If you were seriously hurt in a large truck crash, working with an attorney could be important in your fight for a fair settlement. However, while your lawyer will grab the reins of your claim, there are steps you can—and should—take that might help mitigate disputes and strengthen your truck accident claim.
In this article, we look at a few ways you can assist your attorney throughout proceedings:
1. Document Everything Carefully
The success of your case will depend on many factors, but your ability to recall certain information or provide key pieces of evidence could be something that shifts the tides in your favor. As such, you should be diligent about making copies of important documents, stashing away crucial proof such as surveillance camera footage, and preserving evidence from the scene.
2. Stick to Your Treatment Plan
You should visit the doctor as soon as possible after the wreck as this will ensure that you receive prompt treatment for your injuries. Taking this step will also arm you with records documenting your condition, treatments, and recovery.
Once you’ve received a diagnosis, you should always comply with your doctor’s instructions. While this might mean booking time off work and watching weeks of wages disappear down the drain, going against your healthcare provider’s orders could result in your settlement being reduced or denied.
3. Start a Personal Injury Journal
Keeping a journal to log your pain levels, describe your symptoms, and explain the types of challenges you’re facing because of your injuries could be useful to your truck accident claim. For instance, your attorney may use your entries to build a case for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
4. Avoid Speaking to Opposing Parties
The insurance company may contact you for a recorded statement about what happened. However, until you’ve had a chance to investigate the wreck and take stock of your losses, you risk saying something that might turn out to be inaccurate or untrue. Fortunately, when you hire a personal injury attorney, he or she can oversee all communication with the insurer and other parties so that you won’t have to worry about saying something that might hurt your case.
5. Lay Low on Social Media
Many claimants aren’t aware that their social media activity could affect the outcome of their claims. The insurer might monitor your online profiles for any comments, posts, reviews, and even “check ins” that could be used as evidence to challenge your credibility. In most cases, deactivating your social media accounts for the duration of proceedings is probably one of the best decisions you can make for the success of your case.
6. Do Not Accept a Settlement Offer Prematurely
While it may seem like a large sum, it’s unwise to agree to a settlement offer until you’re certain you’ve accounted for all your damages. Rushing into negotiations for a quick payday could deprive you of the funds you need to cover additional procedures, home modifications, or other injury-related expenses. As such, it’s often best to wait until you’ve recovered from your injuries—or completed your treatment—before considering an offer.
Speak to a Truck Accident Attorney in Texas Today
Need help navigating a truck accident claim? Turn to the Texas truck accident attorneys at Hilliard Law. We have decades of collective experience guiding accident victims through proceedings, providing aggressive representation at each step. Dial (361) 882-1612 or jump to our contact page HERE to lock in a free case review today.