7 Legal Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Texas Truck Accident Case
When an 18-wheeler slams into your car on I-35 or the LBJ Freeway, life doesn’t just pause—it changes. Medical bills pile up. Work becomes impossible. And while you’re trying to get back on your feet, the trucking company and their insurance team are already building a case—against you.
At Angel Reyes & Associates, we’ve seen it all. For over 30 years, we’ve helped Texans protect their rights after devastating crashes. One misstep can cost you thousands—or your entire case. Here’s how to avoid those costly mistakes.
3 Things to Know Right Now
- Don’t talk to the insurance adjuster until you’ve spoken to a lawyer—it can backfire fast.
- Posting on social media after your crash can hurt your claim, even if you think it’s harmless.
- Texas law gives you just two years to file a truck accident claim—don’t wait and risk losing your rights.
Mistake #1 – Talking to the Insurance Adjuster Without Legal Advice
After a truck crash, that first call from the insurance company might sound friendly—but it’s not neutral. Their job is to get you talking, record your statement, and find any way to limit what they owe.
Saying “I’m okay” or “It wasn’t that bad” might seem polite. But later, those words can be used to downplay your injuries or assign blame.
What to Do Instead
Don’t give the insurance company the upper hand. Here’s how to protect your rights from the start:
- Decline recorded statements without legal representation.
- Let your attorney communicate on your behalf.
- Know your rights before giving any details.
Mistake #2 – Missing the Statute of Limitations
In Texas, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. Wait too long—even by a day—and your right to recover damages is gone.
It’s not just about filing paperwork. Waiting too long can cause crucial evidence to vanish—dashcam footage gets overwritten, eyewitnesses forget details, and medical records lose context.
How to Stay on Track
The window to take action may be shorter than you think. These steps help you avoid losing your claim to the calendar:
- Speak to a lawyer as soon as possible.
- Don’t assume delays won’t matter—they always do.
Mistake #3 – Posting on Social Media After the Crash
Posting a selfie from your couch or a video of your nephew’s birthday may feel harmless—but insurance companies are watching. They’ll use your posts to argue that your injuries aren’t serious or that you’re not suffering as claimed.
Even if your account is private, investigators may still find ways to access it or subpoena your content.
Smart Online Behavior
Even one post can change your case. These are the digital habits that protect you:
- Don’t post photos, check-ins, or health updates.
- Ask family and friends not to tag you.
- Treat every post as if the defense team will read it—because they might.
Mistake #4 – Accepting a Quick Settlement
After a truck crash, money is tight. The insurer knows that—and they’ll try to take advantage. Fast settlements rarely reflect the long-term costs of a serious injury.
We’ve seen victims accept $10,000 checks only to later need $100,000 in surgeries and rehab. Once you accept, that door closes.
Why You Need a Legal Review
Before you sign anything, make sure it truly covers what you’ve lost. Here’s why having a lawyer review your offer matters:
- An attorney can calculate your total damages—medical bills, lost wages, pain, and future costs.
- A rushed deal could leave you paying out of pocket for years.
Mistake #5 – Delaying Medical Treatment
If you wait to get checked out, or stop treatment midway, truck insurance companies will use that against you. They’ll claim you weren’t really hurt or that your injuries aren’t from the truck accident.
Some injuries (like internal damage or soft tissue trauma) don’t show up right away. Don’t let pain sneak up on you and ruin your case.
What You Should Do
Medical records don’t just help you heal—they help prove your case. Take these steps right away:
- Get examined immediately—even if you think you’re fine.
- Follow every medical recommendation.
- Keep all receipts, prescriptions, and reports.
Mistake #6 – Not Documenting the Truck Crash Thoroughly
The truck crash scene tells a story—but only if you preserve it. Skid marks fade. Witnesses vanish. Photos disappear. Don’t leave your personal injury lawsuit vulnerable to doubt.
What to Capture (and Keep)
Strong evidence wins cases. Weak evidence gets picked apart. Start with these must-haves:
- Photos: scene, vehicles, injuries, road conditions
- Witness names and numbers
- Police report number and officer name
- All communications with insurance companies
Pro tip: Back everything up. Your phone isn’t a permanent archive.
Mistake #7 – Trying to Handle the Truck Accident Case Alone
Big rigs bring big complications. There may be multiple liable parties—the driver, the company, the vehicle maintenance team, even the manufacturer. Federal regulations also come into play.
Truck insurance companies know how to exploit those layers to confuse and delay. Without legal help, you’re at a serious disadvantage.
Why Angel Reyes & Associates Can Help
You don’t have to face this uphill battle alone. Here’s what makes our firm uniquely prepared to handle truck accident claims:
- We’ve handled thousands of truck crash cases across Texas.
- We know how to preserve black box data and logbooks.
- Our team fights for what you need—not what the insurer offers.
FAQs About Truck Accident Claims in Texas
What is the biggest mistake people make after a truck accident in Texas?
One of the most damaging mistakes is talking to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster without legal advice. Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and even an innocent statement can be twisted to reduce or deny your claim.
Can I still file a claim if I waited a few months after the accident?
Yes—but don’t wait too long. In Texas, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to gather strong evidence and build your case. Some situations—like crashes involving government vehicles—have even shorter deadlines.
How does social media hurt my truck accident case?
Insurance companies often monitor social media. Posts showing physical activity, smiling selfies, or even attending family events can be used to argue you’re not as injured as you claim. Even private posts can be discovered during a lawsuit.
Should I accept the first settlement offer from the insurance company?
In most cases, no. Early offers are usually lowball settlements that don’t reflect the full cost of your injuries, future care, or lost earnings. Once you accept, you typically can’t go back for more—even if complications arise later.
Do I really need a lawyer for a truck accident claim?
Yes. Truck accident claims are legally complex and often involve multiple responsible parties—not just the driver. A lawyer helps protect your rights, gather critical evidence (like black box data and logbooks), and negotiate with powerful insurance teams on your behalf.
What if I can’t afford a lawyer right now?
At Angel Reyes & Associates, you don’t pay unless we win. There are no upfront fees. We take truck accident cases on a contingency basis, which means you owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
What kind of compensation can I recover after a truck accident?
Depending on your case, you may be entitled to:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Long-term disability or disfigurement
Every case is different, which is why it’s important to speak with an experienced Texas truck accident attorney.
Final Thoughts – Your Claim Deserves a Fair Shot
When your life is turned upside down by a truck crash in Texas, avoiding these seven legal mistakes can mean the difference between recovery and regret.
You don’t have to do this alone. At Angel Reyes & Associates, we’re here to guide you through the chaos—with compassion, clarity, and 30+ years of experience fighting insurance giants.
Call today for a free consultation. You don’t pay unless we win.
