Truck accidents can result in devastating injuries from which victims may not fully recover. If the collision was caused by the truck driver’s negligence, as is often the case, their insurance company’s adjuster or their attorney may contact you sooner than you expected. It is not unusual for the trucking company’s adjuster, company representative, or even the trucking company’s lawyer to come to the scene or even the hospital to try and get statements before you can get legal advice.  While they may seem sympathetic, but remember they are only there to protect the trucking company, often at your expense.  Your response to these overtures can have a significant impact on your eventual award. Here’s a guide on handling these situations.

How to Respond to an Insurer’s Claims Adjuster

Refuse to Make a Statement

At first, the trucking company’s representative may claim that they need to collect your statement about the accident. DO NOT GIVE THEM ONE!  This request may seem reasonable enough, but they’re often looking for any statement that can be used to minimize the value of your claim.

They may even ask questions such as, “It’s hard to remember what happened during such a chaotic event, isn’t it?” If you agree, they will then say your memory of the truck accident is compromised and use that against you. Therefore, your wisest course of action is to refuse to comment at all.

Don’t Accept a Settlement Offer

Bear in mind that the insurance company’s primary interest is paying you as little as possible, not fairly compensating you for your losses. Their initial settlement offer may not even cover all of your medical expenses, let alone your lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Compelling the insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement offer usually takes the expertise of a skilled truck collision injury attorney.

Refer the Adjuster to Your Attorney

Experienced lawyers understand the tactics insurance companies use to minimize claims and know how to counteract them. Instead of speaking with the adjuster yourself, tell them you need to speak to a lawyer first. Once you’ve found a skilled attorney, let them interact with the adjusters and truck company representatives which allows you to focus on recovering from your injuries.

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, trust the experience and resources of the Law Offices of Adrian L. Falgione, LLC to fight for your rights. We proudly represent victims throughout the South Carolina Midlands for 30 years and always strive to provide personalized, one-on-one service to every client. Visit our website to learn how we can help with your personal injury claim or call (803) 957-6543 to schedule your free initial consultation.