A collision between a passenger car and a semi-truck or other commercial vehicle can inflict severe injuries and property damage. Multiple parties could be responsible for the injuries and losses sustained by victims, making the truck accident claims process more complicated than a standard car accident claim.
Attorney Alex Silkman and his team at Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer know you’re hurting and looking for answers after an accident involving a large truck. We have helped many people injured in Arizona truck accidents and can help you recover maximum compensation for your injuries. If you have questions about filing a truck accident insurance claim in Arizona, we can explain how truck accident claims work and help you seek the recovery you deserve.
Is the Insurance Claim Process Different for Large Truck Accidents?
Several factors make the truck accident claim process more complicated than the claims process after a typical car crash. Those factors include:
- Multiple Parties Involved: Unlike car accidents, truck accidents often involve numerous parties. These parties may include the truck driver, the trucking company, the truck’s owner, and the manufacturer of the truck or its parts. Each party may have separate insurance, making the claim process more complex.
- Higher Insurance Limits: Truck drivers and trucking companies usually carry more extensive insurance policies than auto owners because the potential damage and injuries from a truck collision are usually more severe. While this means there’s more money available for compensation, it also means that the insurance companies will scrutinize the claim more closely to avoid large payouts.
- Federal and State Regulations: Trucking companies and drivers must follow strict federal and state regulations. These rules cover everything from how long a driver can be on the road without stopping to truck maintenance requirements. Violations of these regulations often play a crucial role in determining fault in an insurance claim, adding another layer of complexity.
- Extensive Investigation Required: Due to the devastating results of truck accidents, a comprehensive investigation is necessary. Truck accident investigations may include reviewing the truck’s black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records. They may also include hiring accident reconstruction experts to determine what happened.
- Severe Injuries and Damages: Truck accidents often result in more serious injuries and greater property damage than car accidents. This can lead to higher medical costs and longer recovery times, which must be accounted for in the insurance claim.
- Negotiation Challenges: Because of the high stakes, insurance companies for trucking firms tend to be more aggressive in fighting claims. They have experienced legal teams dedicated to minimizing their payouts, which can make settlement negotiations challenging and more drawn out.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
Your actions in the hours, days, and weeks after an Arizona truck accident can greatly impact the outcome of an insurance claim. These steps can help protect your rights and maximize your potential compensation:
Reporting the Accident
If you haven’t already done so, report the accident to the police so they can investigate the crash. You’ll likely need the police accident report to support your claim, as many insurance companies require them. A police report can also support your claim by providing evidence of negligence by the truck driver or another party.
Report the accident to your insurance company. However, do not agree to give a recorded statement to any insurance company without talking to a lawyer first. Additionally, stick to the essential facts of the case and avoid giving your opinion on what happened. Don’t say “I’m sorry” or anything else that might suggest you played a role in the collision. Finally, don’t post about what happened on social media. Insurance companies can find your posts and use them to undermine your claim.
Filing the Insurance Claim
While you’re recovering from your injuries, keep track of all your medical treatments and any expenses related to the crash, such as your medical bills, lost income, and any repair costs you incur. These records help illustrate the severity of your losses and are vital for maximizing your compensation.
It’s also critical to save your medical records so you can establish a conclusive link between the crash and your injuries. Do not discuss the crash with anyone other than your lawyer. You can turn all your documentation over to your lawyer so they can assess the value of your claim in preparation for filing a claim.
Your lawyer will file the insurance claim for you, as they can protect your rights and avoid any potential mistakes that might jeopardize your compensation.
Dealing with Denials and Delays
Unfortunately, delays and denials are common in truck accident insurance claims. Delays often happen because the insurance company will want to review every aspect of your claim thoroughly. They’re looking for inconsistencies in your story or the evidence you submit that might justify a claim denial or a reduction in your compensation. Remember, the insurance company wants to save money by any means necessary.
Delays also serve another purpose in a truck accident claim: They make you frustrated and, potentially, more open to a lowball settlement. The insurance companies know you have immediate needs and are not afraid to use that stress and frustration against you. It’s imperative to remain patient, trust your legal team, and let the claims process play out.
If the insurance company denies your claim outright, you can file a personal injury lawsuit to protect your rights. The threat of a large jury verdict often brings insurance companies back to the bargaining table, which can help you obtain a better settlement. If the insurer still doesn’t make a reasonable offer after you file a lawsuit, you can take the case to trial and let a judge or jury decide the issue.
Do I Need an Attorney?
Given the catastrophic injuries and property damage most truck accidents cause, you need an experienced truck accident lawyer for your case. An Arizona truck accident attorney can help you file a lawsuit within the two years allowed by Arizona’s statute of limitations while you rest and heal.
A lawyer can gather compelling evidence to support your claim, talk to expert witnesses, document all your accident-related expenses, and handle settlement negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf. If your case goes to trial, a lawyer can handle all these complex trial procedures for you and safeguard your rights.
Contact Our Phoenix Truck Accident Attorney for Help
An experienced truck accident attorney who understands how accident claims and lawsuits work is your best ally in your fight for fair compensation after being injured in a truck crash. Contact Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer today for a free case review.