Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Truck Accident in Phoenix

Truck accidents are life-changing events. The size and weight of commercial trucks often lead to severe injuries, major property damage, and emotional distress. Worse, after the crash, one of the biggest challenges you’ll face is dealing with insurance companies. Although insurance is supposed to provide financial relief after an accident, many insurers focus more on protecting their bottom line than paying you what you truly deserve. At Plattner Verderame Arizona Injury Lawyers, we understand how difficult it can be to communicate with the insurance companies after a Phoenix truck accident, and we’re here to help.

What should I expect from the insurance company?

After a Phoenix truck accident, you’ll likely hear from insurance adjusters. Their job is to save the insurance company money – not to help you get the maximum compensation you deserve. Here’s what you might expect.

Insurance companies often offer a low initial settlement. They’re hoping you’ll accept it before realizing the full extent of your injuries and damages. If you accept this offer, remember you can’t request additional compensation later, even if you discover new medical issues.

Adjusters may ask for a recorded statement about the accident. They might frame questions in a way that twists your words and makes it seem like you were partially at fault. Remember – you are not required to provide a recorded statement without consulting with your Phoenix truck accident lawyer.

Some insurers intentionally delay claims, hoping you’ll be desperate and accept a lowball settlement. They may ask for excessive documentation or take weeks to respond to simple requests.

The insurance company may also argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim or that certain medical treatments were unnecessary. They might even pressure you into seeing a doctor of their choosing.

The state of Arizona follows a comparative negligence rule, which means your compensation can be reduced if you’re found partially at fault for the accident. Insurers will look for any reason to assign blame to lower the amount they owe you.

What steps should I take when dealing with the insurance company?

Our Phoenix truck accident lawyers know it can be frustrating to deal with insurers after a truck accident. If you know the right steps to take, however, you can help streamline the process and secure the compensation to which you’re entitled.

First, notify your insurance company. Even if the truck driver was at fault, you should notify your insurance company about the accident. Stick only to the basic facts, like the date, time, and location of the crash. Never admit fault or speculate about what happened.

The trucking company’s insurance provider will likely reach out to you quickly. They may act concerned and friendly, but their goal is to settle for as little as possible. Direct all communication with the insurance company to your attorney.

Gather and save evidence. The stronger your evidence, the harder it makes it for the insurance company to dispute your claim. Examples of important evidence include:

• The police report, an official document that can help establish fault.
• Medical records, which serve as proof of your injuries and treatments, can support your claim.
• Images and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries can also be powerful evidence.
• Witness statements, as third-party accounts, can help confirm what happened during the accident.

It’s also important to follow your doctor’s instructions. If you skip doctor appointments or don’t follow medical advice, the insurance company may argue that your injuries aren’t very serious. Keep all medical records and receipts to help prove your damages.

Remember, insurance companies expect some negotiation. Their first offer is almost always lower than what you deserve. Our Phoenix truck accident lawyers can calculate the true value of your claim and work to negotiate a fair settlement.

How can your Phoenix truck accident attorneys help me deal with the insurance company?

Truck accident cases can be complicated, and insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize their payouts. Working with an experienced Phoenix truck accident attorney can level the playing field and make a huge difference in your case.

Once you hire an attorney, the insurance companies must go through your lawyer instead of contacting you directly. This helps prevent adjusters from pressuring you into saying something that might hurt your case.

Our lawyers can conduct a thorough investigation to gather important evidence, such as:

• Truck driver’s logs, to check for violations of federal hours-of-service laws.
• Maintenance records, to determine if the truck was properly maintained.
• Black box data, an electronic logging device that records speed, braking, and other important driving details.

Our legal team also works to challenge insurance company tactics and prove the full extent of your injuries and losses, including:

• Current and future medical bills
• Lost wages, including loss of earning capacity
• Property damage, which includes vehicle repair or replacement
• Pain and suffering, which is your emotional and physical distress related to the accident

Our attorneys also know how to push back against lowball offers and fight for the compensation you truly deserve.

If the insurance company fails to offer a fair settlement, our lawyer can file a lawsuit and take the case to trial. The threat of litigation can force insurers to negotiate more fairly.

At Plattner Verderame Arizona Injury Lawyers, we understand the tricks insurance companies use — and we know how to fight back. Our experienced attorneys will handle the negotiations, gather strong evidence, and ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, don’t face the insurance companies alone. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us fight for you. Please call us or contact us now to schedule your consultation. We have offices in Phoenix and Tempe.