Truck Accident Lawsuit

Have you been in a truck accident and need to file a truck accident lawsuit? If done correctly, injured victims could receive compensation after filing truck accident claims. However, the required procedures tend to be more complex than the standard car accident. This is due to the federal regulations that govern truck drivers. 

Therefore, it is important to avoid certain mistakes while filing a claim. Successfully filing a truck accident lawsuit requires knowing what not to do. Here are the eight common mistakes to avoid.

1. Postponing Medical Care

It is not uncommon for people involved in a truck accident to walk away from a crash with the impression that they were not badly injured. This could be due to the rush of adrenaline the body releases during moments of danger. Another reason is that the injuries sustained may not be externally apparent. Hidden injuries like a concussion or internal bleeding are often overlooked after a big-rig crash because they cannot be seen. 

They begin to experience symptoms days or weeks after the accident. Unfortunately, the longer the injuries go untreated, the more long-term damage it can have on victims. Therefore, seeing a doctor right away helps support your claim while taking care of your health.

Additionally, insurance companies may challenge a claim’s credibility if medical treatment was delayed, as it may appear that the injuries were not serious and do not deserve compensation. This will dramatically affect the outcome when filing truck accident lawsuits.

2. Failing to Collect Evidence

The aftermath of a truck accident scene can be chaotic. Regardless, it is critical to gather as much evidence as possible while at the site. If injuries prevent you from doing so, ask for help. Call a family member or friend to the scene, or ask a bystander for assistance. Because the evidence is fresh, it will be very beneficial in building a strong truck accident lawsuit.

Sometimes, accident reconstruction experts can determine how an accident occurred based on witness accounts. However, the most effective way for them to perform their job is by reviewing the photos and videos of the wreckage. Take pictures of the other vehicle’s license plate. Have a panoramic video showing the stretch or intersections of the road you were driving before the accident.

The video should also show the weather condition at the time of the accident. Since such images and videos are important for your claim, your only chance is to take videos and pictures at the accident scene.

In addition to photographs and surveillance, it’s important to gather other supporting evidence. Contact numbers and insurance information from the other parties involved in the accident will also be needed. Also, take detailed notes about the accident so important facts are not forgotten after filing truck accident claims.

3. Not Obtaining a Police Report

Failing to file a police report when a trucker causes a tractor-trailer accident will negatively affect a personal injury claim. A police report documents the big rig collision and confirms that it did, in fact, take place.

Also, failing to obtain a police report can give the impression that the victim played a role in the accident or may have caused the crash entirely. Therefore, always call 911 immediately after a collision with an 18-wheeler or any other commercial truck. An officer will investigate the scene of the crash and document all of the findings in the report. 

4. Speaking with Insurance Companies

Signing a blanket authorization form gives insurance companies access to all of your medical records. Some will contain private information that can be used against you when filing a truck accident lawsuit.

To evade waving your vital legal rights, such as the right to a lawsuit, never agree to sign any documents. Instead, have an attorney cross-check any documentation from the other party’s insurance adjuster. Additionally, any communication with insurers should be avoided if a lawyer is not present to advise.

Similarly, never approve of giving a recorded statement. The conversation is usually a tape-recording question and answers session between a victim and the insurance adjuster. Anything that is shared may be used against you.

5. Being Passive in Pursuing Compensation

Recovering from an accident takes time and can be overwhelming. It is common to neglect or put off the claim process when focusing on physical recovery and financial concerns.

However, the sooner you begin compiling your truck accident lawsuit, the more time you get to make it strong and maximize your settlement. Remember, you shouldn’t have to go through the claim process alone.

After suffering a truck accident injury, you need to enlist a trusted personal injury attorney’s help. That way, they will help you pursue the compensation you need to get your life back on track.

6. Not Hiring an Attorney

Truck accidents pose a lot of problems for injured victims. They are complex and may be too complicated to handle when facing a lawsuit. The insurance adjuster will use your lack of legal knowledge against you. Therefore, after a truck accident, hiring a competent truck accident lawyer is one of the best decisions.

A professional truck accident lawyer will help fight for your compensation case. The lawyer will lead you through the entire legal process. Dealing with an 18-wheeler accident on your own can be overwhelming. Assitance from a truck accident lawyer for professional help before is beneficial and can optimize compensation. 

Hire an Attorney to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit

A personal injury attorney specializing in truck accident cases will aid you in navigating through the legal process and pursuing a fair and full settlement. At The Law Offices of Daniel Kim, we will provide sound legal advice and help truck accident victims get compensation for their accidents. Additionally, we are fully prepared to go to trial and litigate a case. To learn more, schedule a free consultation today.