Road crashes are the leading cause of death in young people between ages 15-29, and over half of all road traffic deaths are adults between the ages of 15-44. Collisions are the second leading cause of death for young people ages 5-14, and approximately 500 adults ages 65 and up are injured each day in collisions.
Semi truck accidents and dump truck accidents can be even more dangerous than the average auto collision. If you've been injured in a collision with a truck, one of your first steps will likely be writing a demand letter to the insurer of the truck. You can find a personal injury lawyer from truck accident law firm to help you or do it yourself.
If you decide to go it alone, here are some mistakes to steer clear of:
DON'T Use the Word "Accident"
By filing a personal injury claim, you're going against the definition of the word accident: someone was at fault, and you're aiming to be compensated. Choose a word like crash or collision, not one that absolves the truck driver or company of blame.
DON'T Exaggerate the Collision or Your Injuries
Collisions are traumatic, but it's important to stay dry and factual in your letter. Leave emotions out of it and get straight to the point. Describe the event and your ensuing injuries in a straightforward manner without embellishments or dramatics.
DON'T Make the Adjuster Hunt Down Documents
You want to enclose all relevant documents with your demand letter in an ordered and coherent manner. The more medical records and bills they have, the better chance you have of being compensated without getting a truck accident law firm involved.
DON'T Force the Adjuster to Do the Math
Again, if you want to skip a trip to a truck accident law firm, lay as much out for the adjuster as you can. Make a small chart of your finances and add up the total rather than forcing the adjuster to calculate it from your documents.
DON'T Forget the Insurer's File Number
Your file number should be included on all correspondence with the insurer.
It is important to know that you don't have to go it alone against the insurance company and its unlimited resources. Your claim for compensation will be best served if you consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon after the crash as possible. However, if you choose to pursue your claim yourself and it is denied, call a personal injury attorney to learn more about your legal rights.