If you live in Houston, TX, or one of the surrounding areas in Harris County, there’s a greater chance of you needing to hire a tractor-trailer accident lawyer than if you lived in another part of Texas.
The Texas Department of Transportation reports that just over 6,200 tractor-trailer accidents take place in Harris County each year. This represents about one-sixth of the roughly 38,600 tractor-trailer accidents that occur in Texas annually.
Prepare for the possibility of a tractor-trailer crash in the Houston area by learning about what not to do in the aftermath of one.
Never Leave the Accident Scene
This should almost go without saying, but make sure you don’t leave the scene of a tractor-trailer accident under any circumstances. You could find yourself in a lot of legal trouble. If you make this mistake, you might also miss the chance to try to collect catastrophic injury compensation by filing a semi-truck collision lawsuit through a tractor-trailer accident lawyer.
It’s easy to lose your cool and panic following a tractor-trailer accident. Take a few deep breaths and maintain your composure.
Never Discuss What Happened With Others
There is nothing wrong with checking up on the other drivers involved in a tractor-trailer crash after it happens. But you don’t necessarily want to share too many thoughts following a truck accident.
You might inadvertently say something that could make it seem like you’re accepting blame for what happened. Rather than talking about the accident, consider exchanging insurance and contact information with other drivers while you wait for police to arrive on the scene.
Never Admit Fault
Admitting fault is arguably the worst move you can make right after a truck accident. This could limit your ability to go through the commercial vehicle litigation process later.
A big part of why it’s not a good idea to discuss your truck accident with others at first is to avoid admitting fault. Keep quiet to prevent the wrong words from coming out. Even something as innocent as saying, “I’m so sorry, are you okay?” could undermine your chances of seeking compensation.
Never Fail To Seek Medical Attention
You might feel fine after a truck accident. Even if your vehicle isn’t in great shape, it may appear as though you walked away from the crash without a scratch.
Don’t let either of these things stop you from seeking medical attention. There are many truck accident injuries, such as concussions and whiplash, that might not yield immediate symptoms. If these symptoms start showing up a few days after a crash, you might struggle to prove they’re connected to your accident.
Head to a nearby hospital as soon as police say you can leave the scene of your crash and have a full medical evaluation performed. Document any injuries, no matter how big or small, and save medical records related to your accident.
Never Neglect the Opportunity To Call a Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyer
Those involved in tractor-trailer crashes can sometimes file trucking accident claims and collect compensation in their cases. Speak with a tractor-trailer accident lawyer to determine whether this is possible.
Schedule a consultation with a tractor-trailer accident lawyer in Houston, TX, and ask about your legal options. Search for a personal injury attorney you trust to communicate with a commercial motor carrier liability insurance company on your behalf.
Call Our Law Firm To Assist You With Trucking Accident Claims
Trucking accidents can cause chaotic scenes that may lead to those involved making critical mistakes. Contact a tractor-trailer accident lawyer from McLaurin Law PLLC to help you avoid them. Call us at 713-461-6500 today or submit a form online for assistance.