Common Mistakes After a Truck Accident

Some of the most devastating accidents that occur on Long Island are truck accidents. When you consider the difference between a semi truck accident and an auto accident, you can easily see why an accident with a truck can be so catastrophic.

A truck accident is a confusing time for victims, and it often leads to a long recovery time and complex legal battles. Because of this, many victims make mistakes in the days, weeks, and months following an accident. Understanding the common mistakes after a truck accident can help victims avoid costly mistakes and improve the outcome of their truck accident claim.

Failing to Call Law Enforcement After a Semi Truck Accident

One of the most serious mistakes to avoid is not contacting police following a truck crash. Some drivers think that they can simply exchange information with the truck driver and move throughout their day, but this isn't true. Truck accident cases are much more complex than a typical car crash.

The officers who come to the scene will create an accident report. This is critical evidence in this type of case. At the accident scene, they will gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and create an official record of what happened.

Even if there are not visible injuries or a lot of property damage, it's always best to contact law enforcement to come to the scene. For more information, these truck accident lawyers in Long Island may be able to help.

Not Taking the Time to Gather Evidence and Leaving the Scene Too Soon

Emotions run high following any accident, and victims often feel shaken and not sure what to do. So, they leave the scene without getting important evidence. Yes, its true that the police will gather some of this evidence, but other evidence should also be collected. Collecting evidence at the scene includes taking photos and videos of skid marks, debris patterns, weather conditions, traffic signs, etc.

Oftentimes, truck drivers are represented by very powerful insurance companies and lawyers, and you can be sure that they will be investigating the scene within hours of the accident. Staying there to document everything can make a big difference in the outcome of the case.

Not Getting Immediate Medical Treatment After a Truck Wreck

After a truck accident, many victims don't get immediate medical attention. They might not feel pain or they might want to avoid medical bills. However, this could be a dangerous mistake. Oftentimes, adrenaline shoots through the body following an accident, and it can mask pain. Additionally, some injuries are not immediately apparent and they might take hours or days to really appear.

In addition to the possibility of hidden serious injuries, when you seek medical attention, you start creating medical records. This helps to show that the injuries are related to the crash. Additionally, if you wait to see a doctor, the insurance company of the truck company may try to say that you aren't as injured as you claim to be.

Admitting Fault or Apologizing

Another common mistake that people make after a truck accident is admitting fault or apologizing. Any statement, from "I'm sorry," to "I wasn't paying attention," can be used against a victim later. Insurance companies will twist these words in their favor.

The best thing to do in this situation is to stay calm, avoid speculation, and offer just the facts. There is a full legal process that should be used to determine fault, and if you admit fault too early, you might not get fair compensation.

Talking to the Trucking Company’s Insurance Adjuster

Victims also make a mistake by speaking to a trucking company's insurance reps too soon. An adjuster is trained to minimize payouts and protect the company...not the victim. They often ask misleading questions, take recorded statements, or make an early settlement offer that isn't fair.

It's best to not speak with the insurance company unless you have legal representation. A truck accident lawyer can help determine if any settlements are fair, and if not, they can help file a personal injury claim. They can also advise on common mistakes after a dog attack.

Accepting a Quick Settlement Offer

Speaking of settlements, dealing with lost wages and rising medical bills often put victims in a financial bind. Insurance adjusters know this, so they offer early settlements that might seem appealing, but they don't cover all of the damages that might be necessary.

Accepting an offer like this is one of the biggest mistakes a person can make. Once the settlement is signed, there is no going back, even if new medical complications appear. Truck accident victims often have serious injuries, and they require long-term rehab, surgery, or lifelong care. A lawyer should review every offer and calculate the full value of your claim...including considering future needs and pain and suffering. They can also explain common mistakes after a slip and fall.

Neglecting to Gather and Preserve Evidence

Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, including the driver, the trucking company, and sometimes even manufacturers or cargo loaders. To prove negligence, strong evidence is essential. A critical mistake victims make is failing to gather and preserve evidence right after the accident.

Important evidence can include:

• Photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and injuries

• The truck driver’s contact and license information

• Witness statements and contact details

• Dashcam or surveillance footage

• Medical reports and receipts

Trucking companies are only required to keep some records—like driver logs and maintenance reports—for a limited time. If not requested promptly, this information can be lost or destroyed. The attorneys at The Law Office of Carl Maltese know how to issue preservation letters to ensure vital evidence remains intact.

Posting About the Accident on Social Media

In today’s world, it’s tempting to share life updates online. However, posting about a truck accident on social media can severely damage a legal claim. Insurance companies often monitor online activity and can take posts or photos out of context. Even an innocent comment about “feeling better” might be used to argue that injuries are not severe.

The safest approach is to avoid posting anything about the accident, injuries, or recovery until the case is fully resolved. Silence online can be one of the most effective ways to protect one’s credibility in court.

Work With an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney - The Law Office of Carl Maltese Can Help Truck Accident Victims

In a truck accident case, legal guidance is imperative for a fair settlement. Though you might get access to things like a police report, which lays out key evidence about the vehicles involved and how the accident occurred, if you want to take legal action, you must work with an attorney.

The Law Office of Carl Maltese has been helping victims of commercial truck accidents on Long Island since the 1960s. Crash victims can reach out to the firm for a free consultation.