Let’s be honest—getting into a truck accident is scary. You’re shaken up, adrenaline’s pumping, and the last thing on your mind is legal strategy. But here’s the kicker: the decisions you make in those first few days? They can make or break your case.
I’ve talked to personal injury lawyers, accident victims, and even insurance insiders—and these are the seven biggest mistakes that people make (and how you can avoid them).
1. Waiting Too Long to Get Medical Help
Let me ask you this—if your back’s sore but you can still walk, would you just sleep it off?
A lot of people do. And guess what? That’s exactly what insurance companies hope for.
“We’ve had clients walk into our office two weeks after the crash, thinking they were fine. By then, it’s harder to tie the injury to the accident. It kills the case.”
— James Lowell, personal injury attorney in Dallas
Internal injuries don’t always scream for attention. Some, like concussions or spinal trauma, show up days later.
What to do: Go get checked right away, even if you think it’s just soreness. Follow up with your doctor and document everything. Each appointment helps show you’re taking your recovery seriously.
2. Not Documenting the Crash Scene
If a picture is worth a thousand words, what’s the value of a crash scene photo?
Your claim is only as strong as your evidence. If you leave everything up to the police report, you’re missing your side of the story.
“Photos of tire marks, broken glass, and even the weather that day can shift a case completely.”
— Angela Wu, claims investigator
What to do: If you can move safely, start snapping. Take pictures of both vehicles, road signs, skid marks, your injuries—everything. Get witness names and numbers. Even a voice memo with your first thoughts can be gold later.
3. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Alone
This one makes me cringe. Adjusters may sound friendly—but their job is to protect the company’s wallet, not your health.
“People think they’re just answering questions. Then boom—their own words get used against them.”
— Marcus Ellis, former insurance adjuster turned legal consultant
What to do: Just say this: “Please talk to my attorney.” That’s it. Let your lawyer handle the statements and negotiations. You wouldn’t play poker with your cards face-up, right?
4. Oversharing on Social Media
We all post without thinking sometimes. But after a truck accident, even a harmless hiking selfie can ruin your credibility.
Think about it: you're claiming back pain, and you post a “weekend adventure” pic? Insurance lawyers will find it.
What to do: Hit pause on social. Or at least go private and don’t post anything related to your activities or health.
5. Not Saving Electronic Evidence from the Truck
Did you know trucks basically have black boxes? They track speed, braking, even hours driven. But that data can disappear fast—sometimes in a matter of weeks.
“We’ve lost cases because key ELD data was wiped before we could get a subpoena.”
— Rosa Martinez, truck accident lawyer in Phoenix
What to do: Get a lawyer ASAP. They’ll send legal notices to preserve that data before it vanishes.
6. Settling Too Fast
Ever had someone wave money in front of you just to make a problem go away?
That’s what insurers do. They offer “quick fixes” before you even know the full extent of your injuries. And once you sign? That’s it. No going back.
What to do: Don’t sign anything without legal advice. Wait until your medical picture is clear and your lawyer can calculate what your injury really costs long-term.
7. Trying to Handle It All Alone
Truck accidents aren’t simple fender-benders. There are federal trucking laws, data logs, multiple liable parties—it’s a legal jungle.
“I’ve seen smart people lose big money because they thought hiring a lawyer would make them look greedy.”
— Ben Cross, partner at Kelleher + Holland, LLC
The truth? Victims with attorneys statistically receive way more compensation. It’s not about greed—it’s about fairness.
What to do: Find a lawyer who’s walked this road before. Someone who knows what documents to demand, what experts to call, and how to fight for you.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been hit by a truck, you’re probably scared, hurting, and just trying to get back to normal. And I get it—nobody wants to turn their life into a legal battle.
But here’s my two cents: You deserve to heal without getting pushed around by insurance giants. You deserve clarity, care, and a fair shot.
So, don’t go it alone. Avoid these 7 landmines. Reach out to a truck accident lawyer you trust. Someone who listens. Someone who fights.