The Most Common Mistakes Victims Make After a Truck Accident

Auto accidents alone can be a nightmarish situation, but commercial truck accidents come with many additional hoops to jump through to recover compensation for injuries and property damage. Victims of truck accidents often make mistakes following the collision, which impacts their ability to recover costs for medical expenses and pain and suffering. Our lawyers have more than three decades of experience with truck accident lawsuits and are well-known for our vigor in fighting for our clients.

Some of the most common mistakes we’ve seen victims make following an accident with a commercial truck include:

1. Leaving the Scene of the Accident

You must stay at the scene of the accident until emergency personnel and the police arrive. When you leave the place of the crash, you put your health and safety at risk by not waiting to be evaluated by a paramedic. Your legal rights could also be put in jeopardy, especially if you flee the scene and are found at fault.

2. Failing to Call the Police

All forms of auto accidents require a police report before you can proceed with an insurance claim. It’s in your best interest to call the police immediately following your truck accident, so all the details are documented and your statement is accurate.

3. Admitting Fault

When you give your testimony to the police, it’s important to state just the facts and be as objective as possible. Do not admit fault or absolve the truck driver of blame. This will quickly come back on you when you go to collect compensation for the accident.

4. Waiting to Document Damage

Pictures of the damage to your vehicle should be taken immediately following the accident or as soon as possible. This helps establish proof of the damage caused by the truck accident and will be used when you file a claim against your insurance company or that of the truck driver.

5. Neglecting to Collect the Other Driver’s Information

You will not be able to file an insurance claim if you don’t have the other driver’s information, which should include his or her:

• Name
• CDL or driver’s license number
• Address
• Phone number
• Insurance company
• Policy number
• License plate number

6. Refusing Medical Care and Ignoring Injuries

You aren’t doing yourself any favors by acting tough and refusing medical care. It’s important to have documentation of your injuries when it’s time to determine how much compensation you’re owed for your medical expenses and any long-term disabilities that may be involved. (Truck accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries.)

7. Posting on Social Media About the Truck Accident

Anything you post on social media can be used against you. Whether it’s a defense lawyer, an insurance adjuster or a representative of the trucking company, your words on Facebook and Twitter could end up being a costly misstep. This is perhaps one of the most vital aspects to keep in mind following a truck accident.

8. Waiting Too Long to Contact a Truck Accident Attorney

Our lawyers know how to handle your truck accident claim from start to finish, and we can help you avoid making the mistakes mentioned above. Don’t wait too long to contact an attorney.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, please contact our accident attorneys in Orlando today at (407) 712-7300 for a FREE consultation. Colling Gilbert Wright serve clients in Orlando, Florida and nationwide.