What Should You Never Do After a Florida Truck Accident?

From minor injuries to fatalities, tractor-trailer accidents can have far-reaching consequences. Depending on the circumstances of the crash and the extent of your injuries, you could be entitled to receive compensation for lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and more. 

However, there are important things to know about the appropriate conduct in the days, weeks, and months following a truck accident. In this article, a Florida truck accident attorney shares what you should never do after one of these accidents.   

Never Admit Fault 

Even if you think you were at fault, never admit to being responsible for the accident. Understandably, emotions are running high in the aftermath of a crash, so it’s imperative that you keep a level head. When speaking to police at the scene, stick to the facts of what happened without commenting on who you think was at fault. 

The same principle applies when speaking to an insurance company, witnesses, or any other third party. Any admission you make before your case is settled can compromise your claim. 

Never Avoid Seeking Medical Attention 

It’s not unusual for there to be catastrophic injuries in a truck collision, so seeking medical attention is a given. However, you may be tempted to avoid going to the doctor if you think your injuries aren’t serious or you’re worried about how you’ll cover the medical bills. 

In truck accident claims, you can often delay paying medical expenses until you receive a settlement check. Further, if you do not get medical attention or you fail to follow through with your doctor’s recommendations, it could result in the insurance company concluding that your injuries aren’t serious enough to warrant the compensation you’re asking for. 

Never Forget to Document the Scene 

The evidence gathered at the scene of the crash will be instrumental in determining accident liability. Evidence that can support your claim includes the following: 

• The police report
• Witness statements
• Information about the vehicles involved, including license plate numbers
• Contact information of the other drivers, including their insurance cards
• Pictures and videos of the vehicles, road conditions, and damages
• Pictures and videos that document your injuries 

If you are too injured to gather this evidence, there will most likely be a police report that contains some or all of this information. A Florida truck accident attorney can help you piece together this evidence to support your personal injury claim. 

As you begin recovering from your injuries, it’s also a good idea to document your healing. This includes keeping careful records of your medical appointments, any expenses incurred, the progress of your recovery, and how your quality of life has been affected by your injuries. 

Never Assume the Insurance Company Is Your Friend 

Insurance negotiations can be incredibly uneven, especially if you don’t have legal representation. No matter how friendly or sympathetic the person at the other end of the phone seems about your injuries, there is an ulterior motive. 

Insurance companies are profit-driven enterprises, and their goal is to pay accident victims as little as possible. They will scour the evidence and look for any nuance or inconsistency that can diminish your claim or result in it being denied outright. 

If an insurance company wants to record your statement, politely decline. Instead, your attorney should handle all communication to ensure that your rights are protected. 

Contact an Experienced Florida Truck Accident Attorney 

When it comes to tractor-trailer accidents, the stakes are high, and a mistake could mean the difference between receiving a generous settlement or a mere pittance from an insurance company. At Leaser Law Firm, we help clients involved in truck accidents, and there are no fees unless you win. Contact us at  (954) 233-3515 for a free consultation.