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Being involved in a car wreck is a stressful experience, and navigating the aftermath can be overwhelming. From dealing with injuries to handling insurance claims, there’s a lot to consider in the aftermath. Unfortunately, certain things people do (intentionally or unintentionally) after an accident can harm your chances of receiving the most compensation you deserve. Let’s explore the top five things people can do to harm their car wreck claim and offer tips on how to avoid these pitfalls.
In the heat of the moment, it’s natural to feel flustered and perhaps even apologetic, regardless of who was truly at fault. However, admitting fault at the scene of the accident can be detrimental to your claim, as it can be used against you by insurance companies and opposing parties. It’s essential to avoid making any statements that could be construed as an admission of guilt and instead focus on exchanging the necessary information with the other parties involved.
After a car accident, seeking prompt medical attention is crucial, even if you don’t believe your injuries are severe. Delaying medical treatment not only jeopardizes your health but also weakens your claim for compensation. Insurance companies may argue your injuries aren’t serious or weren’t directly caused by the accident if you wait too long to see a doctor. Documenting your injuries and receiving appropriate medical care as soon as possible strengthens your case and ensures your well-being.
Evidence is key in supporting your car wreck claim. Failing to gather relevant evidence at the scene of the accident, such as photos of the damage, contact information of witnesses, and a police report can significantly hinder your ability to prove liability and damages. Take thorough documentation of the accident scene, including the positions of vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries, to help strengthen your claim.
In today’s digital age, it’s tempting to share every aspect of our lives on social media, including details of a car accident. However, posting about your accident or injuries on social media platforms can be detrimental to your claim. Insurance companies and opposing parties may use your social media posts to discredit your injuries or dispute the severity of the accident. It’s best to refrain from discussing the accident or your injuries on social media until your claim is resolved.
Insurance adjusters often request recorded statements from accident victims shortly after the incident. While it may seem harmless to comply, providing a recorded statement without legal counsel present can be risky. Insurance adjusters are trained to get information to use against you to minimize the value of your claim. Before speaking with any insurance representatives, consult with an experienced attorney who can advise you on how to protect your rights and negotiate with insurers on your behalf.
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident requires caution and strategic decision-making to protect your rights and maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation. By avoiding these common pitfalls and seeking guidance from legal professionals, you can strengthen your car accident claim and achieve a favorable outcome.
Scott Callahan is a board-certified personal injury attorney and has been successfully handling car wreck claims for over 25 years. The law firm is available 24/7 to discuss your claim at 713-888-9000. Call for a free consultation.
Remember to prioritize your health, gather evidence, and refrain from engaging in activities that could undermine your case. With careful attention to detail and proactive measures, you can navigate the claims process with confidence and secure the compensation you deserve.
Being involved in an 18-wheeler accident is a scary situation for a driver. A passenger vehicle will always incur more damage than an 18-wheeler or semi-truck simply due to differences in size and force on impact. In 2021, 117,300 large trucks (defined by the National Safety Council as any large or medium truck, excluding buses or motor homes, weighing greater than 10,000 lbs.) were involved in a crash. Of those, 5700 resulted in death.
Some of the largest trucking companies in the United States include UPS, J.B. Hunt, and XPO Logistics.
There are a host of parties that can be held liable:
The truck driver can also be responsible for maintaining their rig and performing inspections on the truck prior to hitting the road. If they failed to perform their checks or did not maintain their truck, the individual could have additional responsibility attributed to them.
Due to a national truck driver shortage, companies may feel pressured to hire under qualified drivers, push drivers to continue to drive past their physical limitations, or fail to provide adequate training. Carriers can also financially incentivize their drivers with unrealistic metrics, which in turn causes drivers to engage in risky driving practices to meet their goals.
More so than the individual driver, the carrier is responsible for the maintenance, inspection and repair of their fleet. Motor carriers can also engage in practices such as improperly loading cargo or not safely securing loads.
Other parties involved in a commercial vehicle accident can include:
Insurance coverage is very different for 18-wheelers than it is for your personal car. There are multiple coverages available to properly compensate you for things like medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages and more.
If you are in an 18-wheeler accident, you should consult with an experienced, board-certified personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney will develop a strategy to give you the most compensation to recover and move forward with your life.
Scott Callahan is a board-certified Katy personal injury lawyer by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and has been in practice for 25 years. Give us a call today – we are available 24/7 at 713-888-9000.
Over the last decade, rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft gained mass popularity for a multitude of reasons. These companies allow users to easily request an on-demand ride to their destination for often a cheaper fare than taxi cabs or personal drivers. Additionally, they provide many Americans with a flexible second income stream so people can drive on their own time, schedule and vehicle. With these companies are a great benefit, they also present many legal challenges when both riders and drivers become involved in a rideshare accident.
While these companies provide many benefits to travelers and drivers alike, Uber has made media attention in the last several years about the downsides and potential danger associated with rideshare companies. Questions are asked such as: Which insurance company is liable in an Uber accident? Or: What happens if an Uber driver is attacked by a passenger?
Let’s look at the protections in place for both passengers and drivers for rideshare companies should an unfortunate accident or injury occur during a ride.
Thankfully for both riders and drivers, Uber maintains auto insurance coverage on behalf of their drivers. This covers drivers while they are available or waiting for a ride request, as well as while a driver is enroute to pick up a passenger or during the actual trip. Lyft maintains a similar policy.
While the driver apps are turned off or the driver is not actively engaged in work as a driver, their own personal insurance policy applies. As independent contractors, drivers are generally not eligible for workers’ compensation.
As with any car accident, there are actions you should take to ensure you receive the maximum compensation available to you. You can receive compensation for things like:
Our Houston car accident lawyers are well-versed in what to do, and you can find answers to frequently asked questions about car accidents here.
Last year, Uber was the subject of a lawsuit from 550 passengers over its failure to protect female passengers from kidnapping and sexual assault from ride share drivers. Inadequate background checks on drivers, and a lack of willingness for victims to disclose sexual assault, can create a breeding ground for this type of injury to occur.
Passengers are not the only people at risk during an Uber ride. There have been numerous news stories around the drivers themselves being the victims of assault, robbery or car-jacking.
What protections are in place for both drivers and passengers during a ride? Here, the legal protections can be difficult to decipher. An experienced Houston rideshare accident attorney is well-equipped to advise on your options to obtain justice for your injury.
If you are in an accident in an Uber or Lyft, you should not take the next steps alone. Give us a call, and our Katy car accident lawyer will discuss your claim with you and the best options for moving forward with your case. We are available 24/7 at 713-888-9000.
