When you are involved in a truck accident, the aftermath can be chaotic and stressful. Since most truck crashes are fatal, you may be at a loss for what to do.
The adrenaline and shock that set in can leave you overwhelmed with emotions and cause a critical error of judgment. What you say or do immediately after the crash can hurt your case. By now, you already know what to do after a truck accident in Harlingen. But do you know the mistakes to avoid?
At Lone Star Injury Attorneys, our truck accident lawyers in Harlingen pride ourselves on offering unmatched legal guidance to truck accident victims in Texas.
The good news is that you don’t have to be in a crash to get our help. Using our expertise and hands-on experience handling similar cases, we prepared this guide to help you understand the mistakes to avoid in a Harlingen truck accident case.
If you can keep this at the back of your mind, you won’t have to deal with the confusing aftermath that a truck accident usually is.
Common Mistakes Too Many Harlingen Truck Accident Victims Make
Knowing what not to do after a truck accident can be just as important as knowing what steps to take. The hours and days following a crash are critical for your health, your claim, and your legal rights.
The sections below highlight the most frequent errors victims make and how to avoid them to protect yourself and your potential compensation.
Leaving the Accident Scene Too Soon
Texas laws require that all parties involved in an auto wreck remain at the scene. They are to provide necessary assistance to injured persons and provide contact information.
These laws are applicable in truck accidents regardless of who is responsible for the crash. Unfortunately, most victims believe they are at liberty to leave the accident scene because it wasn’t their fault.
However, doing so may hurt your case as insurance companies may argue that you fled because you were guilty. On top of that, anyone who flees may face a misdemeanor or felony conviction.
Admitting Liability
If you were in a Harlingen truck accident that you strongly believe was partly caused by your negligence, you may be required to admit liability.
Although this may seem the right thing to do, especially by apologizing to the other party, saying you are sorry may be construed as an admission of fault.
It is not your job to establish liability, and as such, you should leave that to the appropriate parties, the jury, and your attorney. Admitting fault may jeopardize your chances of making a successful recovery.
Failing to Seek & Follow Up With Treatment
After a truck accident, prompt medical care is essential—even if you feel okay. Some injuries may appear later, and timely treatment creates an official record for your claim.
Following your doctor’s treatment plan is equally important, as missed appointments or gaps in care can be used to reduce or deny compensation.
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Failing to Call The Police
After a truck accident in Harlingen, contacting local law enforcement is essential. Police not only document the crash for legal and insurance purposes but also coordinate emergency response if anyone is injured.
A thorough police report can serve as an official record of the accident, helping establish fault and supporting your personal injury claim. Skipping this step can weaken your case and create unnecessary complications during the claims process.
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Settling Too Quickly With Insurance Companies
After an accident, insurance companies will make initial offers with the intention of stopping you from pursuing damages through a court process.
They are here to make profits, and a lawsuit means bad business. They will try to settle you as soon as possible so that you can sign away your rights to further compensation.
Remember, you may not realize the extent of losses you suffered in the first few days after the accident. You need to take time and review your past, present, and future losses before demanding compensation. As desperate as you may be, you should never accept the first offer too soon without consulting with an attorney.
Not Filing Your Case on Time
According to the Texas statute of limitations, personal injury victims are required by law to file their case within the first two years after the accident.
Although this may seem to be a long time, the reality is that it may be too short, especially when you have so much to do. If you miss the deadline, you will automatically be barred from pursuing compensation. The best way to get yourself covered is to retain an attorney to focus on your case in a timely manner.
Don’t Make the Mistake of Not Hiring an Attorney
Although you can file a claim by yourself, a Harlingen truck accident lawyer is the best fit to defend your rights. Some victims make the mistake of handling their cases alone.
They often handle insurance companies on their own, jeopardizing their case in the process. The best decision you can make is retaining a seasoned truck accident attorney to represent you during negotiations and trial.
The attorneys at our firm do not charge upfront legal fees, giving you the peace of mind you need. Please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
Call or text (832) 346-9585 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
