subject: Semi Injury Attorney - How You Can Hurt Your Own Case [print this page] Any semi injury attorney can tell you that their clients are often their own worst enemies when it comes to making a successful case. Confused, scared, and sometimes angry after an accident, they can make mistakes that will prevent them from getting the settlement they deserve. While a good lawyer will do everything he can to repair the damage done, it may be too late. Make more than one of these mistakes and you may not be able to find a lawyer willing to take your case. Being injured due to the negligence of a trucking company or driver is no trivial matter. Avoid making these mistakes to bring a successful case.
Don't Leave the Scene
For one thing, if you've been in a crash with a truck, you may be hurt even if you don't feel like you are right now. The big reason for staying on the scene, however, is that you could be breaking the law to do otherwise. If there are injuries or property damage, there are probably laws in your area that require you to stay on the scene until the police give you clearance to leave. Even if no such trouble follows, you're going to have a hard time making your case for compensation later if you leave the scene of the accident without talking to police or getting medical attention.
Don't Downplay Your Injuries
Any semi injury attorney who has been in the field for more than a year has seen it over and over again. A driver, filled with adrenaline and fear, claims they are not hurt at the scene of the accident. They believe they are telling the truth. They refuse medical attention from the EMTs and go about their day. It isn't until later that they realize they are hurt worse than they thought. While this is normal and not indicative of a scheme, a scheme is exactly what it sounds like to a jury. Many insurance companies will refuse to settle if you claimed not to be hurt at the scene, simply because they know this will be damning evidence to a jury.
Don't Admit Fault
It's natural to try and be the first one to say, "I'm sorry, that was my fault," when you bump into someone while walking down the street. Sometimes this desire for civility carries over into major car accidents, and that can be a mistake. Even if you could have done something to avoid the accident, keep quiet about fault. Let the police decide who was at fault in the incident. Let the other driver say what they want to say. You should get a semi injury attorney and let them do your talking for you.
