Top 3 Mistakes to Avoid After a Truck Accident in LA County

Los Angeles County has occasionally experienced large highway and busy city street accidents involving trucks. The aftermath of a truck accident can be mind-blowing, leaving victims lost and clueless about what to do next. The mess after the event usually leads to errors that could affect your case for your injuries and damages. Here are three mistakes you should avoid after being involved in a truck accident.

Neglecting Medical Attention

One of the mistakes people make after a truck accident is not going to a doctor or a hospital on the day of the accident. You may feel good or think that your injuries are not serious; nevertheless, it is crucial that you visit a doctor as soon as you can to undergo a complete medical examination. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, appear to be symptoms but can get worse if not treated as time progresses.

Furthermore, postponing medical treatment can damage your personal injury claim. If you wait too long to see a doctor, the insurance companies may think your injuries are not severe enough.  By seeking early consultation with a medical professional, you safeguard your health and get written proof of your injuries. 

Following a truck accident, you should first care for your health by visiting the doctor without waiting. Adhere to your healthcare provider’s advice for the treatment. Also, visit all the follow-up plans to ensure your injuries are well managed.

Failing to Preserve Evidence

Another critical mistake to avoid is failing to preserve evidence at the accident scene. In the chaotic aftermath of a truck accident, it’s understandable that your priority may be ensuring your safety and the safety of others involved. However, document the scene before vehicles are moved or evidence is lost.

Use your smartphone or camera to take photos and videos of the accident scene. Take pictures of the vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and visible injuries. If witnesses are present to obtain their contact information, their statements may be valuable later. Additionally, make note of the truck driver’s information, including their name, license plate number, and insurance details.

Preserving evidence is crucial for building a solid personal injury claim. Without adequate documentation, proving liability and recovering compensation for damages may be challenging. By taking proactive steps to preserve evidence at the accident scene, you increase your chances of a successful outcome in your case.

Discussing the Accident with Insurance Adjusters Without Legal Representation

After a truck accident, you need to contact the insurance company.  Although it may seem natural to talk about the accident or to provide a statement to them, it’s crucial to be cautious in doing so.

Insurance adjusters are trained not to pay too much money to accident victims. Whatever you say to them could be used against you to lower or refute your claim. Thus, it is better to avoid talking about the accident or giving a recorded statement before a personal injury lawyer advises you.

A lawyer can be the one to deal with the insurance companies for you and thus, will help you to be sure that you do not let you do or say anything that can be regarded as something that can harm your case. Besides this, they can also talk to the insurers and try to get a fair settlement that covers all your injuries, expenses, and so on.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Los Angeles County, avoid these three common mistakes:

1. ignoring medical advice
2. not preserving evidence
3. talking to the insurance adjuster without legal representation.

Seek the help of an experienced and knowledgeable personal injury attorney to advise you on your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve. In a nutshell, the post-accident periods are the most crucial. Hence, you must be proactive and seize the initiative to safeguard yourself and your future.