Common Mistakes People Make After A Car Or Truck Accident

It is impossible to act rationally after being involved in a car or truck accident. The adrenaline rush disables anyone to make the right decision. However, it is essential to get hold of yourself immediately and take some action.

Here are some of the common mistakes that should be avoided in the first place at the scene of a car or truck accident:

Not Reporting the Accident to the Police

The first instinct should be calling an ambulance. However, calling the police should be followed closely. It is essential to report an accident to the police for further investigation.

This can be of immense help for the not-at-fault driver in an accident. A police officer will investigate the accident scene, interview the drivers and present the report from his perspective.

Without a police report, it would be impossible to prove the case with no evidence whatsoever. The insurance company of the at-fault driver will take advantage of the situation. They may end up establishing a no-fault or partial fault.

Not Documenting the Injuries or Recording the Evidence

Sometimes that is the last thing in your mind, especially if you are seriously injured. However, as the best practice, at least take the photos of the accident scene or ask someone else to do it for you.

The photos of the accident act as evidence and help in illustrating the severity of the accident and the damages caused. Collect the information of the witnesses nearby, if possible.

Choosing to Fight Your Own Case

How intelligent or smart you may be, you will still be a bit inexperienced in dealing with your own truck accident case. Mainly, because truck accident cases are more severe than car accidents. They involve multiple parties that you would have to deal with to prove your point.

A skilled and experienced truck accident lawyer should be your best bet. He knows the ins and outs of truck accident cases and knows how to deal with insurance adjusters of trucking companies, truck loading company, and other parties.

Posting on Social Media After the Accident

Are you a highly social person? This could hurt if you love to post everything about your life on social media. Steer clear from posting anything on social media for a while after the accident and especially when the trial is still on.

It won’t take much time for the defense lawyer to use your social media posts against you. Anything you post on social media about the accident or after it (like photos of you partying, enjoying sports) can be presented before the jury.

Nowadays, insurance companies stay cautious and even ask for at-fault driver’s social media handle account details to prevent any mishap.

Saying Too Much to the Police Officer

When interviewed by the police officer at the accident scene, stay silent or answer only wherever necessary. Even mildly accepting the fault and using words like sorry can be used against you.

The insurance adjuster of the at-fault driver would make use of such statements to reduce the compensation amount. Even the best lawyer may find it difficult to revert the outcome in such a case.

Not Seeing a Doctor 

Get the mandatory medical health check-up at the scene of the accident if asked. Don’t deny such medical check-ups, as this also goes into the records of the police investigation.

Even if you seem injured at the time of the accident, some injuries take time to show up. Injuries like lumbar back injuries, herniated discs, torn rotator cuffs, bone cracks, sprains, and other similar injuries worsen with time.

It would become difficult to claim for such injuries if you denied that medical check-up in the first place. Don’t forget to attend medical help, even if it’s on your own. Medical records and bills play a huge role in personal injury cases.

Failure to produce the right documents while seeking compensation may make you lose your rightful compensation.

Not Informing the Insurance Company

If your vehicle is insured, informing the insurance company about the accident should be amongst your top priorities. Not telling the insurance company on time may make you lose your coverage.

Also, your insurance company adjusters may help recover the amount from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. The case may not need a trial and can be settled through negotiation, saving out on the court, and other legal fees.

These were just a few of the many mistakes you must avoid in a car or truck accident. To learn more and to deal with an accident case rightly, take the help of our expert attorneys today.