Truck accident cases are much more complicated than other personal injury cases in Texas, as they are more serious. Nevertheless, like other accident cases, dealing with insurance companies is a constant problem with truck accident cases.
The level of complexity of an individual case can depend on the specifics of the case among other things. Thus, this article explains what you should expect when dealing with insurance companies after a truck accident in Texas.
There May Be One Than One Insurance Carrier
Truck accidents typically involve more than one defendant; you may need to deal with several individuals. Apart from talking to the driver’s insurance provider, you may also need to speak to their employer’s insurer. Also, the driver might not be the owner of the truck, making the truck owner another potentially liable party.
Apart from these three, other potential third parties may be involved in the accident. Meanwhile, although the truck driver and employer may have one insurance policy covering them, others will have theirs. As a result, dealing with those separately may become overwhelming pretty quickly.
Expect Insurers’ Calls Immediately After the Accident
Do not be surprised if you get a call from insurance adjusters immediately after the truck accident. That is because insurance adjusters will often call immediately after a wreck, but often out of their selfish interests. First, they will try to convince you not to involve an attorney and just talk to them directly.
That is a bad idea because these adjusters work for an insurance company whose goal is to protect their employer’s bottom line. In other words, they plan to give you less money than you are entitled to or, if possible, deny liability altogether. Thus, working with experienced legal counsel is crucial because then, you will have someone looking out for your interests.
There Will Be Negotiations
Your attorney will meet with the insurance companies as soon as you retain them to let them know you have representation. Then, insurers will no longer call you directly; they will deal with your attorney instead. Before meeting with them, your attorney will calculate the accurate amount you deserve as compensation, considering all crucial factors.
To calculate the right amount, they will have to evaluate your long-term prognosis for recovery, medical bills, and other damages. Furthermore, they will likely work with an expert to calculate the full amount of compensation the insurer must pay you.
Once that is decided, back-and-forth settlement negotiations begin between your attorney and the insurers. The back and forth continues until they reach an agreement, and if they do not, the case proceeds to litigation.
You May or May Not Go to Court
Even with truck accidents, you may not have to go to court to have your case settled. Provided there is no dispute over who is at fault for the accident or the amount of your damages. You will likely settle your truck accident case without going to court, provided the defendant’s insurance companies approve all settlements.
Conclusion
If you were a victim in a truck accident in Texas, you should reach out to an attorney in your locality. “Avoid discussing with insurance adjusters directly, as they can blindside you into agreeing to less compensation than you deserve,” says attorney Felix Gonzalez of Felix Gonzalez Accident and Injury Law Firm.
