Negligent tow truck drivers can cause catastrophic crashes, resulting in serious injuries and devastating financial losses. As a crash victim, you may be unable to work or enjoy life like you used to because of someone else’s actions or inactions. Knowing what to do after an accident, then, is critical.
Steps to Take After a Tow Truck Accident
Knowing what to do after an accident is essential to protecting your recovery. In the aftermath of a crash, we encourage you to do the following.
1. Contact the Police
Immediately after the accident, call the police—whether the tow truck driver wants you to or not. It’s important that you ensure that the situation is properly documented through a police report and that evidence is gathered.
2. Get Information From Witnesses
Get the contact information for every party involved in the situation. That includes any witnesses that may be present. They may be able to share important details in your case later.
3. Take Photos
If you are in a safe place to do so, take photos of what’s occurred. That includes photos of the entire scene and the damage present on your vehicle and that of the tow truck. This serves as evidence later.
4. Get to the ER
Even if you feel okay, get checked out at the emergency room. This helps to ensure that there’s documentation of what happened to you and creates a record of the injuries you have sustained. Make sure all passengers in your vehicle also visit the ER for any medical care needed.
5. Contact a Truck Accident Attorney
You don’t want to wait to get help from an attorney. The sooner you talk to a lawyer, the more they will be able to help you through the legal process. They may also provide you with insight into how to file a claim and what steps to take to protect your rights throughout your case.
6. Contact Your Insurance Company
Your insurance company needs to be notified of the accident and all that’s occurred. They may provide you with some support through this process. Keep in mind that if they suspect they will need to pay the claim, they may try to minimize what they pay out. In other words, let your attorney help you through this process.
Mistakes to Avoid After a Tow Truck Accident
Unfortunately, mistakes can happen after a truck accident like this. You may have no idea that there are people working against your claim from the start, including the insurance company that seems to want to make it right. Some of the most common mistakes people make after a tow truck accident like this include:
- Delaying medical care. If you were hurt, visit the emergency room right away. Sometimes, symptoms of injuries do not develop right away. Conditions like whiplash, for example, may take some time to develop. Going to the ER right away helps to document what’s happened to you and helps prove your case for injuries later.
- Accepting the first offer you receive. Insurance companies want to reduce how much they pay out in claims. They may offer a very low offer quickly, helping to reduce the costs associated with your claim. Often, a Texas truck accident attorney may be able to prove you are owed more than that initial claim.
- Waiting too long to file. Texas laws give you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit for a truck accident. The longer you wait, the more risk it may be too late to receive the compensation owed to you.
If you’ve made any of these mistakes, it’s still worth contacting an attorney to help you determine what your legal options may be.
Why Taking These Steps and Avoiding These Mistakes Is Critical to Your Recovery
If you don’t take action right away or you make any of these mistakes, you may find it very difficult to receive a recovery for your losses. More so, it’s important to take action right away to help preserve evidence and witnesses’ memories. The more information available, the easier it will be to prove your case. An accident with a tow truck is no simple matter, and having the right support through the process may be critical to you receiving the compensation owed to you.
Made a Mistake? You May Still Be Able to Get a Fair Recovery
Even if you didn’t follow all of these steps, you might still be able to file a claim and obtain a fair recovery for your losses. Don’t wait to reach out to a tow truck accident attorney for help. It’s not uncommon for tow truck companies to have powerful attorneys representing them to minimize your right to a claim. Our team can help you to get the support you need after this kind of accident.
It only takes a few minutes to find out what your next steps are. Our legal team may be able to help you navigate your options in filing a claim.
When to Contact an Attorney
If you’ve been in an accident with a tow truck, call an attorney now. Working with a Texas tow truck attorney ensures you learn as much as you can about your legal rights and options. It’s often best to do this before you file a claim or even speak to the insurance company. However, what’s also important is having a team you can trust through this process.
The Button Law Firm is here for you. Knowing what liability the tow truck driver and company hold isn’t always easy. Our team can help you get the compensation you deserve after a devastating accident like this. We will help investigate what occurred and provide you with help in filing a claim or going to court to prove your case. Contact us now online or call for a consultation. Our team can help you get the best possible outcome in your case.
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