No one ever expects to be involved in a serious collision involving a truck, but it happens more often than you think. Thousands of drivers navigate this very situation every year. However, the frequency of truck accidents doesn’t mean everyday drivers are experts when it happens to them. Without experience, it’s common to make these mistakes:
Not Getting the Police Involved
As any serious truck accident attorney will tell you, not getting the police involved in a truck accident is one of the worst mistakes you can make. Calling the police is crucial for establishing the facts of the situation. A police report can make up a vital part of your case, should you decide to take legal action. Even if the truck driver suggests dealing with the collision privately, no one was hurt, or the vehicle damage wasn’t extreme, always call the police or file a police report.
Not Seeking Medical Attention
Not all collisions involving trucks will result in serious injuries. If you don’t believe you sustained any injuries, you might not see the point in visiting your local emergency department. However, adrenaline can distract your mind from pain. While you’re busy thinking about how scary the collision was, your mind and body aren’t focused on any possible injuries. Therefore, there’s potential for serious injuries to be missed.
Even if you feel fine after an accident, always visit a healthcare professional for a thorough assessment. You can then receive a record of the visit, which you may need to access if you decide to take legal action.
Accepting Blame
When truck accidents occur, you don’t immediately have all the facts, just a glimpse of what played out from your perspective. As a result, it’s crucial not to admit fault for the accident, even if you think you were to blame. It’s possible for scene investigators and other professionals to gather all the facts from the event and paint a very different picture from what you thought happened.
Not Collecting Evidence
It’s only natural to want to leave the scene of a truck accident as quickly as possible to avoid any more trauma. However, should you decide to take legal action, you’ll need as much evidence as possible.
If you’re in a position to do so, take photos and videos of the scene, including vehicle and property damage. Take pictures of your injuries and request medical reports. It’s also crucial to write down the contact information of witnesses and swap insurance details with the other driver. The more information you have, the stronger your personal injury case can be.
Not Hiring a Lawyer
If you’ve never been involved in a truck accident before, you likely won’t know what you should and shouldn’t do. Hiring a lawyer means you can focus on your recovery while an industry expert takes the lead. Not only can they assist you in filing a claim to access any compensation you deserve, but they can also handle all communications and negotiations on your behalf.
It’s easy to make serious mistakes when you’re in a new and overwhelming situation, such as a truck accident. However, the more awareness you have of the most common mistakes, like those above, the easier it can sometimes be to avoid them.