Knowing what to do after a truck accident is essential to protect your right to compensation. The steps you take in the aftermath of a crash make or break your case. But in the stress of the moment, you may not think about the future. Here are some mistakes to avoid after a truck accident in Sacramento.
Refusing Immediate Medical Treatment
Some people walk away from truck accidents feeling lucky to have avoided serious injury and assume they don’t need to see a doctor. They may even refuse an exam by a paramedic. This is a mistake. Seek medical attention after a truck accident regardless of whether you think you got hurt. This step is important for two reasons.
First, some injuries don’t show up until the shock of the accident wears off. Whiplash, back strains and sprains, concussions, and internal bleeding may have a delayed onset. Get a medical exam as soon as possible so your doctor can diagnose and treat any latent injuries.
Second, refusing medical treatment could harm any personal injury claim you need to file later. If you don’t see a doctor within a few days of the truck accident, the insurance company may argue the injuries weren’t serious or even caused by the crash. By pursuing prompt medical care, you’ll have medical records to support your case down the line.
Not Gathering Information and Evidence at the Accident Scene
Certain types of evidence could be lost forever after the accident scene gets cleared. Take photos and videos of the crash site. Document skid marks, road hazards, and the position of each vehicle involved in the collision. It’s also a good idea to get photos of any visible injuries.
Get the truck driver’s information, including their name, insurance policy number, contact details, the name of the trucking company, and the truck’s license plate number. Ask any witnesses for their contact information. They could provide valuable testimony to support your version of events during the claims process. Try to jot down everything you remember about the wreck once you leave the scene.
Law enforcement officers will create an accident report containing many details about the truck accident, including a determination of fault, which may be helpful later on.
Don’t stress if your injuries prevented you from gathering evidence at the crash site. An experienced truck lawyer will launch their investigation into the accident and gather proof to support your case.
Admitting Fault or Speculating About What Happened
We’re raised to be polite. Many people feel a natural urge to apologize after an accident, even if it’s not their fault. But liability is rarely clear with truck accidents. Various parties, not just the truck driver, may directly or indirectly contribute to a crash. These parties could also owe you compensation. Saying “I’m sorry” could be interpreted as an admission of fault. Rather than speculate about the accident, hire an attorney to independently review the case and collect additional evidence on your behalf.
Giving a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company
An insurance adjuster might call you after the truck accident and ask for a recorded statement. Letting the insurance company record you is never a good idea, particularly without an attorney present.
The insurance company’s goal is to pay you as little as possible, and they can use anything you say during a recording as evidence against you. They may encourage you to talk about the accident or admit fault. Politely decline to be recorded and avoid discussing the crash or your injuries in detail. Then consult an attorney to represent you in all talks with the insurers.
Accepting a Settlement Offer Without Talking to a Truck Accident Attorney First
Never agree to a settlement offer until you’ve spoken with a truck accident lawyer. The offer may seem enticing, especially if you’re worried about hospital bills and other expenses. But the reality is that the first offer is far less than what you deserve. It might include compensation for property damage and initial medical costs, but not much else. If you suffered severe injuries requiring ongoing treatment or have an unclear prognosis, the amount the insurer offers may not cover those costs.
Settling too soon is also dangerous because once you sign off on an agreement, you forfeit your right to seek further compensation from the insurance company. The last thing you want is to be left with significant out-of-pocket expenses because you didn’t anticipate the full extent of your losses. Always talk things through with your lawyer before agreeing to a payout.
Posting on Social Media About Your Accident
Discussing the accident on social media while your claim is pending is not wise. While you may want to update your friends or vent your frustrations, anything you say could potentially damage your claim. For instance, if you post about the accident and say, “I’m all right,” the insurance company could take that comment out of context and use it to argue that you are not actually hurt. Insurance companies have been known to check claimants’ social media profiles for this reason.
Even if your account settings are “private,” anything you post could be visible to friends and followers with public profiles. Wait to post about the accident until you have a settlement or judgment in your case.
Not Consulting an Experienced Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck companies are shielded by big insurance companies who are willing to put up a fight to keep payouts low. Because the value of truck accident claims can be high, you should expect insurers to deny or minimize your injury claim. But semi-truck accident lawyers know the insurance business and when clients are being taken advantage of. Working with an attorney gives you protection and a strong advocate in your corner.
Contact a Sacramento Truck Accident Attorney Today
If you were involved in a truck accident that wasn’t your fault, reach out to a Sacramento truck accident lawyer at Demas Law Group for a free consultation. We can guide you through the claims process and prevent you from making an error that could impact the value of your settlement. Call or contact us today.
