Strategies Insurance Companies Use to Deny or Reduce Truck Accident Claims

If you have been hurt by a negligent truck driver or truck driving company, you may be able to file a claim with the liable party’s insurance company for damages. People often think that after an accident, insurance will be available to help them recover the cost of their medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. Although this should be the case, often it is not.

Insurance companies are big businesses. Their priority is to protect their profits, which means denying, delaying, or reducing your claim as much as possible. Below, our San Antonio truck accident attorney outlines the strategies insurers use and how to fight back against them.

Telling You They Accept Responsibility

An insurance adjuster may contact you days, or even hours, after a crash. They will act very friendly and tell you they are there to help. They may tell you that they accept responsibility for the crash and are willing to pay a fair settlement. They do this to gain your trust so you will believe that their first offer is fair. In most cases it is not. It is always best to speak to a truck accident attorney before speaking to the insurance company. A lawyer can negotiate with the insurer on your behalf to ensure your rights are upheld.

Saying You Do Not Need a Lawyer

The Insurance company will also tell you that you do not need an attorney. They will act as though they are providing helpful advice and say that an attorney will take a percentage of your settlement. While this may be true, accident victims who work with an attorney typically receive three times more compensation than those who do not. Attorneys also take a minimal percentage if they are successful with your case. Insurers do not want you to have legal representation because they know they will have to pay a lot more money to you if you hire a lawyer.

Asking to Record Your Statement

The insurance company will also ask you for a recorded statement. They will ask leading questions hoping you will admit full or partial flat. Even if you do not, they will take your words out of context and use them against you. They often ask for recorded statements before you speak to an attorney.

Asking for a Medical Release

The insurance company may also ask you to sign a medical release. They do this so they can comb through your medical records looking for a condition or injury they can argue is a pre-existing condition. They will use this to claim that your injuries were a result of the pre-existing condition and not the accident so they can reduce or deny you compensation.

Our Truck Accident Attorney in San Antonio Can Negotiate on Your Behalf

At the Law Office of Israel Garcia, our San Antonio truck accident attorney can speak to the insurer on your behalf and negotiate a fair settlement so they do not wrongfully deny or reduce your claim. Call us now at 210-LAW-9999 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation and to get the legal help you need.

Source:

statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/IN/htm/IN.541.htm