Getting hurt in a truck accident can throw your entire life off balance. From medical appointments to insurance calls and everything in between, it’s easy to make a misstep when you’re dealing with pain and stress. But what we do in the hours and days after a crash can significantly affect the outcome of any legal or financial recovery. Our Truck Accident Lawyer can shed light on common mistakes people make after getting injured in an accident and what to do instead.
Delaying Medical Care
One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting to get medical help. Even if we feel okay after the crash, certain injuries can take time to show symptoms. Internal injuries, concussions, or soft tissue damage might not be obvious right away. By delaying treatment, not only do we risk our health, but we also create gaps in the medical record that the insurance company can use to question the legitimacy of our injuries.
Failing To Call Law Enforcement
Some drivers might try to convince us to handle the accident without getting the police involved. That’s a red flag. A police report is one of the most important pieces of documentation we can have. It creates an official record of the crash and often includes initial findings on fault, which can support our case if we file a claim. Without that report, it’s our word against theirs.
Admitting Fault Too Soon
It’s human nature to say “I’m sorry” after something bad happens, even if we didn’t cause it. But apologizing or accepting blame, even informally, can be used against us later. We should keep our comments factual when talking to the other driver or police and avoid making statements that can be taken as an admission of guilt. Let the evidence and investigation tell the story.
Not Gathering Enough Information
Right after a crash, we’re often in shock. But if we’re physically able, collecting information at the scene is critical. That includes taking photos of the vehicles, skid marks, road conditions, and injuries. Getting the truck driver’s license, insurance, and employer information is also important. If there are witnesses, we should try to get their names and contact details. The more we gather early on, the stronger our case can be later.
Speaking With Insurance Companies Without Representation
Insurance adjusters may seem helpful, but their job is to protect the company’s bottom line. We should be careful when speaking to them, especially early on. Giving a recorded statement or accepting a quick settlement offer without fully understanding the extent of our injuries can work against us. Once we accept an offer, we may be signing away our right to pursue further compensation.
Not Keeping Track Of All Accident-Related Costs
Many of us underestimate just how many expenses pile up after a truck accident. From hospital visits and physical therapy to lost wages and even the cost of childcare during recovery, it adds up fast. If we don’t document every expense and save all related receipts, we may not recover the full amount we’re owed.
Waiting Too Long To Take Legal Action
Every state has a time limit, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a claim after a truck accident. If we wait too long, we could lose our right to compensation entirely. Beyond that, the longer we wait, the harder it becomes to preserve evidence, locate witnesses, and build a strong case.
At Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ve seen how small oversights after a truck accident can lead to major setbacks. Our team has over nine decades of combined experience, ensuring those mistakes don’t cost you your health or your future. If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck crash, don’t try to handle it all alone. Contact our award-winning team today to talk about what happened and how we can support you through every step of the process.
