Dealing With Trucking Insurance Companies

Injured truck accident victims are entitled to compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Typically, the first step in getting compensation is to file an injury insurance claim. The insurance company will investigate the accident and make a settlement offer that is far below the claim’s value. Never accept a settlement or other compensation from an insurance company without consulting an attorney first.

Experienced truck accident attorneys calculate maximum compensation packages that place the highest value on their clients’ health and comfort. They understand the unique circumstances and evidence available in truck accidents – like records from a truck’s Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs), Engine Control Module (ECM), or video footage from the truck’s dashcam - to build strong cases insurers cannot ignore. If the insurance company does not make a fair settlement offer, an attorney can file a lawsuit to get results.

Whether the crash involved a semi-truck, 18-wheeler, tractor-trailer truck, garbage truck, or another type of large truck, the average truck accident settlement will vary depending on the severity of the injuries and financial losses. They range from tens of thousands of dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars. In some cases, the settlement can be $1 million or more. If you were injured, contact an attorney for a free consultation to learn more about how much your claim may be worth. Typically, the more serious the injuries, the more significant the compensation. The most common truck accident injuries include:

• Open and closed head wounds, Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs), concussion, brain hemorrhage.
• Severe burns.
• Neck injuries, whiplash, chronic back pain.
• Paralysis.
• Organ damage to the spleen, lungs, liver, abdomen organs.
• Foot, finger, leg, or arm amputation.
• Multiple bone fractures, typically in the clavicle, face, shoulder, thigh, foot, wrist, and upper arm.

An experienced truck accident lawyer can aggressively fight for all the compensation an injured truck accident victim deserves. They understand the many medical and lifelong financial complexities that drive up a settlement amount, and they will work tirelessly to get the money their clients need to heal and move on with their lives.

Insurance companies use a variety of techniques to get out of taking responsibility for truck accident damages. These techniques include:

• Denying liability. The insurance company may try to deny that the truck driver, trucking company, or another party they represent was at fault for the accident.
• Delays. They may delay the claims process by asking for unnecessary information.
• Lowball settlement offers. An insurance agent’s goal is to protect their company’s bottom line. That’s why they sometimes make quick lowball offers hoping victims will accept them before consulting with attorneys.
• Pressure to release private information. Adjusters are looking for any excuse to deny or reduce a claim. They may ask seriously injured victims to sign waivers that give the agent access to medical, financial, work, and other private records. Never sign a release without consulting a lawyer.

An experienced truck accident lawyer understands how to overcome the obstacles that insurance companies use to avoid taking responsibility for damages. A lawyer can:

• Investigate the accident and gather evidence of negligence.
• Negotiate with the insurance company for full compensation.
• Keep their client informed of their case’s progress every step of the way.
• File a lawsuit, if necessary.

If you have been injured in a truck accident, it is important to act fast. Each state has a statute of limitations that applies to filing a claim or lawsuit for truck accident compensation. Depending on circumstances, the window to take legal action may be very short. Any claim filed after the statute of limitations expires can be rejected.

If you were injured or a loved one died in a fatal truck accident, do not wait to contact an experienced truck accident lawyer to find out how much time you have left to act and for legal help. A lawyer can explain your rights, options, and the statute of limitations that apply to your case. They work for a contingency fee – which means there is no money down and you only pay if they win. Let a trusted truck accident attorney fight relentlessly for the compensation you deserve. Contact a lawyer in your area today to schedule a free consultation.