Commercial vehicle accidents are significantly different from other major road accidents. While they usually involve the same factors, such as driver negligence and vehicle defects, truck accidents are unique.
They involve multiple parties, making liability a contentious issue. On top of that, the aftermath is often tragic. Survivors risk suffering impairing injuries.
Knowing what to do when a crash occurs is necessary for promoting your well-being and safeguarding your rights. Unfortunately, the confusion and trauma that follow are disorienting. As a result, victims make errors that compromise their safety and restrict their rights.
Understanding what mistakes to avoid in a La Porte truck accident is vital for exercising your right to fair compensation. Our truck accident lawyers in La Porte can help you avoid these mistakes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Truck Accident in La Porte
The steps you take in the hours and days following a truck accident can significantly affect your health, your claim, and your legal rights. Understanding the most common mistakes can help you make informed decisions and avoid actions that could weaken your case.
Not Stopping
Everyone involved in a crash that causes severe harm, property damage, or loss of life must stop and remain at the scene. Texas Transportation Code 550 further requires that assistance be rendered to anyone needing it.
Fleeing the scene is a crime punishable by law. Failing to stop could also imply wrongdoing.
Not Calling the Police
Minor fender benders usually don’t require police intervention. However, any accident involving serious injuries, death, or extensive damage to vehicles or property must be reported to the local police department or highway patrol.
These parties help clear the scene to prevent chain accidents and coordinate medical evacuation for the injured. Additionally, the police investigate the accident to establish the cause and compile findings in an official police report. The document is a key piece of evidence when filing an insurance claim.
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Failing to Seek & Follow Up with Medical Care
Another mistake to avoid in a La Porte truck accident is failing to accept medical assistance. This includes first aid at the scene. Report any injuries you may have suffered to the EMTs on-site.
Watch out for unusual signs and symptoms since adrenaline could mask serious injuries. Document your treatment and follow up with treatment as advised by your physician. Insurance companies can utilize any gaps in treatment to contest causation and damages in a claim, thereby denying your rightful compensation.
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Failing to Exchange Contact & Insurance Information
Although the moments following a commercial vehicle accident can be overwhelming, remember to exchange information with everyone involved.
Collect their contact details, including full names, telephone numbers, addresses, and employer information. Provide your insurance information and request theirs as well. These particulars are essential for following up post-accident and filing insurance claims.
Not Documenting the Accident
Documenting an accident has never been easier. Take out your phone or any other recording device, such as a portable camera, and document the scene if possible.
Capture your injuries, the vehicles involved, their license plates, and close-ups of the damaged vehicle or property. Also, note down the accident’s time, date, and exact location, and use nearby landmarks. Talk to eyewitnesses and request their statements and contact information.
Their side of the story can corroborate other evidence materials and expert testimonials. Write down the sequence of events that led to the accident as you can remember.
Failing to Notify Your Insurer
A common mistake to avoid in a La Porte truck accident is taking too long to report the incident to insurers. Insurance companies must be notified about an accident as soon as possible.
While it may seem too early to involve insurance companies, calling them immediately protects your rights if you want to file a case. Doing so enables them to investigate the accident independently, anticipating a claim. Other mistakes you must avoid when dealing with insurance are saying more than you should or admitting fault.
Let an experienced truck accident attorney represent you to prevent bad-faith insurance.
Failing to Consult with an Attorney
One of the biggest mistakes to avoid in a La Porte truck accident is failing to consult with a lawyer. Commercial accidents are complex and need a qualified and dedicated legal team to handle them.
They can help determine liability, gather evidence, enlist expert witnesses, handle insurers, and represent you in court where necessary.
Let Us Help You Avoid Common Mistakes in La Porte Truck Accidents
Financial hardships following a serious injury are common. You may feel that retaining a truck accident lawyer is beyond reach or out of your budget.
Luckily, our attorneys take up personal injury cases on a contingency arrangement. We only collect attorneys’ fees if you are compensated. In other words, we only get paid if your case is won.
Call us today to discuss the mistakes to avoid in La Porte truck accidents.
Call or text (832) 346-9585 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
