No one can ever be truly prepared for an auto collision. Unfortunately, just because the accident is over doesn’t mean you’re done dealing with the aftermath. If you suffered injuries or property damage after a truck crash, it’s vital to act promptly and file a truck accident lawsuit to get financial relief. While you may want to do things your way, moving forward with a lawsuit without the help of a qualified attorney could spell disaster.
Without an attorney, you may make unintentional errors that substantially affect the outcome of your claim. The process can be daunting, but with the right legal representation, you can avoid common mistakes and maximize your chances of recovering the compensation you and your family need and deserve. Read on to learn more about five things you should avoid when filing a truck accident claim and how an attorney can help you.
1. Refusing Medical Treatment
Many people involved in a truck crash may be surprised to find themselves feeling fine and injury-free immediately after the accident. It’s important to remember that a truck accident injury may not be apparent in the minutes, hours, or even days after a collision. Despite your belief that you have escaped such a traumatic experience unscathed, seek medical attention immediately to obtain a complete medical evaluation.
When seeking compensation in a truck accident lawsuit, connecting your injuries to the accident is crucial to your recovery. A delay in medical treatment and subsequent discovery of a serious injury leaves room for the at-fault driver to claim that your injuries were not due to the accident. It’s also important to follow all medical advice prescribed to aid in your recovery. Failing to undertake all medical treatment, including physical therapy and rehab, can create opportunities for the liable party to weaken your case.
2. Not Gathering Information and Evidence at the Scene
Gathering evidence is extremely important to preserving an accident scene that eventually gets cleaned up. Retaining important information related to the accident helps piece together what happened and strengthens your claim for compensation. Vital evidence includes the following:
- Names and contact information of all involved drivers, including insurance information;
- Names and contact information for any witnesses to the collision;
- Photographs and video recovering the scene of the accident as it occurred;
- Photographs of your injuries;
- Photographs of the damage to vehicles and surrounding areas; and
- A memorialized statement of your recollection in the moments immediately following the accident.
Memories fade quickly. Reviewing tangible pieces of evidence can help you recollect important details and also help fill gaps in your memory as your lawsuit progresses.
There may unfortunately be collisions where a victim suffers injuries so severe they must immediately go to the hospital for treatment. In these situations, a victim may be unable to collect valuable evidence at the scene. It’s even more important in these situations to hire an attorney to gather what’s needed to build a strong case for compensation.
3. Admitting Responsibility
It’s natural to apologize after a traumatic experience like a car accident. However, a common mistake people make in a truck accident claim is admitting fault, even if the accident wasn’t their fault. Simply saying “I’m sorry” could be viewed as an admission in a personal injury lawsuit. A truck accident often involves multiple parties that are responsible for harm. An apology could disrupt your road to the compensation you deserve from those liable.
4. Giving a Recorded Statement to Insurance Companies Without an Attorney
Insurance adjusters may call you after the collision and ask you to make a statement. Speaking to an insurance company without an attorney present is a major mistake in a truck accident lawsuit that could negatively impact your case. An insurance company wants to pay out as little as possible, despite the severity of your truck accident injury. Don’t speak to an insurance company with your attorney present to ensure you don’t say anything that could hurt your financial recovery.
5. Accepting the First Settlement Offer
Initial settlement offers are hard to resist, especially when facing an inability to work and mounting medical expenses. In most situations, these initial settlement offers do not grasp the true extent of your losses and leave you with additional out-of-pocket expenses. Accepting an offer too soon forfeits your ability to recover further compensation. While waiting for the right offer may be difficult, it’s important to wait to understand the extent of your medical prognosis and the effect that your injuries may have on your life in the long term.
This list of potential mistakes a person may make when filing a truck accident claim is not exclusive. Other common mistakes include:
- Posting about your accident on social media;
- Failing to preserve an accurate record of your losses; and
- Failing to follow your doctor’s orders.
A truck accident can substantially disrupt your life, but an attorney can help ensure your lawsuit proceeds smoothly. Having an advocate on your side and protecting your interests ensures you obtain the financial assistance you need and deserve.
Contact Us
At Evans Litigation and Trial Law, LLC, clients receive the benefit of a dedicated trucking attorney with unwavering commitment, passion, and tenacity to help truck accident victims and their families throughout the state of Georgia. With over two decades of litigation and trial experience, the legal team at Evans Litigation and Trial, LLC strives to provide clients with relentless advocacy and secure rightful compensation for those affected by devastating accidents.
Whether in Atlanta, Fulton County, DeKalb County, Cobb County, or any other part of Georgia, Evans Litigation and Trial Law, LLC is here to fight for your rights and guide you through the complexities of truck accident cases. Contact us today by phone or email for a free consultation to learn more about how we can assist you. In your initial consultation, we will discuss the facts of your case and develop a strategy for moving forward. We are here to help. Don’t miss out on getting the financial compensation you deserve.
Alfred L. Evans III, an Atlanta native and Hampden-Sydney College alum, is a seasoned personal injury lawyer with a unique background in insurance defense. Founding Evans Litigation and Trial Law in 2013, he specializes in wrongful death litigation, trucking litigation, and various vehicle accident cases. Recognized as a Super Lawyer and a “Rising Star” by Superlawyers, Alfred applies his in-depth knowledge of the insurance and trucking industries to maximize client recoveries.
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