Truck accidents can cause serious injuries and even death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in the last decade, truck accident fatalities rose by 36%. During the same period, in New Jersey, the number of people killed in truck crashes increased 50%, to 78 in 2019 from 52 in 2010. If you’ve been involved in a New Jersey truck accident, make sure to avoid these four mistakes to protect your rights to file a claim for maximum compensation for your injuries.
#1: Failing to Get Immediate Medical Care
If you’re seriously injured in a New Jersey truck accident, emergency personnel will be on the scene of the accident and start immediate medical care. The decision to seek medical care should not be taken lightly, even if you feel you are not seriously injured.
Seeing a doctor, going to an urgent care clinic or emergency department is also critical for injuries that develop in the aftermath of the accident. The shock and trauma of an accident can mask symptoms of injury, such as whiplash. By receiving medical care, you are not only starting the physical road to recovery but also creating documentation of your injuries which will make it easier to prove your injuries should you file a claim.
#2: Waiting Too Long
A common mistake truck accident victims make is waiting too long to speak with a legal expert and file a claim. All states have a statute of limitations, or time limit, to file a claim after an accident causing injury. In New Jersey, the statute of limitation is two years from the date of the accident. That may sound like a long time, but there are several advantages to starting the personal injury claim process as soon after the accident as possible.
Witness recollections fade over time and other evidence could be lost or compromised. Discussing your case with an experienced New Jersey truck accident lawyer soon after the accident allows more time for your attorney to collect and build evidence to bolster your claim. A lawyer will also advise you on medical release information and handle communication and negotiation with insurance companies, which will begin soon after the vehicle accident.
#3: Signing Anything From the Insurance Company Without Talking to a Truck Accident Lawyer
After an accident, you may hear from insurance adjusters asking for statements and offering you a settlement. Your insurance carrier may pressure you into giving a statement or information that could hurt you down the line. Insurance companies may also offer you a monetary settlement for your injuries. Don’t sign an insurance settlement without discussing your case with an attorney. Once you sign and accept a settlement, you forego all rights to file a claim and additional compensation.
#4: Failing to Consider All of Your Financial Losses
If you’ve been seriously injured in a truck accident, not only will you have mounting medical bills but also you may lose income for the time it takes to recuperate from your injuries. In the immediate aftermath of a truck accident, you may not initially realize the full extent of your financial losses.
If you accept a quick, initial offer and receive a small payout from an insurance provider, it will likely not be enough to fully compensate you for your losses or your pain and suffering. You may be eligible for compensation for medical bills, ongoing medical care, past and future lost wages and other damages through a personal injury claim.
Help with Your New Jersey Truck Accident Claim
Some people will avoid pursuing a personal injury claim as they don’t want to get involved with the hassle and efforts involved. At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we first work to ensure that your health and well-being are restored, and then get to work beginning the process of getting you reimbursed for your losses. We handle the communications and negotiations with insurance companies and build your case to pursue maximum compensation for your injuries. Don’t be left on the hook for medical bills and expenses that are not your fault.
At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we are dedicated to assisting clients throughout New Jersey and New York with their truck accident and personal injury cases. We have decades of experience and the extensive resources you need to secure a fair case result. Our compassionate attorneys put client care and your needs first. Contact us immediately for a free legal review.