There are more large trucks on the road today than ever before, so it’s no surprise that there has been an uptick in the number of trucking accidents over recent years. According to the NHTSA, there were 433,000 trucking accidents in 2015, resulting in 4,067 fatalities and 116,000 injuries. If you are ever involved in such a collision, it will be helpful to know what trucking accident mistakes to avoid.
Call Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. today at (205) 933-1500 and speak with an experienced big rig accident lawyer to find out how we can help you.
4 Common Trucking Accident Mistakes
Being involved in a trucking accident is an extremely stressful event. Below are some of the most common mistakes you should avoid making after a trucking accident:
1. Failing to Collect Evidence at the Scene of the Accident
In the aftermath of a trucking accident, it is critical that you take immediate action to preserve valuable evidence so that a big rig accident lawyer can better investigate the truck accident. If you are physically able to do so, you should take pictures of the damage to all vehicles, your injuries, and the surrounding accident scene while you are waiting on the police and emergency responders to arrive. Failing to gather evidence at the accident scene can make it difficult to establish liability and undermine your claim for compensation.
2. Admitting Fault
One of the most detrimental mistakes you can make after an accident is apologizing or admitting fault. Whether you are exchanging information with the other driver or witnesses, talking to the police, or speaking with the insurance company, do not take the blame for the accident even if think you may be responsible. Any admission of fault can harm your case if you end up pursuing an insurance or personal injury claim.
3. Delaying or Neglecting to Seek Medical Care
Even if you believe that you are okay after an accident, it is advisable to seek medical care as soon as possible. Injuries are not always visible immediately after an accident and adrenaline can mask pain. Delaying treatment can make injuries worse and the insurance company may try to argue that your injuries must not have been that serious if you did not get medical care right away.
4. Accepting the First Settlement Offer from the Insurance Company
The first settlement offer from the insurance company is likely to be low because they would prefer to settle your claim for as little and as quickly as possible. Generally speaking, you should not accept a settlement offer until you know the full extent of your injuries and have consulted with an attorney. An experienced personal injury lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement or take your case to trial.
Contact a Trucking Accident Lawyer For Help
If you have been injured in a truck accident, Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. can help. Our big rig accident lawyers can investigate your accident, collect evidence in support of your claim, and fight to obtain the maximum compensation available for your case. With over 65 years of collective experience handling personal injury cases, we have helped countless truck accident victims recover the compensation they deserve for their injuries.
After a car crash, you’ll want a skilled team of truck lawyers who can fight for your rights. For a free consultation with our attorneys at Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C., call today at (205) 933-1500. Learn how our Montgomery truck accident attorneys, Mobile truck accident attorneys, Huntsville truck accident attorneys, or Birmingham truck accident attorneys can help you.
