Any truck accident can result in serious injuries and fatalities. What happens right after an accident can directly impact the outcome of any claim filed against the truck driver or company. It is common for victims to assume insurance companies will be fair, but that rarely happens. Houston truck accident lawsuit mistakes, including admitting fault or agreeing to a settlement too soon, can be costly.
Consider the following examples of Houston truck accident lawsuit mistakes that can put your case at risk, and then speak with a Houston truck accident lawyer.
Talking to the Insurance Adjuster
One of the most important rules to remember is not to talk to anyone about the accident except your attorney. If you speak to the insurance company representing the truck driver or company, they can manipulate anything you say to use it against you. Insurance companies will ask you questions that try to:
- Get you to admit your injuries are not that bad
- Admit you are at fault
- Limit your right to file a claim
They will talk to you, help you open up, and even discuss your injuries with you. These are all critical and costly mistakes. Instead, allow your attorney to handle the conversations from the start.
Waiting Too Long to Take Legal Action
The Texas statute of limitations provides you with two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against those at fault. If you wait beyond that timeframe, the court will not even hear your case, and there is then no way for you to recover damages. This law, which falls under Tex. Civ. Pract. & Proc. Code § 16.003, is very strict with very few limitations. Do not wait too long to seek legal action.
Agreeing to a Settlement Fast
Avoid settling for any offer from the insurance company without consulting with your attorney first. Many times, especially in serious cases with substantial losses, truck insurance companies will offer a big sum of money if you settle fast. They may warn that the deal is only on the table for a short time or will expire.
This is misleading. If they are offering you money, chances are there is much more they owe you. Instead, wait until your attorney determines what all of your damages are and then let your lawyer negotiate a fair settlement for you.
Do Not Put Off Medical Care
After a truck accident, make it your priority to seek immediate medical support for your injuries. In the ideal situation, you should request 911 and be taken directly to the emergency room for a full examination. This makes it clear that your injuries came directly from the accident and did not happen later.
Your medical records are one of the most powerful forms of evidence you have. When they document what your injuries are right after the accident, the insurance company will find it much more challenging to refute those claims.
Let an Attorney Investigate First
Perhaps the worst mistake you can make after a Houston truck accident is to fail to speak to an attorney before handling the insurance company or claims. At The Doan Law Firm, we provide direct support to our clients, starting with a free consultation. Let us help you protect your rights.