Seven Things You Should NOT Do After a Truck Accident
A bad situation can make anyone want to vent their frustrations to a close friend or family member. It’s only natural. But when it comes to a truck accident, sometimes simply talking about it can cause you bigger problems.
If you truly need someone to talk to about a truck accident that you’ve experienced, then why not reach out the dedicated and trusted Houston truck accident attorneys at Lapeze & Johns. Our attorneys have helped families collect over $385 million in compensation and have earned themselves a reputation of excellence throughout Texas, the Gulf Coast, and the rest of the nation.
If you’re ready to tell someone your story, we would love to speak with you.
On the other hand, there are a number of actions that you should avoid until your case has concluded.
1. Don’t discuss your truck accident with anyone other than your lawyer.
It is generally a bad idea to speak about your truck accident to anyone, especially insurance adjusters. When discussing your case with them, they can purposely misconstrue something you have said to use against you in court.
If you receive a notice or a call from a claims adjuster, or anyone in general who wishes to speak with your about your truck accident, refer them to your lawyer instead.
2. Don’t make guesses or speculate on what happened.
Don’t take a guess or speculate how or why exactly the truck accident occurred. The police at the scene will investigate the accident and your attorney will sift through all the evidence available. Along with other specialists and accident reconstruction experts, your attorney will determine exactly how the accident happened and who was at fault.
Taking guesses or speculating about what you think happened will only give the opposition ammunition to use in court.
3. If you must speak with an insurance adjuster, don’t give a recorded statement.
If you’re contacted by an insurance adjuster, more often than not they will ask if you can provide a recorded statement of the truck accident. You do not have to provide this information. In fact, there is no law stating that you have to, and this only serves to the benefit of the insurance company – not you.
It is completely acceptable to reschedule the call for another day that suits you better. Doing so can provide you valuable time to consider your statement. It is important to remember that you will be bound to everything that you say to the insurance adjuster.
If you are under the counsel of an experienced attorney, they will delay and help you prepare an effective statement.
4. Don’t sign any documentation.
It is likely that an insurance adjuster will try to make you sign a medical release form during your first conversation. A medical release form gives the insurance company the ability to access your medical records. More than likely, you will receive this form in the mail, and you’ll be advised to sign it and turn it in immediately so that the insurance company can proceed with your claim.
While not every action has malicious intent, careless behavior on your end can lead to trouble down the road. For example, releasing medical forms can be used against you in an effort to reveal any previous injury you may have had. Then, the insurance company may try to link the previous injury with the injury you claimed in the accident, thus reducing their liability.
Your attorney will always let you know what documents you should sign, but if you need clarification, don’t be afraid to ask them.
5. Don’t apologize.
It may seem counterintuitive and rude to not apologize after you’ve gotten into a truck accident, but trust us, even an apology can be used against you.
Simply put, apologizing at the scene of a truck accident can be perceived as an admittance of some sort of negligence regardless of whether or not you were at fault. While most people may understand the underlying reason you apologized, this too can be used against you in court.
6. Don’t post anything on your social media profiles.
Insurance claims adjusters and defense lawyers are very good at finding out weaknesses about your case, and they will exploit those weaknesses from whatever source they can – including your social media posts.
Don’t post anything to any of your social media profiles about how hurt — or how fine — you are. Refrain from tweeting any details about the accident. Don’t use Instagram to share images of the crash. As a matter of fact, it would be best if you avoiding using any of these until your case has concluded. Even an image of you enjoying an event or family gathering can be perceived as you being in good health.
Leave no trace of the truck accident on any of your social media profiles. Doing so only helps the defense try to discredit your case.
7. Don’t ignore the doctor’s orders.
Follow your doctor’s orders to the “T”. Whether it’s a prescription or treatment plan, make sure that you follow all orders until told otherwise by your primary care provider.
Ignoring the doctor’s orders can not only hurt your physical recovery but it could hurt your chances in court as well. The defense may consider that if you weren’t in enough pain to finish your treatment, your injury was not serious enough to file a truck accident claim.
Don’t settle for any truck attorney. Enlist the help of the experienced and trustworthy Lapeze & Johns today!
With these seven tips and the right representation, getting the compensation you deserve is a strong possibility. With Lapeze & Johns, you’re getting support from Houston truck accident attorneys that have a history of success.
CONTACT
OPENING HOURS
- Mon - Fri
- -
- Sat - Sun
- -