What Not to Say To a Truck Driver After a Truck Accident

If you’re involved in an accident with a commercial truck, there are certain things you should never say at the scene of the accident or later to the insurance adjuster.

These vehicles are heavier and larger than passenger vehicles, and a crash involving a commercial truck often results in greater damage to the car and the people riding inside than the trucker. Many people don’t know what to do after an accident. If you’re in one, you may be shocked and may say the wrong things. Your words could be taken out of context and could negatively affect an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Here are several things that you should never say.

Any Statement Indicating You Were at Fault

After an accident, law enforcement should arrive to investigate the accident and create an accident report. It’s crucial that you allow the police officer to do his job without pointing fingers at the other driver or admitting fault yourself.

Admitting fault may be as simple as saying “I’m sorry” to the truck driver, even if you were the one with most of the vehicle damage and injuries. Steer clear of that temptation because you can always apologize later, but you can never take it back.

Insurance adjusters can take your apology as evidence that you know you caused the crash. In the moments after a traumatic accident, don’t say anything except to call the police and request an ambulance if it’s needed.

Even admitting partial fault can affect the amount of compensation you may receive. It’s important to avoid saying anything. Even if you believe your actions could have contributed to the accident, this information can be shared later. Don’t lie about what you did, but don’t volunteer anything either. However, if you need to know more, contact us today.

Don’t Handle It Yourself

You may be tempted to avoid calling the police after an accident if you are intent on getting your day back on track. You and the truck driver may decide that you’re willing to work the situation out without involving insurance companies or the police.

However, without law enforcement at the scene and a police report they would create, you will likely not have any witnesses, will not have a determination of who was at fault, and therefore will not have any evidence to prove that the truck driver may be liable for your injuries.

Don’t Refuse Medical Care

One common mistake made after an accident with a truck is refusing medical care. You may not need an ambulance to be transported to the emergency room, but you do need to follow up with your healthcare provider.

Even if you feel fine right after the accident, do not make the statement that you are “fine.” This announces to the truck driver and their insurance company that you have had no injuries. Several types of serious medical problems can develop in the hours, days, or even the week after an accident with a commercial truck.

This is one reason why it’s essential to see your medical provider for an evaluation. This visit also provides documentation of your injuries for the at-fault party’s insurance company and demonstrates your interest in regaining your health. If you have pressing questions about your case, reach out to us today.

What to Do

After an accident with a commercial truck, your priority is to address any injuries that you or anyone else in your vehicle may have sustained. This may require the help of an ambulance and EMT. Be sure to notify the police and give only the facts about the accident as you remember it.

If you’re able, take pictures of the license plates of the vehicles involved and get information from the truck driver about their employer and insurance company. Continue to take pictures of the accident scene and include any damage to your vehicle.

Seek medical care as soon as possible and keep your bills and copies of your medical records. If your healthcare provider recommends that you see a specialist or therapist, get imaging studies, or take medication, it is crucial that you follow through. This demonstrates the extent of your physical injuries to the at-fault party’s insurance company or the court if you file a lawsuit.

After a traumatic accident, you may also need the experienced help of a psychotherapist to work through the trauma. It is not uncommon for individuals who have witnessed or experienced a traumatic event to later suffer from depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). With help, you can heal physically, mentally, and emotionally from the trauma.

Contact Portner Bond, PLLC for a Free Consultation

After an accident with a truck, you must seek legal help as soon as possible. Insurance companies have skilled insurance adjusters who work for them to protect their financial assets. It’s important that you have an experienced Beaumont truck accident attorney working for you as well. Contact the Portner Bond, PLLC at (409) 838-4444 for your free consultation and case evaluation.