Injured in a Truck Accident in Spokane? Four Common Mistakes to Avoid

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) estimates that approximately 175,000 people nationwide are injured in large truck accidents each year. The incredible size of commercial trucks makes these crashes more likely to lead to severe and catastrophic injuries. Unfortunately, many people struggle to get the full and fair compensation that they deserve after a crash because they make mistakes in the claims process. Here, our Spokane motor vehicle accident attorney highlights four errors that you should avoid following a truck crash in Washington State.

1. Not Seeking Medical Treatment or Follow-Up Care

You should always see a doctor after a truck accident in Washington. Health comes first. Truck accidents can lead to severe injuries. You do not have to recover on your own. There is also a basic legal requirement: You will not be in a position to recover financial compensation through a truck accident injury claim unless you see a doctor and get follow-up care.

2. Failure to Proactively Secure Relevant Evidence

Washington is a fault-based motor vehicle accident state. This standard applies to all types of motor vehicle crashes, including commercial truck accidents. It is essential that you collect as much relevant evidence as possible after a crash. Some evidence—inspection records, driver history, electronic recording data, etc.—will be held directly by the truck company. A Spokane, WA truck accident lawyer can help you get access to those records.

3. Speaking Directly to the Truck Company’s Commercial Insurance Adjuster 

Truck companies generally carry large commercial insurance policies. The insurance companies that handle these cases are proactive and they are aggressive. They may try to get a recorded statement from you immediately after a serious crash—while you are still dealing with severe pain and suffering. You should not give a recorded statement directly to a truck company’s insurer without first speaking to an attorney. A lawyer will protect your rights and interests.

4. Taking the First Settlement Offer Without Knowing the Full Value of Your Case

After a truck accident in East Washington, most people just want to move on with their life. Sadly, a truck company and/or its insurer may try to take advantage of your natural impulse to resolve the personal injury claim by leading with a lowball settlement offer. Taking the initial settlement offer can be a major error in a truck accident injury claim. Make sure that you truly understand the full value of your case. You deserve compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Get Help From Our Spokane Truck Accident Attorney Today

At‌ ‌Albrecht‌ ‌Law‌ ‌PLLC, our Spokane motor vehicle accident lawyers have the skills and expertise to handle the full range of commercial tractor trailer collision claims. If you or someone you know was hurt in a crash with a large truck, we can help. Call us today or connect with us online to arrange your free, no commitment consultation. We represent truck accident victims throughout Spokane County, including Spokane, Spokane Valley, Opportunity, Liberty Lake, Cheney, and Veradale.