6 Things You Should Not Do If An 18-Wheeler Hits You

After an accident involving an 18-wheeler, you may be left with severe, significant and painful injuries.  Your medical bills may be piling up and you may no longer be able to work.  If you or a loved one has been seriously injured during an 18-wheeler accident, there are six things you should not do:

1. Do not DIY. Insurance adjusters know that an attorney will make their job more difficult.  Lawyers will not let them get away with paying you less than what you deserve and can negotiate a settlement on your behalf.  Hire a lawyer to represent you and fight for the compensation you deserve.  Generally, people who hire a lawyer to represent them following a wreck with an 18-wheeler are more appropriately compensated for their injuries and losses.
2. Do not give a recorded statement. If you are hit by an 18-wheeler and file a claim with the driver’s insurance, you will likely be asked to give a recorded statement.  You may think insurance adjusters are all friendly and helpful people willing to help you after a crash.  The actors you see on TV may be, but the insurance company has one goal—to pay you as little as possible on your claim.  They will fight to deny, delay or underpay your claim.  Some insurance companies will not offer you anything reasonable for your medical bills and pain and suffering until a jury tells them to pay.  The truth is that every dollar the insurance company does not give to you is profit for them.
3. Do not talk to the insurance company. If you follow Rule 1, you should not have to speak with the insurance company.  So, follow Rule 1.
4. Do not sign a medical authorization to allow the adjuster to obtain your medical records. Remember—insurance adjusters are not your friend and you generally do not need to give them an authorization to request your medical records (with some exceptions).  Do not give them an authorization to request your medical records.
5. Do not sign any documents. With few exceptions, there is nothing you will need to sign after a crash with an 18-wheeler (except for paperwork issued by police officers)—so do not sign anything.
6. Do not wait and see if you will get better. If you are in pain after a crash, go to a hospital and see a doctor.  If you wait, insurance companies will later use that gap between the crash and your medical treatment as a basis to deny, delay, or low-ball your claim.

Instead, if you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, notify the experienced and knowledgeable 18-wheeler accident lawyers at Morrow & Sheppard LLP. They are trained to know what your injury is worth, and they can fight for your right to receive the compensation you deserve.

We offer free consultations.  Call us at 800-489-2216 or fill out our contact form.