A truck accident can leave victims overwhelmed, confused, and in pain, both physically and emotionally. In the aftermath of the crash, you may be dealing with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and pressure from insurance companies—all while trying to process what just happened.
In such a stressful situation, it’s easy to make critical mistakes that could weaken your personal injury claim and impact your ability to recover the full compensation you are owed. Let us look at some of the common mistakes that an injured victim should avoid after a truck accident.
Failing to Call Law Enforcement Immediately
One of the first mistakes to avoid after a truck crash is not calling the police. A formal accident report is essential for documenting the accident, determining fault, and serving as a key piece of evidence.
The responding officer will note key details such as road conditions, witness statements, and possible traffic violations by the truck driver or trucking company. Without this report, proving liability becomes more difficult.
Not Seeking Prompt Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine after a truck accident, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention. Some serious injuries, such as concussions, internal bleeding, or spinal injuries, may not present symptoms right away. Delaying medical treatment can not only put your health at risk but also give insurance companies an excuse to argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident.
Admitting Fault or Apologizing
Never admit fault at the accident scene, even if you think you may have contributed to the crash. Statements like “I’m sorry” can be misconstrued as an admission of liability and used against you by the trucking company’s insurer. It’s best to stick to the facts when speaking to the police, the truck driver, or other parties.
Neglecting to Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you can, gathering evidence at the accident scene can be invaluable for your claim. Key pieces of evidence include:
- Photos and videos of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and traffic signs
- Contact information of eyewitnesses who can provide unbiased accounts of what happened
- The truck driver’s name, license number, insurance information, and employer details
- The truck’s USDOT number, which can help identify the trucking company responsible for the vehicle
Trusting the Insurance Adjusters
Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company—not for you. Their goal is to minimize payouts and protect their employer from liability. Be wary of signing documents, accepting quick settlements, or providing recorded statements without consulting an experienced truck accident lawyer. Any information you provide can be twisted to reduce your claim’s value.
Accepting a Quick Settlement Offer
Trucking companies and their insurers will try to settle cases quickly, hoping that victims will accept a lowball offer before fully understanding the extent of their injuries. Negotiating directly with the insurers is one of the key errors to avoid after a truck accident.
Accepting a settlement too soon can leave you without adequate compensation for ongoing medical treatment, lost wages, and long-term damages. A skilled truck accident lawyer can accurately assess the full value of your claim and negotiate for fair compensation.
Posting on Social Media After the Crash
Insurance companies actively monitor social media accounts for evidence they can use to discredit your claim. Even innocent posts or pictures can be taken out of context. Avoid discussing the accident, your injuries, or legal proceedings on social media, and adjust your privacy settings to limit public access to your profiles.
Not Considering Future Damages
Many truck accident victims underestimate the long-term impact of their injuries. While filing personal injury claims, it’s important to account for:
- Future medical expenses, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and therapy
- Lost earning capacity if you can no longer perform your previous job
- Pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of quality of life
Working with a skilled truck crash lawyer ensures that you avoid costly mistakes and that all potential damages are factored into your truck accident lawsuit.
Waiting Too Long to Contact a Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accident cases are highly complex, typically involving multiple liable parties, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, cargo loaders, and vehicle manufacturers. An experienced truck accident attorney can launch an in-depth investigation, move fast to preserve evidence, and handle aggressive insurance tactics on your behalf.
Why Choose Our Truck Accident Lawyers to Maximize Your Compensation
Decades of Experience and Proven Results
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a truck accident, Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs will fight tirelessly for the justice you deserve. Our experienced and passionate truck accident attorneys, licensed in both Wisconsin and Minnesota, have spent decades helping victims recover the compensation they need to move forward.
With over hundreds of millions recovered for our clients, we have a formidable record of settlements and verdicts, which provides us an edge during settlement negotiations. Insurance companies know we won’t back down, and we have the legal firepower to level the playing field.
Nationally Recognized, Award-Winning Legal Team
Our firm has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best regional law firms, and our attorneys have earned numerous accolades, including:
- The American Trial Lawyers Association’s Top 100 Trial Lawyers
- Best Lawyers in America
- Wisconsin Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
- Multi-Million Advocates Forum – The Top Trial Lawyers in America
These honors reflect our exemplary commitment to legal excellence and our aggressive pursuit of justice and compensation for our clients.
A Client-First Approach – More Power. More Fight. The Most Heart
At Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, we don’t just see our clients as cases—we see them as family. For more than 35 years, we have built a reputation for fighting tooth and nail for accident victims while providing compassionate, personalized legal guidance.
We take the time to truly understand your situation so we can outthink, out-strategize, and outwork the opposition to recover the largest possible financial compensation for your injuries and losses.
No Fees Unless We Win – Contingency Fee Representation
At Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, we believe that in a personal injury lawsuit, financial concerns should never stand in the way of justice. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
This ensures that all accident victims, regardless of financial situation, have access to top-tier legal representation and can focus on healing without any stress of legal costs. To schedule your free consultation, call us at 855-954-1186 or contact us online.
