After you get into a truck accident, there are so many things that you have to do. In addition, you have to ensure that your rights are protected and respected. Handling all of this on your own can be stressful.
With the help of a Texas truck accident attorney, you can feel confident that you are getting the settlement and treatment you deserve. Our attorneys at the Buzbee Law Firm are passionate about fighting for your rights after you get injured. Learn more about how a lawyer can help you protect your rights after a truck accident.
Perform the Necessary Actions After a Truck Accident
You should do three things after getting into a truck accident in Texas: call and report the accident to the police, get medical attention for yourself and others, and exchange contact information with the truck driver. These actions are legally required when you get in a crash, and they can also work to your advantage.
When you call the police and report the accident, you are protecting against the possibility that the other driver will file a report against you months later for the accident. The police report will also serve as good evidence in your case because it contains information about the nature of the crash, the police officer’s independent observations, and a possible assessment of fault.
Getting medical attention for yourself and others is another essential action that you must do after an accident. So by doing this, you are abiding by the law and helping the other person in the accident. This action protects your rights by showing that you provided reasonable care to the other driver, and also, you will have documents of your injuries that can be used as evidence in your case.
Exchanging contact information prevents the other person from filing further complaints against you if you were to skip this part of the process. When you and the other driver have each other’s information, it also may allow for more amicable communication. In addition, it can also benefit your attorney to contact additional parties to get evidence, such as drug test results to see if the truck driver was abusing any substances.
File Your Truck Accident Claim on Time
Filing your truck accident claim within the statute of limitations can help protect your rights as well as the likelihood that you will receive your full settlement. In Texas, the statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of your accident to file a claim. If you miss the deadline and file past the two years, you may not be able to receive your full settlement amount or any settlement.
While Texas’ statute of limitations is two years, the time you have to file may differ depending on the details of your case. This means that you may have more or less time to file your claim. The only way to know how long you have to file is to contact a truck accident attorney in Texas.
Communicate to Parties With a Truck Accident Attorney by Your Side
Whether it be negotiating with the truck driver or the insurance company, having a Texas truck accident attorney with you can save you from miscommunications or conflict. A lawyer can explain any terms that you may not understand and help you relay your story to the insurance company in an effective way.
If you’re talking with the truck driver or other parties that shared the fault of the accident, it’s helpful to have a lawyer by your side. Your attorney can mediate and prevent any conflict from arising. An attorney can also negotiate with the truck driver’s attorney for a higher settlement if you choose to settle out of court.
When you meet with the insurance company, a truck accident attorney is essential. Insurance companies are notorious for trying to talk you out of the settlement amount that you deserve. A lawyer can fend off the tactics that the insurance adjuster may try to use against you to lower your settlement amount.
Take Your Case to Court When Necessary
If your case reaches a point where negotiation is no longer possible, you may benefit from taking your case to the courtroom. You should first discuss the benefits and risks of taking your case to court with your lawyer to see if it’s necessary. Having a truck accident lawyer that isn’t afraid to take your case to court can greatly benefit your case.
When you take your case to court, you are exercising as well as protecting your right to get fair compensation for your injuries. Going to court provides you with more resources and time for your lawyer to present your case to the judge or jury. By having an additional opinion from the judge or jury, you may win a higher settlement because of the jury’s deliberation.
Contact a Lawyer From the Buzbee Law Firm to Start Building Your Case
If you were in a truck accident in Texas and sustained injuries, our team at the Buzbee Law Firm is ready to help. We’ll protect your rights after a truck crash by gathering evidence to build a strong case and taking your case to court if out-of-court negotiation isn’t an option.
If you’re ready to start building your truck accident case, so are we. Call us or fill out the form on our contact page to start your free consultation today.
