Truck accidents often leave victims in shock, rattled, and uncertain about what to do next. Unfortunately, the things that you say and do immediately after a truck accident have the potential to jeopardize your ability to recover compensation. Here are some of the things to avoid doing after you have been hurt in a truck accident.
Post About the Accident on Social Media
If you are an avid user of social media, your first instinct after you are involved in a truck accident may be to post pictures and a narrative of what happened on Facebook or Twitter. It is important to understand, however, that the things that you post on social media could potentially be used as evidence of negligence on your part. For this reason, it is advisable to refrain from posting on social media after any type of accident.
Provide a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company
As an accident victim, you should be aware of the fact that the other party’s insurance company is not on your side. You may be contacted by an insurance company representative requesting that you give a recorded statement. Understand that there is no legal obligation to do so imposed by Texas law and that the insurance company trains its people to take steps to minimize the amount they pay out on valid claims. For this reason, you should always speak to your lawyer prior to giving a recorded statement. If the insurance company representative starts to pressure you, direct them to your lawyer.
Accept a Settlement Offer without Speaking to an Attorney
Many at-fault parties try to limit their liability by making a settlement offer shortly after an accident. Often, the extent of your losses will not be clear for a significant amount of time after a crash, so it is generally advisable to wait before settling your claim. In addition, victims often significantly undervalue their losses after a wreck. For these reasons, you should always speak to a lawyer before accepting a settlement offer.
Call a Texas Big-Rig Crash Lawyer Today to Discuss Your Options
If you have been injured in an accident with a large commercial truck, you should speak to an attorney as soon as you can. To schedule a free case evaluation with Houston attorney Stewart J. Guss, call our office today at 800-898-4877 or contact us online.
1 https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/negligence
2 http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/
