Filing a Truck Accident Claim? Avoid These 4 Common Errors

Dwarfing over other vehicles on the road, large commercial trucks are a force to be reckoned with. In a collision, these massive carriers can cause considerable damage and catastrophic injuries. While many of us know the stakes, few drivers are prepared for the moment disaster strikes. 

If you were hurt in a truck wreck, you may be planning to file a personal injury claim against the liable parties. However, while there are many important steps involved in this process, it’s also crucial that you avoid serious mistakes that could sink your claim before you’ve even filed any paperwork.

In this article, we examine the most common errors and share tips on how to avoid them:

Don’t Go Against Your Doctor’s Orders

At times during your treatment it can feel like your healthcare providers are being overly cautious, but it’s important that you follow their instructions carefully. Deviating from your treatment plan could result in disputes as you’ll give the insurer an opportunity to assert that you failed in your responsibility to take reasonable measures to mitigate your damages. Whether you’ve been told to take certain prescription drugs or attend physical therapy sessions, make sure you always follow through on your doctor’s orders. 

Don’t Post about the Accident Online 

If you’re thinking about discussing the accident on social media, it’s important to consider the implications of hitting “publish”. Anything you upload to the digital space could be used as evidence to challenge your claim. This rule doesn’t just apply to comments you make on these platforms, but also includes pictures, videos, reviews, and even “check ins”. In most scenarios, it’s best to deactivate your online profiles for the duration of proceedings. 

Don’t Forget to Track Your Losses 

In a truck accident claim, you will only be able to recover compensation for damages you are able to demonstrate. As such, you should make copies of any documents associated with your post-accident related expenses so that you have these papers on record. Letters from your employer, estimates for repairs, and bills for your treatment are just a few types of records that might play a role in your case. Your attorney will probably want to see these documents during the initial consultation. 

Don’t Provide a Recorded Statement 

Soon after the accident, the insurer may contact you for a recorded statement. While this may seem like an innocent request, claims adjusters often use these recorded conversations to gather evidence that could be used to challenge your credibility.  

Until you’ve had a chance to investigate the truck wreck and compile the necessary evidence, it’s all too easy to say something inaccurate or untrue. Thankfully, when you hire a personal injury attorney to handle your case, he or she can grab the reins, overseeing any correspondence with the insurer or other opposing parties. 

Speak to a Truck Accident Attorney in California Today 

A truck wreck can upend your life in an instant, but there’s no reason you should be left holding the bill—especially if the other party is entirely responsible for causing the collision. At HPIL, our legal team may be able to help you build a strong claim, taking time to thoroughly investigate the wreck and estimate fair compensation for your damages. To lock in a free case assessment with a California truck accident attorney, dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS or head over to our contact form HERE.