How to Handle the Insurance Company After a Truck Accident
If you are in a truck crash, it can be more than upsetting — it can be downright terrifying. The violence of the collision can overwhelm you, and between the injuries and lost wages, you may not know what to do.
One thing you never want to do, though, is try to deal with the trucking company’s insurance provider. Make no mistake, it is their job to convince you to settle for less than your case is worth.
Fortunately, there are proven strategies for dealing with insurance companies after a truck accident.
Insurance Requirements for Commercial Vehicles
If you’re involved in a truck accident, there are a few things to remember about their insurance providers.
First, they have a lot of money on the line. The U.S. government requires trucking companies to have at least $750,000 in coverage for every truck in their fleet, or more. The figure can be up to $5 million in minimum coverage if the truck carries hazardous materials.
This means the insurance provider has a lot of money at stake during a truck accident. Expect the insurance company to resist paying a fair settlement for your injuries and additional losses. You’ll need a highly skilled truck accident attorney to help negotiate with the insurance company and, if necessary, fight for you in court.
Don’t Speak to the Other Party’s Insurance Company
After a truck accident, don’t be surprised if the other party’s insurance company tries to contact you. This is almost certain to happen if the trucker is at fault for the wreck.
The insurance adjuster will want you to accept a small settlement before you retain a personal injury attorney. They likely already have a rough idea of what your case is worth and will offer you much less. Like most truck injury victims, you probably don’t know the value of your injuries, lost work time, and pain and suffering.
Also, remember that Maryland is a contributory negligence state in car and truck accidents. You cannot collect a settlement if you are even 1% at fault for the truck crash. This means the insurance adjuster also will want you to say something on the phone to undermine your claim.
The best policy when dealing with the insurance company after a truck crash is to decline to speak to them and tell them to call your lawyer. Also, if they try to record a statement from you, do not allow it.
Do Not Sign Anything
The trucking insurance company may also send physical or digital documents for you to sign. Be cautious when an insurance company asks you to sign anything after a truck accident. Many times, signing a document you don’t understand could limit your rights and damage your claim. It’s best to have the information reviewed by your personal injury attorney.
Keep Evidence
Your attorney will collect as much information as possible after your accident. That said, if you are physically able, take photos of the accident scene and give them to your lawyer. Some of the things you should photograph and video include:
- Your injuries
- The accident scene
- Truck and passenger vehicle positions
- Tire skid marks
- Damage to the vehicles
Insurance companies are known to lose vital evidence from time to time. So, having a strong photographic record of the accident scene will aid your claim.
Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney as Soon as Possible
Speaking with a lawyer after a truck accident is always best practice. Although you might feel fine immediately afterward, some injuries might manifest over time and linger for the rest of your life. That said, you should speak to a lawyer immediately if:
- You have broken bones, stayed in the hospital, and face weeks or months of recovery
- You suffered a brain or spinal injury
- Your medical costs are more than $2,000
- Several people in your vehicle were injured
- Someone in your vehicle died
- The truck crash caused you to miss more than two workdays
- Liability is disputed
- The insurance company keeps calling you
Remember, if one or more of the above apply to you, refrain from talking to the trucking insurance company at all.
Speak To A Maryland Truck Crash Attorney Today
The last thing you want to do after a truck accident is deal with their insurance company. Let your Baltimore personal injury attorney handle the stingy insurance companies and legal issues while you concentrate on your recovery. Call Pinder Plotkin today to find out how we can fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
