Being involved in a truck accident can be overwhelming and frightening; most people are very hesitant to speak with any insurance company immediately following their accident in fear of saying something incorrectly. When speaking with an insurance company it’s important to remember that they most likely are more focused on making money and not what is in your best interest.
Tips of Dealing with an Insurance Company
- It is your legal right to say no to a recorded statement from the insurance company.
Allowing an insurance representative to take your recorded statement is opening the door for him/her to ask confusing questions that can be used against you in your case if any detail of your story changes. Often, insurance companies will ask that you give a recorded statement for accuracy purposes when in fact, the recording may be used against you.
- Exercise caution when formally filing a claim.
Truck accident claims are complicated and sometimes call for further investigation using resources and knowledge that most people don’t have. A truck accident attorney has the tools to investigate and knows where to look to uncover the reason behind any truck collision. Keep in mind that the quicker you give your lawyer all of the information you’ve gathered post-collision (driver license, driver/company information, police report, photos etc.) the faster your lawyer can get started solving and representing your case. Settlements will not begin until any injuries have had medical attention and all medical records are sent to your lawyer.
- Read every form carefully before signing them.
Sometimes companies add unfavorable rules or next steps, knowing that most people generally do not read the entirety of a form or contract. Read each form carefully before giving your signature – you don’t want to agree to something you are unaware you’ve signed for. If this seems difficult or otherwise too complex, it is highly recommended to hire a lawyer to review your paperwork for anything suspicious or otherwise not ideal.
- The at-fault drivers’ insurance company generally acts in the best interests of their client to protect their bottom line. You are not their priority to help.
You and your lawyer are the only people who are going to have your best interest in mind. Insurance companies can do what they can to give you some money, but you might not be taking all of the facts and circumstances into consideration when recovering financial damages like your own lawyer would.
- Do not admit fault or give opinions.
When an insurance representative or police officer is speaking with you – only give the facts of what happened. If you give an opinion of what you think might have happened, that could be confused with the story and only add unnecessary input. Also, do not say sorry or that you take responsibility for the accident. Remember, anything you say can be used against your case and can affect your compensation from your claim.
Maneuvering your way properly through an insurance claim alone can be difficult, which is why it’s recommended to get a trusted truck accident lawyer on your side. If you have an experienced lawyer fighting for you, they can help you figure out common obstacles associated with the insurance process. A lawyer explains how the claims process works, breaks down what your claim is worth financially and teaches you the rules of what you do and don’t need to supply the insurance companies with.
