When you get into a minor accident with a truck, you may not think a lawyer is necessary. However, a lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and get you the compensation you deserve. You should always call the police and report a minor truck accident even if you don’t have any injuries.
Truck accidents are significantly more dangerous than car accidents because of their heavy weight and long length. So, in some situations, a minor truck accident could be the equivalent of a car crash, resulting in just as much damage.
Our seasoned truck accident lawyers at the Buzbee Law Firm explain how a lawyer can help in the aftermath of a minor truck accident in Texas.
You May Have Injuries that Surface Later
In the medical industry, it’s common knowledge that victims of minor accidents do not show symptoms until days or weeks after the accident. Some of the most common injuries that often lay dormant after an accident are:
- Internal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Injuries to the back or spine
- Concussion
- Whiplash
When you get into a minor truck accident, you should still go to the doctor even if you don’t feel any pain. A doctor may be able to identify the injuries before symptoms show and lower the pain level when symptoms do appear.
By contacting a Texas truck accident lawyer right away, you can avoid any complications and increase the chances of getting higher compensation. Your lawyer can help you get a head start on filing your claim and updating it when your injuries surface.
You Risk the Other Driver Filing a Claim Instead
If you exchanged information with the truck driver but didn’t report the accident to the police, there’s a chance the other driver can file a claim against you when you least expect it. At this point, you may know that the truck driver was at fault for the accident. But if their report is the only one on record, it could severely affect your chances at pursuing compensation.
Failing to file an accident report in Texas could also mean fines and a suspension of your license. Even in a minor crash, you still want to play it safe by filing the accident report.
It’s always a good idea to report any accident to the police, and hiring a truck accident lawyer can also be helpful if you want to make sure you get the full value of your claim. We will use evidence to prove the other party’s liability in your accident.
Gathering evidence may be difficult, but a dedicated lawyer will go to great lengths to get you the amount of compensation you need to cover your expenses. In addition, having a lawyer’s negotiation skills on your side can increase the chances of winning your case.
The Benefits of Hiring a Truck Accident Lawyer After a Minor Crash
Even though the truck crash may have been minor, a lawyer can still be helpful. One of the most important things from a legal standpoint after a truck accident, regardless of the severity, is identifying the damages you are eligible for. This can help you pay for bills and other essential expenses you may face after the accident.
You may be eligible to recover compensation for the following damages:
- Medical expenses
- Vehicle replacement and repairs
- Pain and suffering
- In-home care
- Physical therapy
- Loss of income
- Property damage
A Texas truck accident lawyer can also help you to file your claim on time. According to Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003, the state of Texas gives you two years to file a truck accident claim.
However, the time you have to file can vary based on the specific details of your case. The only way to know is to meet with a Texas truck accident attorney who can advise you on the best time to file.
After an accident, insurance companies will shower you with niceties, but their overall motive is to pay as little as possible. A quality attorney won’t stand for this and can help you build a strong case that guarantees you a larger settlement.
Call the Buzbee Law Firm After a Minor Truck Accident in Texas
A minor truck accident can be stressful because there may be more unknowns, like what injuries you have. Our team of passionate attorneys at the Buzbee Law Firm is ready to help you navigate the legal process if you’ve been in a minor truck accident.
We offer a free quote that can assess your damages, giving you an estimation of how much compensation you may receive. To get your free consultation today, give us a call or fill out the contact form on our website.
