No one wants to be in an accident, especially one involving a truck. After the incident, you might have to deal with insurance companies, medical doctors, and other legal teams. But how can you protect your rights after a truck accident?
At Barrera Law Group LLC, we know these times can be confusing and stressful. Many parties want you to settle, but they don’t have your best interests in mind. For that reason, we have compiled this guide to protecting your rights after experiencing a truck crash in Houston.
Get Medical Assistance
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there were 494,000 police-reported crashes involving large trucks in 2021. Out of that number, there were 5,149 fatal crashes and 110,000 injury crashes. Chances are, after a crash, you might have some injuries.
You might not think that you’re severely injured. However, injuries can develop hours or days after the incident. Whether you have bumps and bruises or broken bones and damaged tendons, always make sure to schedule a consultation with a doctor. With this step, you can protect yourself and clear up any doubts about whether your injuries resulted from the accident or another issue.
Consult with a Truck Accident Lawyer
Houston truck accident cases are very complicated, especially if you think that you can handle them on your own. Often, these cases involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, the truck manufacturer, and even the entity responsible for maintaining the truck. If each party has some degree of liability, it can be challenging to determine fault.
An experienced truck accident attorney will help to guide you through this process. They will conduct a thorough investigation, collect evidence, and consult with experts to build a strong case on your behalf. When it comes time to negotiate with insurance companies or represent you in court, you will have skilled and knowledgeable professionals on your side.
Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters
After the accident, you can expect the insurance adjusters to contact you. They may be representing the trucking company or your own insurer. While it may seem like they are there to help, remember that they want to minimize the amount of money to pay out. For this reason, you always want to be cautious when speaking with them.
Before giving them a recorded statement or signing any documents, consult your legal team. Anything you say can be used against you to reduce the value of your claim. A lawyer will help you with these interactions. During this time, you need to make sure your rights are protected and that you do not inadvertently weaken your case.
Preserve All Documentation
As you may already know, you need to get medical assistance and contact local law enforcement. While at the accident scene, you should have taken photos or made notations of the accident. These pieces of evidence will help to build the foundation of your case.
Keep detailed records of everything related to the accident, such as medical bills, repair estimates, rental car receipts, and any other expenses resulting from the accident. Additionally, document any time you miss work due to your injuries.
Along with that, you may want to keep a journal detailing how your injuries have affected your daily life. You need to note any physical pain, emotional distress, and any limitations on your activities. This documentation is vital for supporting your claims of pain and suffering, which are often difficult to quantify.
Be Aware of Deadlines
When it comes time to file a lawsuit, you have limited time. In Texas, the statute of limitations is two years from the time of the accident. If you fail to file within this timeframe, you might lose your right to seek compensation.
Once again, a lawyer’s help can be invaluable in these cases. They can help you take all the legal actions within the appropriate time limits. Along with that, these professionals can also advise you on any exceptions or extensions that may apply to your case.
Know Your Compensation Rights
When you have been injured, you could be entitled to several types of compensation.
These can include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
By knowing these potential sources of compensation, you and your legal team can ensure you get the damage awards you deserve. Plus, with assistance from your attorney, they can help you properly calculate your losses from the accident.
Protecting your rights after a truck accident involves taking immediate action. From seeking medical attention to consulting with an experienced attorney, each step can help make sure that you are fully compensated for your injuries and damages.
If you have questions about protecting your rights after a Houston truck accident, we always offer a free initial consultation of your case.