Collisions involving large trucks on Bay Area highways can be especially devastating. High speeds, heavy traffic, and the size of commercial vehicles often lead to severe injuries and complex legal situations. What happens in the minutes, days, and weeks after the crash can significantly influence the outcome of your claim. Unfortunately, many accident victims make understandable but costly mistakes that weaken their cases. By knowing what to avoid, you can better protect your health, your rights, and your ability to recover fair compensation.
Not Calling Law Enforcement or Getting a Full Accident Report
Truck accidents often involve multiple vehicles, serious injuries, and commercial insurance carriers. Failing to call law enforcement or waiting to get an official accident report can result in crucial details being lost. The responding officer’s documentation may include statements from witnesses, observations about road conditions, and early assessments of fault. This report often becomes a foundational piece of evidence, primarily when trucking companies and insurers dispute what happened.
If you’re physically able, always request that law enforcement be present at the scene and ensure that a report is completed.
Leaving the Scene Without Gathering Information
Truck accident scenes can be chaotic, and many people understandably focus on getting to safety or seeking medical attention. However, gathering information—when it is safe to do so—is vital. Some victims rely solely on the police report, only to find that important details were missed.
Collecting the truck driver’s name, employer, license plate, insurance information, as well as photos of the vehicles, the surrounding area, and roadway conditions can make a significant difference later. Trucking companies are often quick to collect their own evidence. Accident victims deserve to have access to the same level of documentation.
Delaying Medical Care or Ignoring Symptoms
One of the most common mistakes after a truck accident is waiting to seek medical attention. Because of shock and adrenaline, many people don’t feel the full extent of their injuries right away. Days later, symptoms may worsen, or new issues may appear.
Delaying care can not only put your health at risk—it can also be used against you by insurance companies. They may argue that your injuries are not related to the accident or are less severe than claimed. Prompt medical evaluation provides documentation that ties your injuries directly to the collision.
Speaking With the Trucking Company’s Insurance Adjuster Too Soon
The trucking company’s insurer may contact you quickly after the accident. Their questions may seem harmless, but their goal is often to minimize liability. Providing statements too early—especially before you understand the full scope of your injuries—can negatively impact your claim.
You are not required to give recorded statements, and you should never feel pressured to answer questions without legal guidance. Declining to speak until you consult with an attorney protects you from being misinterpreted or misquoted.
Accepting a Settlement Before You Know the Full Extent of Your Damages
Truck accidents often result in long-term injuries, extensive medical treatment, and significant time away from work. Early settlements often fail to accurately reflect the true value of these losses. Once you accept a settlement, you cannot request more compensation, even if your condition worsens or requires ongoing treatment.
Before agreeing to anything, it’s essential to understand the full extent of your injuries and the potential future care you may require. Having a lawyer review any settlement ensures you are not signing away your rights prematurely.
Trying to Handle the Claim Alone
Truck accident claims are far more complex than typical car accidents. They may involve multiple parties, including the driver, trucking company, equipment manufacturers, and insurers. These companies often have teams working to protect their interests immediately after a crash.
Navigating this process alone can be overwhelming. An experienced attorney can investigate the accident, preserve evidence, negotiate with insurers, and help you understand what your case is truly worth.
Protect Your Rights After a Truck Accident
Avoiding these common mistakes gives you a stronger foundation as you move forward. You deserve to recover fully without being harmed again by a complicated claims process or aggressive insurance tactics.
San Rafael Truck Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident on a Bay Area highway, Kuvara Law Firm is here to help. Our team is committed to securing fair results and guiding clients through every step of the process. Contact Kuvara Law Firm today at (628) 240-1014 for a free consultation.