Sharing the road with commercial vehicles means driving alongside vehicles that take much longer
to stop, make wide turns and can crush a car instantly if something goes wrong. Their size, blind spots and tight delivery deadlines make every sudden slowdown, distraction or bad weather event a potential crash waiting to happen.
Getting in a commercial vehicle accident is extremely stressful. When you suffer significant injuries and vehicle damage, you have enough on your plate without worrying about what to do, and what NOT to do next. This article shares expert advice from a BD&J commercial vehicle accident attorney in California about top mistakes to avoid when you are hit by a delivery van, garbage truck or semi-truck.
Time Is of the Essence When It Comes to Building a Winning Case
When it comes to insurance claims and getting financial compensation for a commercial vehicle accident, it’s important to act quickly. The result of your accident claim can be improved by gathering and preserving evidence early on. Don’t hesitate to call for help from a family member, police officer or commercial vehicle accident lawyer so you can focus on your injuries and healing.
Seek medical attention immediately, even if there are no apparent injuries. Skipping out on medical care is a big mistake. Delayed treatment can lead to even more serious injuries and trouble recovering compensation in the long run. Victims can end up with permanent damage if they suffered a brain injury or internal injuries, but avoid medical care because symptoms were masked by shock and adrenaline. Help prevent injuries from getting worse by seeing a doctor and getting treated as soon as possible.
Prompt medical evaluations can also demonstrate your commitment to your health and wellbeing and support your claim.
Be Careful About What You Say
When pursuing compensation after a commercial vehicle accident, you’ll give a statement about what happened, but saying the wrong thing can hurt your claim. Don’t make the mistake of speculating about what caused the accident or admitting fault when talking to the police or insurance company.
The police will complete an accident report that can be used to support your claim; be sure to only share the facts of what you saw and experienced. The reality is, you don’t know what caused the accident, that’s what an investigation is for. Law enforcement officers are trained to investigate these accidents and find out who or what caused them, so save your guesses to share with family.
In addition, insurance agents conduct their own investigations to validate claim payments; they may dispute your claim if you say something that can be misinterpreted as an admission of guilt. You have options when it comes to communicating with insurance agents; you can have them talk to your lawyer to avoid missteps that impact your compensation.
Many legal experts recommend that you record your calls when speaking with insurance companies about an accident claim.
Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorneys Give Victims Hope
Being in a car accident is challenging, and when a company vehicle hits you, you may think — “How can I win an
accident case against corporate lawyers?”
Don’t make the mistake of giving up before it begins; you have the right to seek justice and compensation from those responsible and could be owed thousands or even millions. A free consultation with an accident lawyer can help you understand how you can pursue compensation while holding the company accountable for causing an accident.
Without the help of a commercial vehicle accident lawyer, many victims make the mistake of accepting an insufficient offer and end up shouldering more financial burdens than expected. The first settlement offer is often insufficient for covering damages, but victims may accept it to avoid stressful negotiations. You can work with a lawyer to review the offer, negotiate for fair compensation, and pursue the financial compensation you need to recover and support your family.
Take Action and Get Justice
It’s normal to feel vulnerable and confused after a stressful commercial vehicle accident — protect your rights, seek expert legal guidance, and never settle for less than you deserve. With the support of a skilled commercial vehicle accident attorney, like those at BD&J, you can hold companies accountable and pursue the compensation needed to rebuild your life and move forward with confidence.
The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, financial, medical, or professional advice. Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances. We disclaim any liability for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from the use of, or reliance on, the information presented.
