Truck Accident Attorney: 5 Ways To Lose Your Case

If you've been involved in a collision with a commercial vehicle driver and have suffered from damage, you'd be wise to call a truck accident attorney for assistance. While it may seem like you have a slam dunk case, there are several mistakes you can make that will greatly decrease or completely eliminate the chance of receiving any compensation. Here are five things to avoid.

1. Waste Time
If you've been in a collision with a commercial driver, hire a truck accident attorney immediately. Don't wait, gab with the insurance company, or try to negotiate on your own. A trucking company has several insurance companies working behind them, and their goal is to settle for the least amount possible. Waiting too long can also result in lost evidence, witnesses, or other crucial information. The insurance agents will try to stall you and even your lawyer, but it will be much more difficult for them to do so with pressure from your legal counsel.

2. Exaggerate
Some people think that they will be entitled to more compensation if they exaggerate any injuries received. Committing perjury will result in case dismissal, a possible countersuit, and legal consequences. In addition to remaining truthful, it is important to include all injuries and be as specific as possible when describing their nature. If you suffered from whiplash, for example, but the strain spread into your shoulder and upper arm, this needs to be explicitly stated for it to be included in settlement coverage or a court case. A doctor must back up all medical complaints.

3. Self-Research
With so much information available on the Internet, many people are tempted to research legal cases on their own in order to "help" their truck accident attorney. While some valuable information can be gathered online, especially when you're seeking a lawyer to hire, actual data pertaining to past cases and local regulations is not always freely available, accurate, or up to date. Even if you are able to gather something of use, your lawyer likely already knows about it. Don't interfere with the process or else you'll slow it down.

4. Talk
Whatever you do, don't talk to the insurance company other than to give your basic information. They will be persistent, but simply remain silent until you are able to secure a truck accident attorney. Anything you say will be recorded and likely later used against you to reduce the amount of compensation you are owed. Immediately following the collision you will also be under duress and confused. You may accidentally give the wrong information, only to later discover that once your head has cleared and adrenaline stopped pumping, you've made a grave error.

5. Bad Lawyer
While there are plenty of qualified professionals you can hire, you do have to take the time to find the right one. There are several characteristics of a good truck accident attorney including specialized experience, access to resources, effective communication, and ample time to devote to your case. Avoid ambulance chasers, recent grads, and overextended firms.