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Weighing multiple tons, trucks can cause untold property damage and catastrophic injuries in a collision. From hours-of-service violations and lack of maintenance to fatigue, there are many reasons these giant vehicles collide with others. As such, if you were hurt in an accident involving an 18-wheeler, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for your injuries and other damages. 

However, while it may appear that the truck driver is entirely to blame for causing the accident, you need to be extra careful while your claim is pending as one false move could leave you holding the bill for some—or all—of your losses. Let’s take a look at a few common errors you should avoid for the duration of proceedings:

Posting about the Wreck on Social Media

In the digital age, discussing life’s high- and lowlights on social media has become second nature for many of us. As such, you may be tempted to post about the wreck online. Not only can sharing the grisly details help you mentally unpack what happened to you, but friends and family could also give you the emotional support and guidance you need during these trying times.  

Unfortunately, as claims adjusters routinely monitor claimants’ social media activity, anything you post could be used as evidence to challenge your credibility. For instance, the insurer could take your comments out of context to dispute liability, or use your “check ins” to keep tabs on your whereabouts. As a general rule, you should not post on social media until proceedings have run their course. It may even be best to disable your accounts until your case has been resolved.

Not Seeking Medical Treatment Immediately 

If you were able to walk away from the accident, you may think that you don’t need to schedule a doctor’s appointment. However, skipping this crucial step could make it challenging—or even impossible—to recover compensation for your damages. The insurer may argue that your injuries can’t be that serious as you didn’t require urgent care, or that you suffered your injuries in a different incident as the date of your diagnosis does not line up with the date of the wreck.

Deviating from Your Treatment Plan

Once you’ve sought medical treatment, your work isn’t over. For the duration of your recovery, you must make sure that you follow your doctor’s orders carefully. Signs that you failed in your duty to mitigate damages could lead to disputes, potentially leaving you on the hook for some of your damages.

Failing to Track Your Damages

In a personal injury case, you can only recover compensation for damages you are able to prove. If you’ve misplaced receipts, bills, or invoices, you may not have sufficient evidence to demonstrate these losses. As such, you should make copies of any relevant financial documents and compile them in a safe place. 

Discuss Your Case with a California Truck Accident Attorney 

Were you injured in a collision involving an 18-wheeler or another commercial vehicle? Turn to the truck accident attorneys at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers to discuss your next steps. We can review your case as part of a free consultation, taking time to answer your questions and explain how we might approach investigating and building your claim. Dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS or head over to our contact form HERE to request a free case review.