When you think of a legal case following a semi-truck accident, you may immediately think of a lawsuit filed in court. However, in some situations, truck accident victims may be able to seek the compensation they need by filing a claim with the proper insurance company. Because of the risks of large commercial vehicles, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has increased insurance requirements for owners of commercial trucks. These higher insurance limits often mean that a policy may cover a victim’s losses, when an ordinary auto policy may not.
That being said, the process of obtaining an adequate insurance payout is often complicated and many issues can arise. It is important to have the help of a skilled truck crash attorney throughout the insurance process to ensure your rights are protected. The following are only some issues that may complicate trucking insurance claims:
- Multiple policies – Many parties may be held responsible for truck accidents, each of whom may have their own insurance policies. You may have to communicate with companies representing the truck driver, the trucking company, or any other negligent party that contributed to your crash.
- Insurance investigators – Corporate insurance companies will often send investigators to crash sites immediately to gather as much information as possible. On the other hand, truck accident victims often do not have such resources at a moment’s notice and by the time they do, some evidence may be difficult or impossible to gather. This can give insurers an upper hand if a victim is not represented by an attorney who knows how to seek information.
- Insufficient offers – When you receive a settlement offer from a trucking insurance company, chances are it will be less than you deserve. If you unknowingly accept this offer, you will waive your right to seek additional recovery in the future, so an attorney should always review any offers you receive before you respond to an insurer.
Seek Assistance from an Experienced Houston Semi Truck Accident Attorney
The legal team at the office of Stewart J. Guss, Attorney At Law regularly deals with insurance companies for trucking companies and truck drivers. We can represent you through all communications and determine whether an insurance settlement will be adequate or whether a legal claim is needed. Call an 18-wheeler accident lawyer at 800-898-4877 for help today.
1https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/Financial-Responsibility-Study.pdf
