Truck accidents often result in serious injuries. Naturally, this means high medical bills, lots of time off work and sometimes, immense physical and emotional pain. If you suffered injuries in a Maryland truck crash and someone else was at fault, you deserve compensation. However, you need to do everything possible to protect your right to claim damages. If you make some of the common mistakes other victims make, you may jeopardize your claim. An 18-wheeler accident attorney in Maryland will advise you on how you should proceed. However, you need to take the correct steps immediately after the crash. Let’s look at some of the things you should avoid.

Not Seeking Prompt Medical Treatment

Emotions and adrenaline are usually running high after an accident. If your injuries were not so serious that you were unable to move, you may be tempted to just go home. Some victims just want to get away from the scene. However, not seeking medical attention immediately is a mistake. Even if your injuries seem minor, you should go to the doctor.

Some types of truck accident injuries don’t present symptoms immediately and adrenaline may mask the pain. However, a medical professional may be able to detect your injuries. At the very least, going to the doctor right away creates a link between the accident and your injuries. If you wait too long, the driver’s insurance company will question whether you really suffered injuries in the accident.

Failing to Call the Police

As any Maryland truck crash lawyer will tell you, it is also essential that you call 911 when you get into an accident. Tell the operator about your injuries and ask that a police officer be dispatched to the scene. The resulting police report will contain information that could support your claim for compensation. Truck accidents can be very complicated even if they appear simple at first.

Therefore, you will need all the evidence you can get to support your account of what took place. The police report will include all the facts of the case like the time, location and road conditions. It will also include eyewitness accounts and the police officer’s opinion about what occurred. If the truck driver was arrested or cited for an offense, the report will also reflect this.

Failing to Follow the Doctor’s Orders

It’s not enough to simply go to the doctor. You also need to take the medication that’s prescribed or undergo the recommended treatment. If you don’t follow the doctor’s orders, the insurance company could deny your claim. They may argue that if you were seriously injured, you would seek the appropriate medical treatment. Alternatively, the insurer may say that there’s no evidence your injuries were caused by the accident. If you want to get compensation for your injuries, you need to complete the necessary treatment.

Getting Rid of Accident-Related Documentation

In addition to your medical expenses, there are many types of damages that you can claim. However, you need to present proof of each loss. If you want to get compensation for the cost of doctor’s visits, medication, and physical therapy, you need to keep copies of all the bills. You also need medical reports stating your diagnosis and prognosis. To get compensation for lost income or lost earning capacity, you’ll need to show how much money you previously made. This may seem like a lot of paperwork, but you can’t claim damages unless you can prove your losses.

Taking Too Long to Hire a Lawyer

As a result of Maryland’s statute of limitations, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. However, you need to consult an attorney immediately after the accident. Most personal injury claims are settled out of court, but you still need to get started on your claim as soon as possible. Insurance companies often try to drag out negotiations until the statute of limitations expires. If you want a chance at getting full and fair compensation, you need to contact a lawyer promptly. They will know when it’s best to end settlement talks and head to court.

Contact Pinder Plotkin LLC to Discuss Your Maryland Truck Crash Case

One of the most important things you have to do after an accident is to contact a law firm in Maryland that takes truck accident cases. They will advise you on how to avoid doing anything that could put your case in jeopardy. If you want to get the compensation you’re due, reach out to Pinder Plotkin LLC for a free consultation today.