Someone injured in a truck accident often has very little knowledge of and zero experience with the civil justice system. Usually, it’s a confusing time for them. They’re not sure what they should (and should not) do after the crash.
Their medical bills are piling up. The trucking company’s insurance claims department won’t stop calling them. On top of all this, they can’t go back to work for a while due to their injuries.
3 Do’s and Dont’s after a Truck Accident:
1. DO Talk to an Experienced Trucking Lawyer as Soon as Possible
As you might expect, the trucking company’s insurance carrier begins its investigation within hours of your crash — likely when you’re still in the emergency room. The insurance company’s immediate response almost always gives them a head start on gathering the facts of the case. That’s why it is important to speak with and retain a truck accident attorney as soon as possible. The sooner your attorney begins their investigation on your behalf, the better it is for your case.
2. DO NOT Talk to Insurance Companies or Adjusters
When an insurance company calls you, refer them to your attorney immediately. Insurance adjusters can be ruthless.
Oftentimes, they will ask you for information about the crash or your medical treatment. They are not asking for this information because they’re trying to help you. Instead, they’re looking for any piece of information that will limit the amount of money that their company has to pay you.
Adjusters have also been known to advise injured victims against hiring an attorney. They recommend that you sign a release absolving them of liability as well.
It is always better for your case to give the insurance company your attorney’s contact information as soon as possible.
3. DO Focus on Your Physical, Mental, and Emotional Recovery
When you have been injured in a crash, the last thing on you should be doing is dealing with insurance companies and bill collectors.
Every time we meet with a new client, we ask them to designate the stress and anxiety inherent in litigation to us. Let us shoulder the burdens inherent in litigation; we do it everyday. By not allowing yourself to get bogged down with the minutiae of a lawsuit, an injured victim can focus on what’s most important – getting back how they were prior to their injury.
Whenever someone or something threatens to shift your focus from your recovery to worrying about the lawsuit (e.g., “How am I going to pay for this?” or “Is this document important?”), let your attorney know. You can help make your attorney’s job easier by simply saving documents that come in and forwarding them to the law office.
Final Thoughts: Our two cents
If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, the best thing you can do right now is to contact an experienced truck accident lawyer who is willing to try your case. If they are great at what they do, your attorney will take all the stress of your case and put it on their shoulders. Their goal should be to get you back on your feet.
Feel free to speak with several trucking lawyers if they don’t seem like a good fit for you. Keep in mind that you will be working with your lawyer for several years. However, don’t take too long to make a decision. The more time you take to hire an attorney, the farther ahead the trucking company is in their investigation.
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