Big rig and car in an accident. | Patrick Daniel Law

What Are the First Steps To Take After an Accident with a Big Rig Truck?

After a big rig accident, it can be challenging to know what to do next. However, the most important thing is always your health, so seeking medical attention as quickly as possible should be your number one priority.

Once you have received medical attention, some of the additional steps to take include:

Documenting the scene
Gathering evidence
Interviewing witnesses
Calculating your damages

Ideally, you’ll begin working on these tasks as soon as possible so you don’t lose evidence or compromise any part of your claim. Of course, it can be impossible to do so while you are recovering from your injuries, which is one of the reasons hiring a big rig injury lawyer can be so beneficial. They can handle gathering evidence, finding witnesses, accurately assessing your damages, and more.

What Is the Insurance Claims Process?

The claims process starts when you file the claim with the relevant insurance company (or companies), after which there will be a few key steps:

Investigation: The insurance company will perform an investigation to determine fault.
Evaluation: If the insurance company accepts liability on behalf of their policyholder, they will then determine the value of your claim.
Negotiation: The insurance company will then usually try to settle the claim for as little as possible.

If you can agree on a fair settlement offer, then the matter will be closed. If you are unable to reach an adequate agreement, then your best course of action may be to file a lawsuit.

What Factors Can Impact This Process?

The primary factor that influences the claims process is the value of the claim. The higher a claim’s value, the more interest insurance companies will have in finding ways to deny or limit damages. This is often the case with big rig accidents since the damages can be so extreme.

The process can also be more complicated if there are multiple insurance companies involved, each of which needs to be dealt with individually. Beyond the truck driver, you may also have a viable claim against other parties, including:

The trucking company
Parts manufacturers
The loading company
And others

It is also possible that an insurance company will dispute liability, arguing that their policyholder was not responsible for the accident and, therefore, should not be held accountable for damages. This can lead to complicated, ongoing disputes.

However, it’s vital to stay focused throughout this process and not fall victim to insurance companies’ many tactics.

What Insurance Tactics Should I Expect After a Big Rig Accident?

The most important thing to understand about the other party’s insurance company is that they are not on your side. They are going to do whatever they can to limit how much compensation you are paid—or avoid paying any compensation whatsoever, if possible.

To do so, they will employ a variety of tactics, including:

Asking for a recorded statement: This request may seem innocent enough, and the adjuster will likely frame it as necessary for getting the facts straight. But make no mistake, any contradiction or inaccuracy—no matter how minor and no matter if it was an innocent mistake—will be used against you.
Requesting medical records: An adjuster may also ask for you to provide your medical records. Again, this might seem like an innocent request, but the purpose ultimately is to find anything they can use to deny or limit your claim. You are never required to provide this type of documentation, and you never should, especially without discussing the matter first with an experienced big rig injury lawyer.
Offering a lowball settlement: If the insurance company knows you deserve compensation and are likely to win a lawsuit if you pursued one, they will often go into damage control mode. This typically leads to a quick, lowball settlement offer that does not sufficiently cover the damages you have sustained.

Unfortunately, dealing with these tactics can be difficult for accident victims who are not accustomed to how insurance companies work. In an effort to be helpful and accommodating, you can accidentally say or do something that puts your claim at risk.

A driven Houston truck accident attorney is an asset when dealing with insurance companies. A law firm with a reputation for fighting for maximum compensation for their clients will have a significant and positive impact on how insurance adjusters approach your claim.

What Not To Say During an Insurance Claim

While we recommend relying on your Houston big rig injury lawyer to handle communications with insurance companies, there are a few general tips to keep in mind:

Never apologize or admit fault
Never speculate if you don’t know the answer to a question
Never downplay your injuries

Again, even with the best intentions, small mistakes can be used against you and ultimately hinder your ability to obtain the compensation you need and deserve for your damages.

Should I Hire a Big Rig Injury Lawyer?

If you have been injured in an accident with a big rig, there’s a good chance you would benefit from hiring a Houston truck accident lawyer.

Beyond managing the discussions and negotiations with insurance companies, a practiced lawyer will also be able to handle the legal heavy lifting in a way that positions you best for success.

Investigating a truck accident, determining fault, calculating damages, and—if necessary—representing you in court all benefit from knowledge and experience. And not just any experience, but proven, focused experience, getting results for those who have been in a situation similar to your own.

Contact Patrick Daniel Law Today

At Patrick Daniel Law, we understand how difficult it is to manage the aftermath of a big rig accident. We pride ourselves on fighting for our clients’ rights and standing up for what is just.

But this doesn’t come easy. It requires the dedicated approach of a Strategic. Meticulous. Merciless. big rig injury lawyer. When dealing with insurance companies and their deep pockets, we protect our clients’ rights and interests.

To get started with a FREE case evaluation, contact Patrick Daniel Law today.

How Do I Deal with Insurance Companies After a Big Rig Accident?