Why Dealing with a Truck Insurance Adjuster Requires Serious Attention
After a trucking accident in Texas, victims often face serious injuries, medical bills, and pressure from insurance companies. One of the first calls you may get is from a truck insurance adjuster. This person does not work for you. They work for the trucking company’s insurance carrier and are trained to protect the company’s interests. If you speak with them without legal guidance, you risk settling for far less than your claim is worth.
In this blog, we explain how to deal with a truck insurance adjuster after a Texas trucking accident, outline the tactics adjusters use to minimize claims, and show why working with an experienced Dallas truck accident lawyer can help you protect your rights and pursue fair compensation.
Understanding the Role of a Truck Insurance Adjuster
After a trucking accident in Texas, one of the first people to contact you may be a truck insurance adjuster. Understanding their role is essential to protect your rights and avoid settling for less than you deserve.
Who Does the Truck Insurance Adjuster Work For?
A truck insurance adjuster works for the insurance company that represents the trucking company. Their job is to handle truck accident claims, investigate the incident, and recommend how much compensation should be offered. They do not represent the injured person and are not required to act in your best interest. Their loyalty is to the insurer, not the victim.
What Is the Adjuster’s Role in a Truck Accident Claim?
The adjuster collects evidence, interviews witnesses, reviews police reports and medical records, and inspects property damage. They use this information to assess the claim. The goal is to limit the insurance company’s payout. In many cases, the adjuster will try to settle quickly before the full extent of injuries or medical expenses is known.
Why You Should Be Cautious
Insurance adjusters are trained to reduce the value of claims. They may ask for recorded statements or access to your full medical history. They can use your words or records to dispute your injuries or argue that you were partly at fault. This can lower your chance of receiving fair compensation.
Legal Protections Under Texas Law
According to Texas Insurance Code § 541.060, it is illegal for insurance carriers to misrepresent facts or policy terms, fail to settle claims fairly, or delay payment without a valid reason. If a truck insurance adjuster uses unfair tactics, a truck accident attorney can hold the company accountable.
The Importance of Legal Representation
An experienced truck accident lawyer understands the claims process and knows how to deal with insurance companies. Legal counsel can speak to the insurance adjuster on your behalf, gather relevant information, and help determine the appropriate amount of compensation for medical bills, property damage, and lost income.
Common Tactics Used by Trucking Company Adjusters
Trucking company’s insurance adjusters often use specific tactics to reduce the value of truck accident claims or deny them entirely.
Requesting a Recorded Statement Early
A common tactic is asking for a recorded statement soon after the accident. The adjuster may say this is required or claim it will help process your case faster. In reality, they are trained to find statements that can be used to limit your compensation. Anything you say could be used to dispute your injuries or shift part of the blame to you.
Minimizing Your Injuries and Medical Expenses
Adjusters often question the severity of your injuries. They may argue that your medical treatment was unnecessary or that your injuries existed before the accident. They may also suggest that your medical expenses are too high or not related to the crash. This can lead to low settlement offers that do not cover your full recovery costs.
Pressuring You to Settle Quickly
Many insurance carriers push for a fast settlement. They know that medical bills and lost income create financial stress. They offer money early, hoping you will accept it before you understand the full impact of your injuries. Once you agree to settle, you lose the right to ask for more money later, even if new medical issues appear.
Misusing Accident Reports and Police Records
Trucking company adjusters may take parts of the accident report out of context to dispute liability. They might highlight unclear statements or ignore key witness statements that support your case. This can affect how the claim is valued and who is found at fault.
Requesting Broad Access to Medical Records
Some adjusters ask for complete access to your medical history. They may use unrelated past medical issues to argue that the crash did not cause your injuries. You are not required to share full records. A truck accident attorney can limit what is shared and ensure that only relevant information is provided.
Disputing Lost Wages or Property Damage
Adjusters may challenge claims for lost income, especially if you are self-employed or work irregular hours. They may also undervalue the damage to your vehicle or suggest that repairs were excessive. Their goal is to reduce how much the insurance company pays on the claim.
What to Do Immediately After a Trucking Accident
Taking the right steps after a trucking accident can protect your health, strengthen your insurance claim, and support your legal case.
Get Medical Attention Right Away
Your health is the top priority. Get medical care even if you feel fine. Some injuries take hours or days to show symptoms. Medical records also help show the extent of your injuries. This documentation is important when dealing with a truck insurance adjuster or filing a truck accident claim.
Call Law Enforcement and File a Police Report
Always report the accident to local police or highway patrol. Ask for a copy of the police report when it is ready. This report includes key facts, statements, and initial findings that can help determine liability. Insurance companies and truck accident attorneys often use this document to support a claim.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
If it is safe to do so, take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, injuries, and license plates. Get names and contact details from witnesses. Write down everything you remember. This information helps build a stronger case and ensures the insurance adjuster sees the full picture.
Do Not Talk to the Truck Insurance Adjuster Alone
The trucking company’s insurance adjuster may contact you soon after the accident. Do not give a recorded statement or sign anything without legal advice. Their goal is to limit the value of your insurance claim. An experienced truck accident attorney can speak to them on your behalf.
Notify Your Own Insurance Company
Inform your insurer about the accident but keep your statement brief. Give only basic facts. Do not speculate about fault or injuries. Your attorney can provide more detailed information later in the claims process.
Keep Records of Everything
Save medical bills, repair estimates, proof of lost wages, and all communication with insurance carriers. These records help prove damages and support your right to fair compensation. Organized records also make it easier for your truck accident lawyer to manage your claim.
How a Truck Accident Attorney Protects Your Rights
After a trucking accident in Texas, a truck accident attorney plays a crucial role in safeguarding your interests and ensuring you receive fair compensation.
Investigating the Accident Thoroughly
A truck accident attorney conducts a comprehensive investigation to determine liability. This includes collecting accident reports, reviewing police reports, and examining medical records. They also gather witness statements and assess the extent of property damage and medical expenses. This thorough approach helps in accurately assessing the value of your claim.
Dealing with Insurance Adjusters
Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company’s insurance carrier and aim to settle claims quickly, often for a low settlement amount. Your attorney communicates directly with the insurance adjuster, ensuring that your best interests are represented. They handle all interactions with the insurance company to prevent any tactics that might undermine your claim.
Ensuring Compliance with Texas Laws
Texas has specific laws governing personal injury claims. For instance, under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. An experienced attorney ensures that all legal deadlines are met and that your claim complies with Texas.
Maximizing Compensation
A truck accident attorney works to ensure you receive fair compensation for all damages, including medical bills, lost income, and property damage. They evaluate the full extent of your injuries and losses to determine the appropriate amount for your claim. By accurately assessing the value of your claim, they help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Representing You in Court if Necessary
If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, your attorney is prepared to represent you in court. They present all relevant information and evidence to support your case, aiming to secure a favorable verdict. Having legal representation ensures that your rights are protected throughout the litigation process.
Contact an Experienced Dallas Truck Accident Lawyer Today!
If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in Texas, it’s crucial to act promptly to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation. At Texas Lawyers 365, our experienced truck accident attorneys are ready to assist you every step of the way.
Contact us at 800-800-8000 for a free case consultation today!
