Whether it happens on a crowded highway, in a narrow parking lot, or any place in between, getting into a traffic accident with a semi-truck is always an unsettling experience. In the aftermath of a wreck like this, the idea of trying to just forget about the whole thing and move on as quickly as possible can certainly be tempting. Unfortunately, doing that can also sometimes lead you to you missing out on much-needed financial compensation.
Getting the best possible result from a lawsuit or settlement demand over a truck wreck is often just as much a matter of knowing what not to do as it is a matter of doing the right things during your legal proceedings. With that in mind, here are some common mistakes to avoid in Baton Rouge truck accident cases that you should be aware of, and which a seasoned truck accident lawyer from Tomeny | Best can ensure you do not make during your claim.
Giving Too Much Information to Insurance Adjusters
In the days following a traffic crash involving a commercial truck, representatives from the company that insures that truck or whoever owns it will likely reach out to everyone involved to take a statement about what happened and get an idea of what damages the incident has caused. While it is important to be truthful and clear when speaking with insurance adjusters, it is also crucial to avoid admitting or even implying fault for the crash, speculating about what happened, and offering information that was not specifically requested during these conversations.
Not Getting Medical Attention Right Away
Another big mistake to avoid after a Baton Rouge truck wreck is not seeking professional medical care as soon as possible after the accident, even if there are not any obvious injuries stemming from the incident. In addition to ensuring that more subtle injuries that have not presented obvious symptoms yet are appropriately cared for, this initial visit will produce invaluable documentation about exactly what effects the crash had and how long they will likely last.
Not Following Instructions From Doctors
After getting checked out and diagnosed following a truck wreck, it is crucial to continue seeking the care recommended by treating physicians and to follow all instructions they provide about taking medications, performing physical therapy exercises, and doing other things to streamline the healing process. Failing to do this could give an insurance company or defense attorney a perfect excuse to argue that a particular injury is not as bad as it is claimed to be and does not warrant the requested amount of compensation—because if it was, the injured person would be taking their treatment more seriously.
Accepting the First Settlement Offer Immediately
Finally, one of the most important mistakes to avoid during a truck accident claim in Baton Rouge is jumping at the first offer of compensation put forward by an insurance company. More often than not, this initial offer is meant to mislead the injured claimant about how much their case is really worth, and it is always worth discussing the terms with an experienced legal professional before formally accepting them.
A Baton Rouge Attorney Can Help With Avoiding Truck Accident Case Mistakes
Being hurt in a truck wreck can be both physically and psychologically traumatic, as hundreds of people across Louisiana unfortunately learn every single year. The process of seeking financial compensation for losses caused by this sort of incident can pile even more stress onto what you are already dealing with, especially if you try to do it without support from capable legal counsel.
A truck accident lawyer from Tomeny | Best can stand by your side from start to finish of your claim and make sure you know all the mistakes to avoid in Baton Rouge truck accident cases. Call today for a free consultation.
