Dos and Don’ts after a Truck Accident

After a truck accident, your first priority is to make sure you and your family are alright. While it’s extremely vital to protect the health of your loved ones, you should also be aware that your actions in the immediate aftermath of the accident can also have bearing on your ability to get compensation for the accident.

At Matt Hardin Law, our Memphis truck accident lawyers have represented countless truck accident victims, and we know that just a few smart choices in the hours, days, and weeks after the incident can mean the difference between getting a small settlement and getting full compensation.

• Do get checked out by a doctor—even if you don’t think you’re injured.

Truck accidents involve huge amounts of force, especially when they occur at high speeds. It’s important to get your entire family checked out by a doctor to rule out any internal injuries after a truck accident. In addition to protecting your health, seeing a doctor also gives you and your attorney access to a medical report, which can help strengthen your claim.

• Don’t admit fault for the accident.

In the minutes and hours after the accident, you may be in shock and have a hard time remembering what happened or the events that led up the accident. That’s why it’s important to never admit fault to the police, the truck driver, or any witnesses. It’s not uncommon for drivers to admit fault and jeopardize their chances of receiving compensation, only to later find out that their memories of the incident were fault and they weren’t responsible for causing the accident.

• Do document the accident as much as possible.

If you’re able to do so, write down as much as possible about the accident soon after it occurs. Include details such as your speed, the lane you were in when the accident happened, any sudden movements by the truck driver, and what happened in the moments leading up to the crash. In addition, try to take phones or videos of the accident scene before your vehicle is removed from the street. This can serve as proof of the severity of the accident and can show the angle of impact.

• Don’t accept any initial settlement offers.

Insurance companies are known to call accident victims shortly after their accidents and offer settlements that may be appear to be fair, but are actually far less than what the victim deserves. If you’re contacted by the insurance company shortly after your accident, don’t accept their offer and don’t sign any paperwork without first speaking with an attorney. If you sign anything or accept any settlement offers, you will jeopardize your chances of later receiving full compensation for your medical bills and lost wages.

Why Call Matt Hardin Law after a Truck Accident?

When you’ve been in a truck accident, you need the help of a law firm that understands Tennessee truck accident laws and isn’t afraid to stand up to trucking companies or big insurance companies. Our Memphis truck accident attorneys know what it takes to build strong accident claims that get our clients results.

To get our experienced legal team on your side, give us a call at (901) 201-4478 or fill out a free online form on our website. The sooner you contact us after your accident, the better your chances are of getting full compensation for your accident-related expenses. Call us today.