or worsen over time if left untreated.
Not only is it important for your health and well-being to receive prompt medical attention, but it also creates a record of your injuries and establishes a link between the accident and your medical condition. This documentation will be necessary if you can pursue a personal injury claim.
Follow All Treatment Plans
If you receive an injury diagnosis after a truck accident, follow all the treatment plans recommended by your healthcare provider. This includes attending follow-up appointments, undergoing necessary tests or procedures, and following prescribed medications or therapies.
By adhering to your treatment plan, you prioritize your recovery and strengthen your personal injury claim. Failure to comply with medical advice may be used against you by the insurance company, who may argue that your injuries were not severe or that you did not take proper steps to mitigate damages.
Consult a Truck Accident Attorney Immediately
After a truck accident, immediately consult a truck accident attorney. An experienced attorney can begin the legal process as soon as they determine you have a valid case.
Act quickly in preserving evidence, as valuable information can disappear or deteriorate over time. Your attorney can communicate with trucking companies and other parties to demand they do not destroy any records, video footage, or other potential evidence regarding the accident.
You must also be mindful of any deadlines or statutes of limitations that may apply to your truck accident case. You must file a claim or lawsuit within these legal time limits.
Missing these deadlines can result in losing your right to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
By taking swift action and consulting with an attorney as soon as possible, you can ensure you do not miss these deadlines and jeopardize your rights.
Hiring an attorney is especially important when dealing with truck accidents, as they usually involve multiple parties, such as the truck driver, trucking company, and potentially even the truck manufacturer.
An attorney will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and ensure all responsible parties are held accountable for your injuries and damages.
What NOT to Do After a Truck Accident
Of course, knowing what steps to take to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve is important. Equally important is knowing what NOT to do after a truck accident.
Making the wrong decisions can seriously jeopardize your case and hinder your chances of receiving a fair settlement. Here are a few critical things to avoid:
Do NOT Give Recorded Statements to Insurance Companies
Soon after the accident, you can expect to hear from the insurance companies involved.
Their primary goal is to protect their own interests, not yours. They may contact you and request a recorded statement, but refrain from giving one without consulting a truck accident attorney first.
Insurance adjusters are skilled at twisting your words or extracting information they can use against you and your claim later. By refusing to provide a recorded statement, you're protecting your rights and allowing yourself to seek legal counsel.
Do NOT Sign Over Your Entire History of Medical Records
After a truck accident, insurance companies may request access to your medical records. While it may seem like a reasonable request, signing over your entire medical history can give them access to irrelevant information that they may use against you.
Instead, only provide the specific medical records related to your accident and injuries. This will protect your privacy and prevent the insurance companies from using unrelated medical information against you.
Do NOT Accept Any Settlement Offers From Trucking or Insurance Companies Without Legal Representation
Following a truck accident, you might receive settlement offers from the trucking or insurance companies involved. These initial offers are usually lowball figures intended to minimize their financial responsibility. Accepting a settlement without legal representation means accepting less than you may deserve.
If you accept too little, you usually lose the right to ask for more later. An experienced attorney can assess the true value of your case, negotiate on your behalf, and fight for the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
Do NOT Post on Social Media
It's common for people to share their experiences and thoughts on social media. However, after a truck accident, refrain from posting anything about the incident on your social media platforms.
Insurance companies and defense attorneys will often search your social media profiles for any information that can be used against you. They will use even innocent and harmless posts to challenge the validity of your claim. Protect your case by refraining from posting about the accident until it is resolved.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney Now
Never wait to seek legal representation from a truck accident lawyer in your area. They can advise on the steps to take and any potential pitfalls to avoid. Consultations are free, so act now.