If you have found yourself involved in a truck accident, you are likely feeling stressed, confused, and unsure of how to handle the aftermath. At Pacific West Injury Law, we know that being involved in a commercial truck accident means navigating a complicated insurance claims process. It’s easy to get lost in the paperwork and legal details with so many companies and policies involved. However, it’s important that you take the necessary steps to protect yourself and ensure you are properly compensated for medical expenses, vehicle damages, missed work and other costs resulting from the accident.
When it comes to commercial truck accidents and insurance companies, Pacific West Injury Law is on your side.
Why?
Because the risks associated with a truck are higher and the insurance has to measure up.
What’s The Difference Between A Commercial Truck Accident and a Car Accident?
A commercial truck on the road can cause a much bigger impact than a regular car. The potential costs for property damage and medical bills are higher. And that’s not all. We’re also talking about the cargo that’s being transported. If something happens to that cargo, coverage is needed.
Knowing how to protect your rights and fight for what you deserve is essential if you are involved in a truck accident. After all, medical expenses, renting a vehicle, and repairing your bills can quickly add up. That’s where the compensation you should get from the truck insurance company comes in.
However, insurance companies have their tricks and, sometimes, they may try to dodge the compensation you require. Insurance companies may employ tactics to make your claim get lost. But don’t worry; discover some of the most common plays insurance companies use to deny claims after truck accidents right in this blog. Be aware of them so you won’t get caught off guard.
Disputing Liability In Commercial Truck Accidents
One of the most common moves by insurance companies is disputing liability. They’ll tell you that it’s unclear who was at fault. Maybe the truck driver wasn’t responsible. They might even point to a third party. It is not just an attempt to muddy the waters but also a strategy to prolong the process and make you spend more money on legal disputes.
Here is where the expertise of a truck accident attorney comes into play. With their assistance, you can collect strong evidence. This evidence includes materials like
- Impactful photos or videos
- Witness statements
- Police reports
Using strong evidence will unequivocally prove that the truck driver is responsible.
Insurers And Pre-existing Injuries
It’s not uncommon for insurers to try to discredit claims for truck accidents by arguing that the injuries already existed before the accident. They closely examine your medical records for other injuries or conditions. These could be the cause of your current problems. They try to paint a picture where your injuries were already there beforehand and not a result of the accident.
But all is not lost; you have tools to defend yourself.
Your medical testimonies and a thorough examination can be strong evidence. They can prove that the truck accident caused your current injuries. The injuries are not pre-existing conditions.
When Insurance Companies Deny Property Damage in the Accident
A common ploy of insurance companies is to claim that there was no property damage in the accident. They can do this in an attempt to evade compensation for material damages. They often send investigators to carefully inspect your property for evidence. The investigators are looking for proof that there was no damage.
If the accident affected your property, provide evidence.
If you have solid evidence of the damages suffered, you can counter the claims of the insurance company. Detailed photographs or videos of the damage are valuable tools since visual evidence like photos can dismantle this insurer tactic. The insurance company must acknowledge and cover the damages. This dismisses their unfounded argument. Don’t let insurance companies try to deny the obvious and fight against your compensation.
Denying or Delaying Medical Treatment
Another common strategy of insurance companies is to delay or deny necessary medical treatment after a truck accident. How do they do this? They may argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. These companies will try to downplay your claim and the compensation you could receive. Additionally, insurance companies may do the following:
- Slow down the authorization for your medical treatment
- Request additional records
- Insist that you consult with their doctors
What Records Should I Keep During This Process?
Keep a comprehensive record of all treatments received and any communication with insurance adjusters. Here’s just a quick list of what documents you can keep:
- Medical appointments
- Doctor’s notes from appointments
- Conversations with insurance companies (emails, letters etc…)
Keeping a detailed record will strengthen your position by demonstrating the need and seriousness of your treatment.
Insurance Companies And Very Low Settlement Offers
A frequent tactic of insurance companies is to present below-fair compensation offers to dissuade victims from filing claims or avoid paying the total cost of damages. Often, they hope you accept the bid without seeking legal advice. If you accept their bid without legal guidance, you could significantly lower compensation than you truly deserve.
In these cases, consulting with a truck accident attorney is crucial. An experienced professional can assess your situation, determine the true extent of your losses and injuries, and advise whether it is advisable to accept the proposed offer or whether it is more appropriate to file a lawsuit to obtain fair compensation.
Remember that proper legal advice may mean the difference between an unsatisfactory settlement and obtaining the compensation you need.
Why Should I Hire an Attorney for a Truck Accident?
The aftermath of a commercial truck accident is painful and complex.
The main reason to hire an attorney after being involved in a truck accident lies in the complexity of the process and the need to protect your rights against the tactics of insurance companies and large trucking companies.
Insurance carriers and trucking companies are motivated to pay the least amount possible in claims. They aim to submit settlement amounts that minimize their liability without full consideration of your rights.
Facing these large entities on your own can be a costly mistake. They are backed by legal teams working to ensure they pay the least amount possible. Hiring a personal injury lawyer is crucial in this scenario. An experienced lawyer will be by your side to fight for your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for the injuries and damages suffered in the accident.
What Damages Can I Claim When a Truck Accident Occurs?
When you are involved in a truck accident in Las Vegas and suffer injuries, you have the right to seek compensation to rebuild your life and cover expenses generated by the incident. Some damages you can claim include:
- Medical expenses: From medical consultations to surgical procedures, everything related to your medical treatment can be covered.
- Long-term rehabilitation: If you need therapies or long-term care to recover, these costs can be part of the compensation.
- Specialized facility care: If you require assisted living or care in nursing homes due to your injuries, these expenses can be included.
- Loss of income: Both lost income during the time you cannot work and the loss of future income due to the aftermath of the accident.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional pain you have experienced.
- Emotional trauma: If the accident has left psychological scars, you can seek compensation for emotional trauma.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Visible physical damage can also be considered for compensation.
- Loss of the ability to enjoy life to the fullest: If the injuries affect your quality of life, this loss can also be taken into account.
Contact Us For A Free Case Evaluation
Claiming these damages allows you not only to cover immediate medical expenses but also to ensure you receive the necessary care to rebuild your life and face future challenges arising from the accident.
Consulting with a lawyer specializing in truck accidents can give you guidance on how to handle these obstacles and ensure you receive the proper and fair medical attention you deserve.
Our experienced personal injury lawyers at Pacific West are ready to explore your legal options with you. For a free case evaluation, contact us online or by calling (702) 602-4878.