Truck accidents remain one of the most devastating personal injury accidents anyone can be involved in. For truck accidents, the damages can be unfathomable. Many truck accident victims die on the spot due to the truck’s sheer weight and the force of impact. Others suffer extensive damages that can change their lives permanently. With the grave consequences attached to truck accidents, knowing how one can protect their rights and interests to ensure that they remain eligible for financial compensation is essential.
A truck accident attorney with extensive knowledge handling such cases noted that truck accident victims stand a chance of suffering extensive losses, including property damages, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and a lot more. To ensure that your rights and interests are protected in such a complicated case as this, below are some of the ways to protect yourself and keep your truck accident claim case active.
Gather Information at the Scene
One of the biggest and most important factors that can help you win a truck accident case is evidence. Presenting credible evidence that proves liability can push your case forward and increase the chances of winning the deserved amount in compensation. If you have somehow escaped the accident without physical injuries or with minor physical injuries, be sure to take account of the happenings by collecting photo and video evidence of the accident scene. You should also gather other information, including eyewitness details, the other driver’s details, the company they work for, the address and contact information of the driver and the company they work for, as well as their insurance information. You should also document the license plate number and driver’s license of the other driver to ensure that you have as much evidence to get the case started.
However, if you have suffered injuries requiring a prompt medical response, rest assured that hiring an attorney will help you address this problem.
Avoid Admitting Any Fault At Any Point
One of the biggest problems most people face is the need to apologize for happenings that may have been beyond their control. Whatever you do at the accident scene, do not admit fault or apologize for the accident. Doing either of these is considered admitting fault, and this information may be used against you when pursuing a truck accident claim.
If you have to say anything at the accident scene, be sure to stick with the obvious facts and avoid conjectures.
Seek Medical Treatment Early
Insurance companies bank on the fact that many people do not like to visit the hospital. Whether you have been gravely injured or not, be sure to visit the hospital for a full medical checkup within the first 24 hours of the accident. Doing a comprehensive medical checkup can help to uncover internal damages that may have been done due to the accident. In addition to this, doctors may also be able to pick up on the signs of delayed symptoms, which can be managed early to prevent further health complications.
Track All of Your Expenses
Truck accidents often leave victims with injuries. Treating these injuries may require a lot of money, especially with the growing rate of medical services. To ensure that you are on the safe side, you must keep track of all of the expenses incurred on account of the accident’s injuries. Some of the most common expenses to keep track of include lost wages, loss of earning capacity, medical bills, rehabilitation costs, cost of home care and home modification, property damages and repair or replacement costs, cost of tests, surgeries, and other procedures, transportation cost for medical appointments, and more.
Your truck accident lawyer is in a better position to account for your pain and suffering based on several factors, including the severity of the injuries sustained, permanent disability, recuperation time, and more.
Avoid Settling For The First Offer
Insurance companies are in the business of making a profit. In some cases, the concerned insurance company may approach you with a settlement offer ahead of your demand. It is recommended that you avoid such an offer. Accepting a settlement offer before fully understanding the extent of the injuries sustained can leave you broke and uncatered to. It is recommended that you consult with your attorney, who is better positioned to evaluate the worth of your injury claim and negotiate accordingly.
In addition to this, avoid signing any document that has been presented to you by the insurance company or insurance adjuster in the absence of your attorney. Make sure that your attorney goes through all documents first and instructs you on what to do.