Truck accidents are some of the most catastrophic road accidents in the U.S. Owing to their size, truck crashes cause severe damage to property, life-threatening injuries, and fatalities. If you or a loved one is a truck accident victim, you might have a right to claim compensation from the liable party.
Consider hiring a truck accident lawyer immediately after the accident to protect your rights, learn your legal options, and increase your chances of fair compensation.
How Will a Truck Accident Lawyer Help Me?
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), in 2020, about 4,965 Americans lost their lives in truck accidents. In addition, over 147,000 more sustained life-threatening injuries. Since what you do or say after the accident can affect your claim’s validity and the damages you can claim, it may be best to contact an attorney immediately if a trucking company calls you after an accident.
Truck accident attorneys work in favor of the victims. They will review your claim, investigate your case, and handle all necessary paperwork and negotiations with the at-fault party. Without legal help, you may make a mistake that negatively affects your claim. Your lawyer will file your claim as per the law and negotiate for maximum compensation.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-333-9999
How Do I Handle the Trucking Company After an Accident?
After a truck accident, the chances are that the trucking company or their insurance provider will try to reach out to you, especially if the truck driver was at fault. Therefore, we recommend not talking to the at-fault party after an accident, including the truck driver, trucking company, or insurance providers.
After the accident, do not:
- Sign any document the company or their insurer gives you
- Give a statement to the company or their insurer
- Admit to being partially at fault or say anything that can be interpreted as a fault
- Agree to a settlement
- Fail to report the accident to the police
When you do any of these actions, you risk jeopardizing your claim. Therefore, one of the crucial things you should do after a truck accident is obtain legal help.
Can My Words and Actions Be Used Against Me?
At-fault trucking companies or insurance companies reach out to victims to collect information. They can use this information to establish partial fault or defend themselves against the claim or lawsuit. While this is legal, you do not have to answer any questions from the companies or sign any documents.
If you have to talk to the trucking company, remember:
Be Polite and Firm
It is courteous to be polite when talking to the trucking company. However, should they call, answer politely, get to know the caller’s name and company, and refer them to your lawyer if you have one. Truck accident lawyers know how to professionally handle trucking companies and their insurance providers.
Do Not Fall for Empathy
The at-fault party can be friendly and even empathetic. They may want to know how you are doing after the accident, how you are coping with the injuries, or the accident’s effects on your life.
While responses such as “I’m doing okay” or “I’m fine” are normal and polite, even if you are dealing with a disability or any other injury, such responses can work against your claim. The trucking company can argue that you admitted to being okay and that your injuries may not be as severe as you claim.
Do Not Accept a Settlement Offer
Truck accidents can cause severe injuries or fatalities. If the company is liable, they may owe you maximum compensation, which can be tens of thousands of dollars. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2019, the cost of injuries and work loss after fatal crashes was $56 billion.
Since the trucking company can owe you tens of thousands of dollars in compensation, it is normal for them to reduce the settlement. To do this, they can make a quick offer after the crash. Accepting the first offer is a mistake. Instead, give your lawyer time to investigate the case, gather enough evidence to support the case, value your claim, and negotiate maximum compensation.
Remember, once you agree to an offer, you cannot appeal it or ask for more money from the company. When valuing your claim, your lawyer will consider the economic and non-economic damages. If you cannot come to an agreeable settlement, your lawyer will file a lawsuit and take the case to court.
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Learn More About Your Rights by Contacting a Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Dealing with trucking companies if they contact you after an accident or their insurers can be challenging, especially if unfamiliar with how they work. If you or a loved one is a recent trucking accident victim, it is best to hire a truck accident lawyer. At Isaacs & Isaacs Personal Injury Lawyers, we are ready to pursue your claim and negotiate the compensation you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation about your claim today.
Call or text 800-333-9999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
