The damage from truck accidents is often severe, and the injuries are usually worse. If you have been involved in one, filing a claim might seem simple, but one wrong move can cost you. Here are the most common mistakes people make when filing a truck accident claim, and how to avoid them.
- Delaying medical treatment
You might think your aches are just soreness, or you want to focus on work first. However, any delay in seeing a doctor can hurt your claim. Insurers love to argue that late treatment means your injuries are not serious, or were not caused by the crash. Even a quick visit to an urgent care center creates a documented link between the wreck and your injuries, so get checked out right away. Doing so protects both your health and your case.
- Skipping a lawyer’s advice
You don’t have to hire a lawyer to file a claim. However, handling a serious truck crash claim without one is a gamble. Trucking companies have teams of lawyers and investigators on standby, and they know how to minimize payouts. A specialized Atlanta truck accident attorney levels the playing field. They will calculate your total damages, negotiate aggressively, and take your case to court if needed. Visit our website to learn more.
- Failing to gather evidence at the scene
In the chaos after a truck crash, it’s easy to forget the little things like photos of skid marks, damage to both vehicles, and road signs. Take out your phone and take pictures from multiple angles. If you can, get the contact information of the witnesses. Their statements can back up your story later. The more evidence you collect immediately, the stronger your claim will be.
- Giving a recorded statement too soon
An insurance adjuster might ask you for a recorded statement within days of the accident. They will sound friendly, but their goal is to find inconsistencies. A single misstep can derail your claim. You are not required to give a recorded statement until you are ready. Instead, politely tell them you will provide details after you have talked to a lawyer. This gives you time to gather facts and avoid self-incrimination.
- Missing the insurance notice deadline
Georgia law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit, but that doesn’t mean you should wait. Some insurance policies require immediate notice. Late notice gives insurance companies ammunition to deny or reduce your claim. Call your insurer within a day or two.
- Accepting a quick settlement offer
Adjusters know that injured drivers need cash fast, so they often float lowball settlement checks early on. It might seem tempting, especially when medical bills loom, but that first offer almost never covers your full losses. Accepting it usually means signing a release that bars you from seeking more money later. Always run any settlement over with a qualified attorney before signing anything.
Endnote
Avoiding these mistakes puts you in a much stronger position to get the compensation that you deserve. From day one, prioritize your health and document everything. Don’t rush into a recorded statement or a settlement offer, keep an eye on deadlines, and lean on an Atlanta truck accident attorney who knows Georgia’s laws inside and out. When you avoid these common pitfalls, you protect your right to fair compensation and focus on getting your life back on track.
