Truck accidents are incredibly devastating experiences in Fort Lee, leaving victims severely injured, scared, and uncertain about their future. If you are fortunate enough to survive a truck wreck, count yourself lucky and consider your next steps with utmost care. If the cause of your crash was a truck driver’s negligence or violation of federal or state regulations for the trucking industry, you have a right to recover compensation by initiating an insurance claim or lawsuit. However, any mistakes, even minor ones, you make in the aftermath of your truck accident can adversely impact the outcome of your personal injury claim or lawsuit.
An experienced Fort Lee truck accident lawyer can help you navigate the intricate legal process by investigating the truck crash, gathering evidence, determining fault, and negotiating a substantial settlement with insurance companies on your behalf.
The mistakes to avoid after a Fort Lee truck accident include:
Failure To Report The Truck Accident
New Jersey laws require you to report an accident to the police if it involves bodily injuries, property damage, and death. The majority of accidents involving commercial trucks cause extensive damage and severe injuries. So, reporting a truck accident becomes imperative. A police report provides significant documentation of the truck wreck. A police officer will put down the details of the accident in the report after carrying out an investigation.
The report may also contain witness statements and details of traffic violations, if any.
Insurance company adjusters and personal injury lawyers rely on the police report to determine liability. Leaving or fleeing the accident scene can weaken your case and attract a hit-and-run charge.
Avoiding Or Delaying the Hiring of An Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accident cases are incredibly complex, involving multiple at-fault parties, severe injuries, comprehensive property damage, specific federal and state regulations for the trucking industry, and powerful trucking companies with their large insurers.
After your truck accident, you should be careful when dealing with insurance companies, even your insurer. The main objective of insurance companies is to settle your claim quickly for less. The representatives of your insurance provider may seem sympathetic and concerned, but their motive is to encourage you to settle the case without consulting a lawyer.
A specialized truck accident lawyer deals with insurance companies regularly and knows all about their tactics to prompt you into giving a recorded statement and accepting the first settlement offer they make. The lawyer will ensure the protection of your rights and negotiate assertively to convince the insurance company to make fair and just settlement offers.
Failing To Seek Medical Care
One of the most significant mistakes truck accident victims make is delaying or neglecting to seek prompt medical care. By visiting an emergency room or a qualified physician, truck accident victims can establish a link between the accident and their injuries. Receiving immediate medical attention also ensures thorough assessment for any long-term or severe injuries.
Contact A Competent Fort Lee Truck Accident Lawyer
New Jersey has federal and state laws regulating the operation of trucks on state roadways. Commercial trucks in New Jersey must comply with all regulations regarding vehicle size, weight, and load before operation. Truck drivers must abide by all laws regarding age requirements, health certifications, and insurance. However, thousands of New Jersey residents suffer injuries every year as a result of truck accidents.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a Fort Les truck crash, a truck accident lawyer will investigate the accident, review insurance policies, and build a robust case to help you recover a fair and just settlement. Contact a specialized truck accident lawyer in Fort Lee immediately to schedule a free case evaluation.