Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be tough enough, but truck accidents have the potential to be even worse. In addition to being much larger and capable of causing extreme damage, a trucker who causes a crash has the support of their trucking company and the trucking company's insurance provider behind them. If you aren't careful, you could be tricked into accepting an insurance payment that is far too small, or not receive one at all.
After a truck accident you will need to call your insurance agent, but you will also receive a call from the trucker's insurance company. They will probably sound very nice and sympathetic on the phone, but you need to keep repeating this phrase in your head over and over while they talk: "They are only in business to make money. They do not care about me." It's a harsh reality, but the insurance company does not want to pay you for the accident their client caused. While they talk to you, they may try to use specific tactics to get you to give up and accept little to no money, like:
- Trying to get you to settle for an amount that is far too little (consider the damage to your car, injuries you sustained, medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages)
- Prodding you to make a statement before you talk to your trucking collision lawyer. If you say one thing the wrong way, they can twist it in the future to make it seem like the crash was your fault.
- Pressuring you to get this over with and settle as soon as possible
- Convincing you to sign a waiver that takes all responsibility away from the truck driver
This doesn't sound very fair, right? That's because it isn't. If a truck driver caused your accident, you should get the full compensation that you deserve. Before you speak to their insurance company, call a trucking collision lawyer right away. Contact the Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma lawyers at Girards Law Firm for a free consultation at 888-897-2762.