If you’ve ever driven around Las Vegas, you know that the streets can get chaotic, especially with the constant flow of big trucks delivering goods to the city.
Unfortunately, this means truck accidents are an everyday reality. They can leave you with serious injuries, damage to your vehicle, and a lot of stress.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through five critical mistakes to avoid after a truck accident in Las Vegas. Also, please be advised that your best way to mitigate the effects of any truck accident is to hire a competent Las Vegas truck accident attorney. Failing to hire one is the number one mistake you should avoid.
Now, here are the other mistakes:
1. Failing to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
If you wait too long to get medical help, not only could your health suffer, but your personal injury claim could be in trouble, too. Insurance companies love to argue that if you didn’t see a doctor immediately, your injuries must not be that serious.
This makes it harder for you to prove that the accident caused your injuries, which can affect your compensation.
Seeing a doctor quickly means your injuries will be documented, which is important for both your health and your claim. It shows that the crash really caused the injuries you’re claiming, which makes your case stronger.
2. Neglecting to Gather Evidence at the Scene
The scene of the accident is one of the best places to gather evidence that could help your case. If you’re physically able, take as many photos as you can. This includes pictures of the damage to your vehicle, visible injuries, skid marks, and the area around the accident. The more pictures you have, the better it will be for your case.
If you can’t gather this information yourself, don’t worry. The police will often create a report, which will include key details like the names of the people involved and a description of the accident. But, having your own evidence, especially photos, gives you extra support for your claim.
3. Accepting the First Settlement Offer
This is one of the biggest traps people fall into. Insurance companies often offer a quick settlement, but it’s usually much less than what you truly deserve. These companies are in business to pay out as little as possible.
Before accepting any offer, take the time to talk to an experienced truck accident lawyer. They can help you understand the real value of your claim, which includes your medical expenses, lost income, and any pain and suffering you may be going through.
You should get in touch with an attorney who can negotiate a better deal on your behalf and make sure you’re not accepting less than what you need.
4. Admitting Fault
After an accident, it’s natural to want to cooperate and be polite, especially with the other driver or the police. But one mistake you must avoid is admitting any kind of fault for the crash, even if you think you may have contributed to it.
Nevada follows a comparative negligence system, which means that if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation can be reduced by that percentage. For example, if the court decides you’re 30% responsible, your settlement would be reduced by 30%.
It’s always best to leave questions about who is at fault to your lawyer. They’ll be able to help clarify things and ensure that your case is handled fairly, without reducing your compensation.
5. Talking to the Insurance Company Without Your Lawyer Present
The mistake many people make is talking directly to the insurance company without first consulting a lawyer. Anything you say to the insurance company can be used to damage your claim, and the adjusters may twist your words to fit their agenda.
Even simple things, like explaining your injuries or the details of the accident, can be used against you.That’s why it’s so important to have a lawyer by your side. A truck accident attorney can handle all communications with the insurance company for you. They’ll make sure nothing you say is misused. They’ll also take over the negotiation process to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
