Common mistakes and knowing what to do next
What Are Common Mistakes After A Truck Injury?
Discover the common mistakes to avoid in the aftermath of a truck injury. The Truck Guys provides vital insights for both victims and representatives, helping you navigate challenges and safeguard your rights effectively.
Make informed choices to ensure a successful recovery journey.
When Should I Leave The Scene of the Accident?
All states have laws that require drivers to report accidents to the police. Reporting an accident creates an important record for use in recovering for your injuries. It’s always best to stop at the scene of the accident and call the police.
Should I Wait To Get Medical Care?
There are many reasons to get medical care immediately after an accident. Some serious injuries don’t show symptoms right away. You may not know that you are gravely injured. Getting medical care creates proof of your injuries and links them to the accident. This proof can be essential in obtaining compensation to cover your injuries, lost work, and pain and suffering. Some states have laws that require you to seek medical care within a certain period so that you can access no-fault benefits.
Should I Agree to Handle the Case Without A Lawyer?
Often, at the scene of a car accident, a party will suggest handling the matter without going through insurance or without having the assistance of a lawyer. You should not make that agreement at the scene of an accident, even if you don’t immediately notice your injuries. If you agree to keep insurance out of it or not to involve attorneys, you might realize later that the compensation owed to you is a lot more than you thought.
In addition, the other side may not hold up their end of the bargain and refuse to pay after the fact. If you don’t make a timely report to the insurance company, it gives the insurance company the opportunity to contest damages. It’s essential to report the accident to the insurance company as soon as possible.
Should I Gather Information From Witnesses?
Witnesses can be an important part of proving fault for a car accident. This information can be invaluable for your legal team in pursuing compensation for your personal injury case. The best time to identify witnesses is immediately after the accident. Getting names, phone numbers and addresses can help you follow up with these people to get more information. Bystanders and passengers in either vehicle can be helpful witnesses.
Even if you aren’t sure how a witness may factor into your case right now, getting their information can help you and your lawyers evaluate the case and build your claim later.
Should I Take Photos And Videos of the Accident?
The accident scene can provide a lot of information about injuries to you and your car and other property. Take lots and lots of photos and videos. Too many people make the mistake of either skipping photos, relying on the police, or not taking enough pictures and later have difficulty in proving their case.
You don’t have to be a professional photographer. Take pictures of the accident scene, both vehicles, and the people involved. Images of injuries can be helpful, but images showing individuals who are not injured can also be helpful evidence.
Even if you forgot to take pictures, you still may have a very good case to compensate you for your injuries. Our legal team can help you even if you don’t take enough photos.
Do I Need to Keep Records?
Memories quickly fade after an accident. You might think you’ll remember everything one month or six months from now. But when the time comes, it can be hard to remember everything. Take some time shortly after the accident to write down what you remember, even if it doesn’t seem important.
Have I Understood My Rights And Damages?
In general, the person who causes an accident should cover losses sustained by the victims. Even when there are no-fault laws, victims may have a way to claim third-party compensation for serious injuries.
Too many people make the mistake of underestimating their legal rights. They accept the first offer from the insurance company, or if the insurance company doesn’t want to pay, they assume there’s nothing they can do. In fact, victims have rights protected by law. But to receive compensation, they must act. The best way to act is with your team of qualified attorneys.
Should I Read My Insurance Policy?
The insurance company isn’t going to volunteer information about your policy. And it goes without saying, that the truck driver responsible for the accident is unlikely to provide you full insurance information.
Be sure to read for yourself and with your legal team the applicable insurance policies, ascertain your deductible, rental car coverage, vehicle repairs, and other things that may work to your benefit. Don’t make the mistake of assuming that the insurance company is going to do much to help you.
Do I Need To Accept The First Offer From My or the Truck Driver’s Insurance Company?
Many people stop after they get a first offer from the insurance company. They may not like it, but they assume they can’t get more. However, you can appeal or file a legal claim. The insurance company has a legal obligation to pay a valid claim in a timely manner. It’s a common mistake to give up too soon.
Should I Pursue My Case Without A Lawyer?
Even though laws are intended to protect accident victims, the claims process is complex. Working with a lawyer ensures that you take the necessary procedural steps to move the case through the court system. Having the assistance of a lawyer can increase your final compensation to the victim significantly. Without a lawyer, you may not know you’re making a mistake until it’s too late.
Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Our experienced team of Miami attorneys can help you if you’ve suffered injuries after a car accident, motorcycle accident, truck accident, or any other auto-related accident.