After a large truck accident, the insurance provider for the trucking company will likely be trying to find you in the days and weeks after a truck accident while you are trying to concentrate on your health and do your best to get back to normal. They will need a statement from you outlining what transpired before, during, and after the accident and the extent of your injuries. But be clear: the insurance provider for the trucking company is not looking out for your interests.
One of the major goals of the insurance company for the trucking company is to make you an offer, suggesting that you accept a specific sum of money as “compensation” for the accident. Because they urgently require the money or consider themselves fortunate to receive any compensation at all, many truck accident victims quickly accept this offer. Please take away just one lesson from this article: never accept an offer from an insurance company without first consulting a North Carolina truck accident lawyer. Let’s discuss why working with the insurance provider requires extreme caution.
Large Truck Accident Lawyer in North Carolina
We suggest that you consult a large truck accident lawyer before accepting any compensation. You can explain what happened and have the situation examined by a lawyer with experience working with insurance companies during the initial session. You may be entitled to additional damages, such as lost earnings and compensation for pain and suffering, if an attorney thinks the trucking company or the driver may have been negligent and was at fault for the accident.
Furthermore, it can be quite challenging to predict your long-term expenses in the days and weeks immediately following an injury. If you take an insurance settlement right immediately, you might have to pay those long-term expenses out of your own money since you might incur extra medical and rehabilitation expenses months or years down the road. All of these costs can only be recovered through a personal injury lawsuit.
If you don’t have a thorough understanding of the laws that apply to trucking businesses, it can be challenging to understand many aspects of a truck accident case. After a truck accident, let our knowledgeable attorneys handle the paperwork so you can focus on recovering and putting your life back together. Limiting the amount of money paid out as a result of an accident is a major obligation for the claims agent for the trucking company’s insurance provider. You might be asked to provide a recorded statement by the claims agent to absolve the trucking company or the truck driver of responsibility and shift the blame for the collision onto you. It is crucial to retain a truck accident attorney who will stand up for your rights because of this. Then, your attorney will decide whether any statements are suitable.
Don’t Let an Apology Change Your Mind
In order to avoid paying claims or persuade you to settle for less than your claim is worth, many insurance companies may employ an apology program, which is a specific set of instructions intended to train adjusters to “apologize” to an accident victim.
This is how it goes:
You were involved in a collision with a big rig. You get a call from the trucking business’s insurance company later that day. We’re very sorry you got harmed, the kind adjuster says. She then offers to send you a check for the entire replacement cost of your vehicle. Or perhaps she will claim that she will offer you a “fair” settlement to avoid paying attorneys and making a mess of things.
An adjuster is frequently taught to demonstrate empathy that mimics an apology without actually making one because doing so would admit wrongdoing. Just because someone says “sorry,” doesn’t mean they’re offering an apology or taking ownership of their actions. Avoid the temptation to accept a money offer and a voice that seems kind. You are not being called to be polite to them. They are calling because research indicates that harmed parties are more inclined to settle their claims for less than they are entitled to when they feel they have gotten an apology.
Additionally, the claims adjuster may phone to “check” on you. She might claim that she wants to check up on you after the crash. The wisest response is to say nothing at all. Even if you tell them, “I’m good,” if you end up in court, it might come back to haunt you. You are letting the adjuster know that you are not hurt by responding “fine” or “good.” Keep your opinions to yourself, even if you believe you are doing well. Although you don’t want to lie, you should nevertheless take precautions in case later-appearing injury symptoms arise. You cannot alter your mind after accepting an insurance settlement offer. Your prices may end up being more than expected and you may incur more damages or charges than you initially planned. However, after you’ve signed the settlement agreement, the rest is up to you. Before accepting any payout from insurance, always get legal advice.
North Carolina Large Truck Accident Lawyer
When after a truck accident should you engage a personal injury attorney? Immediately. In this manner, you can direct the insurance company to speak with your North Carolina large truck accident lawyer immediately when they call. Your attorney is the one person you can rely on to represent YOU in what may be a difficult matter involving numerous insurance companies. Your attorney will work with insurance to negotiate the best possible payment for you while also attempting to reduce your liability. Additionally, much like the insurance provider, your lawyer is aware of the true value of your claim. Your lawyer knows the tricks adjusters employ to persuade you to accept a meager settlement offer. They are fully aware of the deadline for filing a case, otherwise known as the statute of limitations. However, in contrast to the insurance provider, your lawyer’s role is to fight for YOU and secure the cash you require to pay your bills and other expenditures. Your attorney won’t agree to a settlement that is less than what you are due. You can file a lawsuit if the insurance provider won’t accept the proposed settlement. Your attorney will constantly inform you of your options and offer direction during the entire procedure.
If you or a loved one have been injured by a commercial truck, do not hesitate to contact an experienced North Carolina large truck accident lawyer at Tatum & Atkinson, ‘the Heavy Hitters,’ by calling (800) 529-0804 or contacting us online to schedule your case evaluation today. An experienced large truck accident lawyer will represent you in negotiations with the insurance company, explain your legal rights, respond to your inquiries, and seek the best possible outcome for your case. In addition, at Tatum & Atkinson, ‘the Heavy Hitters,’ you owe us nothing unless we win.
