Many people assume that if they were ever injured in a truck wreck or any other accident, they would automatically get compensation and get it quickly. After all, that’s what insurance companies are for, right? Unfortunately, the reality is often much different. Insurance companies try to avoid paying, the responsible party refuses to communicate, and the injured person is left with more stress, more bills, and more uncertainty.
There are several mistakes an injured person can make that make it more difficult to get the compensation they need. We wanted to highlight a few of the mistakes so, hopefully, you can avoid them if you ever become involved in a truck accident on Texas roads.
Mistake 1: Delaying Medical Evaluation/Care
Many injuries are obvious right away, but other injuries only show up over time. For example, once the adrenaline wears off, a person could start feeling the symptoms of whiplash. It is important to receive medical attention as soon as possible after the accident, even if you do not feel injured right away. Visit an emergency room or your doctor. The longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes for a lawyer to document your injuries and prove your case.
Mistake 2: Accepting the First Offer From the Insurance Company
The trucking company’s insurer knows injured people are in need of compensation, and that injured people can quickly fall into a desperate situation. They take advantage of this by offering payouts that seem attractive at first but are far less than what you deserve. If you accept the offer, you typically give up your right to sue.
Before accepting any offer, talk to a Texas truck accident attorney about your options. Also, please read our recent blog post about speaking with the insurance company.
Mistake 3: Waiting Too Long to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Texas law requires all personal injury lawsuits to be filed within two years of the date of the accident. If you wait longer, your case will likely be dismissed. Also, it is a good idea to talk to an attorney soon after the event, rather than waiting for almost two years. We’ve written about this topic in detail on our blog and encourage you to read this information.
Mistake 4: Not Finding the Right Attorney
Truck wreck injury cases are highly complex and much different than an auto accident involving two passenger cars. You should seek out a lawyer and law firm with extensive experience handling truck and big rig accidents specifically. An experienced attorney will be more likely to understand the situation and know how to move your case forward.
Ted B. Lyon & Associates is a Dallas law firm that specializes in truck accident cases. We are available to evaluate your situation and take action accordingly. Contact us anytime for a free initial consultation.
