How Insurance Companies Try to Get Away with Denying Trucking Accident Claims

Strict state and federal regulations govern the trucking industry. That’s because large trucks threaten the safety of motorists, pedestrians, and everyone who shares the road with them. As commercial vehicle operators, semi-truck drivers and their employers must follow these rules or risk severe penalties. If you suffered injuries in a tractor-trailer crash, a truck accident attorney can use these laws to demand compensation for you. But the insurance company won’t hand over a fair payout without a fight.

The lawyers at Swenson & Shelley know all the tactics insurers use to avoid giving injured truck accident victims the money they deserve. For more than 30 years, our experienced trucking accident attorneys have fought for the rights of injured people. Contact us to learn how we can help with your insurance claim. The first consultation is free.

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Tricks Insurance Companies Use to Deny or Devalue Your Truck Accident Claim

Insurance companies use several strategies to deny or diminish truck accident claims, such as:

• Dragging out the claims process – Insurance companies have nothing to lose by making the claims process take longer than it should. They know delays can personally and financially drain truck accident victims. As the insurance company stalls, your medical bills pile up. Your injuries may prevent you from working. You’re missing the income you need to keep your house running. By stretching out the claims process, insurance adjusters hope truck accident victims will accept a low settlement offer out of pure frustration.
• Making you give a recorded statement – Many insurance companies require crash victims to provide a recorded statement before paying a claim. This request may seem harmless, but a recorded statement can be a trap. Suppose there are inconsistencies between what you say in the statement and the evidence submitted as part of your claim. In that case, the insurance company might use those inconsistencies to deny or devalue your truck accident claim. Never agree to make a statement without talking to a lawyer first.
• Requesting excessive information – Constant requests for additional information or evidence is another tactic insurance companies frequently use after a truck accident. They may argue they are trying to get a complete picture of what happened, but these administrative delays put a lot of pressure on crash victims who need money quickly.
• Acting sympathetic – Insurance adjusters are trained to be polite and understanding to your situation, but you must remember their priorities. They work for the insurance company, not you, and their goal is to protect their employer’s bottom line. Do not let a sympathetic insurance adjuster deny fair compensation to you for your truck accident injuries.
• Hiring private investigators – Insurance companies sometimes hire private investigators to watch accident victims and look for any contradictory evidence relating to their claims. You could be followed and watched outside your home, at work, or in public. If the private investigators see you saying or doing anything contradicting the information you submitted in your claim, the insurance company could use that information against you.
• Making lowball settlement offers – Truck accident claims result in some of the worst injuries, which drives up the value of an accident claim. Insurers are well aware of this fact, which is why they sweep in fast to make a quick settlement offer. These offers may even come before you know how serious your injuries are. Never accept the first settlement offer, no matter how tempted you feel. An attorney can review your truck accident case and place an appropriate value on your claim. A trucking accident lawyer can also negotiate directly with the insurance company on your behalf.

How Do Truck Accident Settlements Work?

To understand how truck accident settlements work, you need to know a few of the basics of personal injury law. If someone else’s carelessness seriously injures another person, the victim can demand compensation for their injuries and related losses. Financial losses may include the cost of medical treatment, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and more.

You may need to file a claim against the at-fault party(s) to get full compensation after a truck accident. Potential defendants include the truck driver, the trucking company, repair companies, vehicle manufacturers, and anyone else responsible for the crash. An attorney will identify all liable parties for you. In some cases, you may file a claim against more than one party and deal with more than one insurance policy.

Trial is another option. But going to court is time-consuming and costly, so most liable parties are motivated to offer a settlement to avoid the hassles of a personal injury lawsuit. By settling, you get the money you need quickly, and they save the expense, hassle, and risk of drawn-out legal proceedings.
What is the Average Settlement Amount for a Semi-Truck Accident?

The exact value of a truck accident settlement is based on many factors specific to each case. A truck accident attorney can help you pursue compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Reduced future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Damaged personal property

The personal injury attorneys at Swenson & Shelley can estimate what your case is worth in a free case review. We’ll provide no-nonsense legal advice and explain your options. No matter what you choose to do, you’ll have the information necessary to make an informed decision.

How Does Insurance Coverage Affect my Settlement Amount?

Most of the time, the maximum value of a truck accident settlement is set by the liable party’s insurance coverage. While you can pursue compensation beyond the limit of someone’s insurance coverage, an experienced truck accident attorney at Swenson & Shelley can help you decide if this is practical.

How Can I Protect My Claim from Unfair Insurance Company Tactics?

The best way to protect yourself from unfair insurance company tactics is to work with an experienced truck accident attorney. A knowledgeable truck accident lawyer will know how to handle disputes and build a solid injury claim that stands up to the toughest challenges.

Hire an Experienced Semi-Truck Accident Attorney Today

Questions about how to avoid unfair insurance tactics after a truck accident? Our legal team has the answers you need. Contact Swenson & Shelley today for a free case evaluation.