When a motor vehicle collision occurs, people generally expect to file insurance claims. Liability insurance is a standard requirement for all drivers. Quite a few people even handle smaller car insurance claims on their own behalf with moderate success.
That being said, more serious collisions and larger claims often require outside support. If a crash occurs between a semi-truck and a passenger vehicle, the damages and injuries caused can prove catastrophic. Provided that the larger vehicle was at fault for the crash, the occupants of the smaller vehicle or their surviving family members may have grounds to pursue an insurance claim. Some people learn the hard way that handling semi-truck insurance claims on their own can lead to unfavorable outcomes.
Negotiations are often rather intense
The professionals working for insurance companies have to balance the legal obligation to act in good faith with a desire to limit company losses. In a liability claims scenario, their goal is often to get the claimant to settle quickly and for the lowest amount possible. The greater the overall losses and the bigger the policy, the more pressure the insurance company may apply to achieve a settlement.
The insurance requirements for semi-trucks are many times higher than the obligations imposed on individual drivers. Semi-trucks typically have $750,000 of liability coverage at a minimum. Many companies invest in better policies, especially if they haul dangerous materials or products.
With a six-figure or larger policy in play, insurance professionals tend to be very aggressive. They may try to coerce people into making recorded statements. They then manipulate and trick those people into admitting partial fault or making other mistakes that limit their ability to recoup their losses.
Other times, insurance professionals simply offer a settlement. The first settlement offer could be far lower than the total losses caused by the crash. People already coping with major injuries or grief likely aren’t in a position to learn about the nuances of insurance law and negotiation tactics.
Bringing in professional help when handling an insurance claim after a commercial trucking collision can help people focus on what matters. A lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies while the family focuses on healing. Without proper help, claimants are at risk of losing their right to compensation or settling for far less than they deserve.