If you were involved in a crash with a semi-truck, you are probably emotionally shaken up and suffering from the pain of any physical injuries you may have sustained. When emotions are running high after a commercial trucking collision, people are not always able to think through their words and actions and risk jeopardizing their right to compensation. Below are the biggest mistakes to avoid after a truck accident in Ohio.
Admitting Fault
The worst thing you can do following a collision with a tractor-trailer in Ohio is admitting fault by saying sorry. You can—and should—be polite to anyone else who was involved in the crash, and you can cooperate with police and speak to witnesses, but not to the extent that you accept responsibility for what happened.
In most situations, not all facts are known right after a commercial truck accident, so you really cannot know who was at fault. Because of the ambiguity, it is recommended to avoid making any admissions of fault or liability at the scene of a semi-truck wreck.
Skipping the Doctor
Regardless of how minor you believe your injuries are, not seeking medical attention after a truck crash is one of biggest mistakes you can make in general, but especially in the context of a civil claim for damages. Getting immediate medical attention is going to help not only your recovery from, but also in documenting, the injuries you sustained in the truck crash. Follow-up visits are also important because an injury that looks minor at first may worsen over time, and it is crucial to get a record of your injuries and their progression if you want to recover comprehensively.
Not Retaining an Attorney
Commercial trucking companies and their insurance companies are not on your side and will go to great lengths to devalue your claim after an accident – don’t make it easier for them by forgoing legal representation. The dedicated attorneys at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy can intercept calls from the trucker’s insurance company asking you for a recorded statement and decline quick settlement offers that do not adequately reflect the full value of your losses.
Let our team help you get the compensation you’re entitled to. Reach out to O’Connor, Acciani & Levy for more insight on the mistakes to avoid after a truck accident in Ohio.