What Are the Biggest Mistakes To Avoid After a Truck Crash?

Navigating your recovery after a collision with a big rig can be daunting. After all, it’s not every day that someone is involved in an accident, so most people have little to no experience with the ins and outs of seeking compensation from the at-fault party. 

Here are the most common (and biggest) mistakes people make, including not contacting a Texas or New Mexico 18-wheeler truck accident attorney soon enough. 

Not Getting Medical Attention 

It’s a given that your health is a top priority, and there’s a secondary reason why seeking medical attention immediately after an accident is critical. Typically, in a truck accident case, you will be able to recover compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other expenses, and the severity of your injuries plays a major role in determining how much money you can get. 

By delaying medical attention, the insurance company may conclude that your injuries are not serious enough to warrant your claim. Therefore, you should go to the doctor as soon as possible, ideally directly from the scene of the accident.   Additionally, medical records may also be important in helping patients explain how the accident happened and who was at fault.  

Not Following Treatment Recommendations 

Again, your doctor’s prognosis will greatly influence your damage award, but if you fail to follow doctor’s orders, it could result in you receiving less money. As you begin to heal from your accident, you may begin to feel “better,” and think you can skip those inconvenient appointments. 

However, you need to be diligent about doing everything your doctor says. Your body is likely to still be recovering, and it’s also possible that the insurance company will argue that your compensation should be reduced if you stopped seeking medical treatment.   

Sharing Too Much Information 

Insurance companies may try to trick you into admitting fault or making a recorded statement that they can later use against you. Resist the temptation to talk about your accident to anyone other than your attorney. This is especially true for social media. Until your claim is settled, resist posting anything on social media. 

Even a simple walk around the block or looking happy sitting at a restaurant can be construed in such a way as to imply that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim.

Failing to Report the Accident to the Police 

Both Texas and New Mexico  law requires that you report any serious motor vehicle accident to the police. However, it is strongly recommended that you call the police at the scene of the accident. If you are medically unable to call the police, it is important that the other party or a witness phones the cops so that they can come to the scene and create a report.

Delaying contact with the police can compromise your claim. Not only will the incident be less fresh in your mind, but the likelihood of contacting witnesses also decreases. Without a police report, the insurance company could argue that the accident wasn’t serious enough to warrant the type of compensation you’re seeking. 

Not Contacting a Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer 

Insurance companies are not your friend, and there are several traps you can fall into that could reduce or negate your claim. A big rig collision attorney in Texas and New Mexico  can inform you of your rights and advise you on the steps to take to receive maximum compensation. 

As an aside, the Insurance Research Council found that accident victims with attorneys received settlement awards 3.5 times higher on average than people who represent themselves. For this reason, contacting a commercial vehicle collision attorney in is recommended. 

Contact an Experienced Texas Truck Accident Attorney 

The sooner you contact a Texas or New Mexico trucking injury law firm, the better. For the help of an experienced trucking accident lawyer, contact Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway, P.C., at 800-433-2408 to schedule a free consultation