In the aftermath of an 18-wheeler accident in Laredo, TX, injured parties can make many types of mistakes that can reduce their compensation in a personal injury lawsuit. Understanding and avoiding these mistakes can help a victim and a personal injury lawyer to make a successful legal claim for compensation.
The Laredo attorneys at Carabin Shaw understand how easy it can be to make mistakes after any type of accident where injuries occur. We encourage clients to call a member of our team to schedule a free case review, so we can help you seek compensation for your losses. Our toll-free number is 800-862-1260, and we have English- AND Spanish-speaking staff ready to take your call 24/7.
Seeking Medical Care After an 18-Wheeler AccidentWhenever there are injuries in an accident, the injured parties should seek medical care as soon as possible. This is to expedite treatment and facilitate better medical outcomes.
It is an injured party's duty to mitigate damages whenever possible, or they risk a reduction in compensation. Rule 94 in the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure describes affirmative defenses presented by the defendant’s lawyer, which are duties abandoned by the plaintiff, such as damage mitigation. Affirmative defenses may cause the court to stop or reduce compensation. In other words, if the plaintiff could have avoided further injury but chose not to, the defendant will not be liable for the additional injuries.
A truck accident lawyer in Laredo TX will help you to navigate affirmative defenses and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. You can help your personal injury case by ensuring that you seek medical care and follow the recommendations of your physician.
The Importance of Law Enforcement in Truck AccidentsHaving an impartial party at the scene of an 18 wheeler accident in Laredo Texas is helpful when it comes to reporting the details of the 18-wheeler accident, and law enforcement can provide that impartiality. Texas police will e-file a crash report that has details about the other party, diagrams of the accident, and other relevant information.
If you don’t call law enforcement, you are breaking the law. Title 7 of the Texas Transportation Code requires that a person operating a vehicle in a collision must report it to law enforcement immediately if the crash resulted in injury or significant property damage. If you end up hiring an attorney and filing a personal injury lawsuit but never contacted law enforcement, you may not have a case, or you may introduce skepticism regarding your motives in avoiding law enforcement.
Never Admit Fault Following an AccidentRemaining truthful is important throughout your accident claim, but you don’t have to admit fault after an accident. Some people agree to fault at the scene of the accident before they’ve had time to acknowledge the facts surrounding the crash. They may apologize out of politeness when an accident is clearly not their fault. Any time you admit fault at the scene of an accident, you are decreasing your chances of receiving compensation for your losses.
Don’t consider fault or offer apologies at the scene of the accident. Wait until you talk to Laredo personal injury lawyers, and let them help you determine who was at-fault. Your lawyer will argue your case based on the facts, but admission of guilt is a difficult barrier to compensation even when it isn’t true, or when you share fault with another party.
Rejecting Insufficient Settlement OffersPossibly the biggest mistake the victim in an 18-wheeler can make is to accept a settlement that is unfair. Fair compensation for injuries should consider all economic and noneconomic damages. This includes pain and suffering and future damages.
Learn About the Potential Compensation You May Be Entitled To - Call Now for a Free Case Evaluation at Carabin Shaw!There are many ways to come to an agreement regarding compensation, and a good legal team can help you to negotiate a higher settlement or take your case to court. At Carabin Shaw, we encourage all potential clients to read our client reviews, and discover how we’ve helped others to maximize their compensation after an accident. We offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you don’t have to worry about upfront legal fees and can hire a lawyer you trust.
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