Avoid These 3 Common Mistakes When Filing A Truck Accident Claim
Commercial vehicles, like semi-trucks, outweigh even the largest SUVs and passenger trucks on the road, often by as much as 20 to one. The consequences of collisions between vehicles of such varying sizes can be devastating, and even deadly, for occupants of the smaller vehicles. Unfortunately, even when they are to blame, many trucking companies do everything they can to avoid paying for a victim’s injuries, using delays and unfair practices to convince claimants to accept low settlements or even denying legitimate claims outright. In these cases, having an experienced Tulsa truck accident lawyer on your side can make all the difference in helping you get the best possible outcome.
Admitting Fault
It’s important for accident victims to avoid admitting fault after a crash, especially because the shock and adrenaline that so often accompany collisions can affect the memory of what happened in an accident, even if it occurred a few minutes before. Accident victims who tell a truck driver, a witness, a police officer, or an insurer that they were partially at fault for a crash can expect to encounter much more resistance when attempting to recover compensation, despite Oklahoma’s adherence to the comparative negligence standard. Once a statement goes on record, evidence will generally be viewed with the assumption of fault on the victim’s part.
Failing to Get Medical Attention Immediately
It’s extremely important for those who have been injured in truck accidents to seek medical attention right away. Those who wait too long to see a doctor will undoubtedly face more resistance from insurers when attempting to recoup losses. Generally, the longer a person waits to get a medical opinion, the more skeptical an insurer will be of a claim for compensation. This is due to the fact that as more time passes, the easier it is for insurers to claim that an injury was actually the result of a different accident and cannot be linked to the truck crash.
Posting on Social Media
Talking about or referencing an accident or resulting injuries on social media should also be avoided at all costs. Even a post that seems innocuous could be taken out of context by an insurance adjuster, leading to a much lower settlement or an outright denial. If, for instance, an accident victim posted a photo or status update, the insurer could use that as evidence that the victim isn’t really as hurt as he or she previously claimed.
We’re Ready to Start Working on Your Claim
One of the best ways to get a head start on your accident claim is to reach out to an experienced Tulsa truck accident lawyer for help. At Levinson Law, P.C., our dedicated legal team realizes that time is of the essence when it comes to seeking a settlement or attempting to recover damages after a crash. To get started on your own claim, call our office at 918-492-4433 or fill out one of our online contact forms with your case details. Complimentary consultations are available upon request.
Resource:
oksenate.gov/sites/default/files/2019-12/os23.pdf
