Mistakes to Avoid After a Bowling Green Truck Accident

After a truck accident, most injury victims are focused on healing and do not think about protecting their legal rights. Unfortunately, the insurance companies act quickly to protect their bottom line, and they do not have victims’ best interests in mind.

Knowing the common mistakes to avoid after a Bowling Green truck accident could make a difference in the outcome of a case. To learn more, contact a dedicated truck accident lawyer today.

Common Mistakes After an Accident

Apologizing or Admitting Fault

If a person admits a fault at the scene of an accident and then changes their mind at a later time, it is going to be very difficult to win their case. Their best bet at the scene would be to tell the truth to the police or refuse to make any statements whatsoever until they have contacted an attorney.

Similarly, trying to be polite by apologizing is considered an admission of guilt. At the scene of an accident, it is better not to address the issue of fault at all until they have contacted an attorney.

Giving Recorded Statements

Giving recorded statements to the other driver’s insurance company before consulting with an attorney can negatively impact a case. The goal of the insurance company is to try to sabotage their case. They are going to try to get them to admit some liability and responsibility for their injuries.

A typical situation might occur the day after the accident. The insurance company will try to get a recorded statement where the speed and distance make no logical sense in an effort to destroy the victim’s credibility. Oftentimes, they have teams of investigators and they will get an accident re-constructionist involved right away.

The best bet is to talk to an attorney before doing a recorded statement. If they do get a recorded statement, the attorney will prepare them ahead of time and would remain on the phone call to make sure there are no inappropriate questions.

Cashing an Insurance Check

Insurance companies and adjusters often give bonuses to the adjuster if they can settle a certain number of cases in a month or they can settle a certain number of cases early on. Oftentimes, when somebody is in an accident, the insurance company covers the medical bills and offers a thousand dollars for pain and suffering. A thousand dollars of quick money sounds great to a lot of people, but it can be a mistake.

The problem is once they sign the check and/or the release, they have given up their legal rights. What lawyers always suggest to people is to not settle, negotiate, or place a value on a case until they are 100% recovered.

Failing to Contact an Attorney Early

A person’s best action after a Bowling Green, OH truck accident is to contact an attorney right away. Typically, lawyers help to negotiate the property damage at no charge to make sure the victim does not get ripped off, especially if the car was totaled. The attorney can make them aware of who the best specialists are and what type of injuries they may or may not have. A lawyer will also make sure that they do not get taken advantage of by the insurance company.

A good time to contact an attorney is when they are in the emergency room. Most attorneys will give them free initial consultation and typically will tell the client whether or not they think this is a case that they can help them with.

How a Truck Accident Lawyer Could Help

Attorneys could help navigate the initial steps of dealing with a truck accident by helping with the initial investigation. They use photos, witnesses, and potentially an accident reconstructionist. They could value the property damage and injuries and review their auto insurance policy. There may be a medical payments provision under the policy, and an attorney could help work with this policy to obtain medical care.

Ask an attorney about the common mistakes to avoid after a Bowling Green, OH truck accident. Taking quick action could lead to a better outcome in your personal injury case.