After a truck crash, you’ll likely get calls from insurance adjusters within days. The key is knowing they work for the insurance company, not you. Their job is to pay as little as possible. Here’s how to protect yourself and get fair compensation.
This guide covers everything you need to know about dealing with insurance adjusters after a truck accident. You’ll learn what to say, what to avoid, and how to protect your rights every step of the way.
Understanding Insurance Adjusters After Truck Crashes
Who Are Insurance Adjusters?
Insurance adjusters are trained professionals who work for insurance companies. They investigate claims and decide how much money the company should pay. But here’s what they won’t tell you: their main goal is to protect the insurance company’s money, not help you.
Each year in the United States, an estimated 388,000 truck accidents are recorded, making up about 6.5% of all reported vehicular collisions. With numbers this high, adjusters handle many truck crash claims. They know exactly what to look for to reduce payouts.
Why Truck Crashes Are Different
Truck accidents are much more complex than regular car crashes. Unlike car accidents, truck crashes often involve:
- Multiple parties who might be at fault
- Federal trucking regulations
- Bigger insurance policies
- More serious injuries
- Higher settlement amounts
The average cost of a commercial truck accident with an injury is $148,279, while the average fatal trucking accident costs a staggering $7.2 million. With such high stakes, insurance companies fight hard to pay less.
What to Expect When Adjusters Call
When They’ll Contact You
Insurance adjusters usually call within the first few days after your truck crash. They won’t wait long because they want to settle your case quickly and cheaply before you understand how much your claim is really worth.
You might get calls from two different adjusters:
- Your own insurance company’s adjuster
- The truck driver’s insurance company’s adjuster
Their Real Goals
While adjusters may sound friendly and helpful, remember their true goals:
- Get you to accept a low settlement offer
- Find ways to blame you for the accident
- Get you to say something that hurts your case
- Close your claim as cheaply as possible
The adjuster will tell you almost anything other than the fact that their main goal is to protect the interests of the insurance company that sits across the table from you in settlement negotiations.
What You Should Say to Insurance Adjusters
Keep It Simple and Factual
When you must talk to an adjuster, stick to basic facts only:
Safe things to share:
- Your full name and contact information
- The date, time, and location of the accident
- What type of work you do and where you work
- That you’re still getting medical treatment
Example of what to say: “I was driving on Highway 25 on Tuesday at 2 PM when the truck hit my car. I’m still seeing my doctor for my injuries.”
Ask Questions Too
Don’t just answer questions. Ask your own:
- “What’s your name and contact information?”
- “When will I get a decision on my claim?”
- “How did you decide this was my fault?”
- “What evidence are you using?”
The insurance adjuster is trying to get information from you—but it works the other way, too. Getting their answers in writing helps protect you later.
Document Everything
After every call with an adjuster:
- Write down what was said
- Note the date and time
- Save their contact information
- Ask for written copies of important decisions
What You Should Never Say to Adjusters
Avoid Admitting Any Fault
Never say things like:
- “I’m sorry”
- “I should have seen the truck coming”
- “Maybe I was going too fast”
- “I wasn’t paying attention”
The problem is that insurance claims adjusters will take casual statements like this as “proof” of you admitting at least partially fault. Even being polite can hurt your case.
Don’t Discuss Your Injuries in Detail
Don’t give detailed descriptions of your injuries yet. You might:
- Leave something important out
- Discover new injuries later
- Find out your injuries are worse than you thought
Just say “I’m still treating with my doctor” and leave it at that.
Never Give a Recorded Statement
Adjusters often ask for recorded statements. A recorded statement is not required to file a claim and giving one can almost never help your case. They want recordings to look for mistakes in what you say.
Politely say: “I won’t give a recorded statement right now. Please send me your questions in writing.”
Special Considerations for Truck Crashes
Multiple Insurance Companies
Truck crashes often involve several insurance companies:
- The truck driver’s personal insurance
- The trucking company’s commercial insurance
- Your own insurance company
- The truck manufacturer (if equipment failed)
Each company will try to blame the others to avoid paying your claim.
Federal Regulations Matter
Trucks must follow Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. These rules cover:
- How long drivers can work
- Required rest breaks
- Vehicle maintenance standards
- Driver licensing requirements
Trucks are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR), making them unique compared to most car wrecks. Violations of these rules can help your case, but adjusters won’t point them out.
Evidence Gets Lost Quickly
Important evidence in truck crashes can disappear fast:
- Electronic logging device data
- GPS tracking information
- Driver logs and records
- Truck maintenance records
Insurance companies know this evidence helps your case. That’s why adjusters push for quick settlements.
Red Flags: When Adjusters Cross the Line
Pressure Tactics to Avoid
Watch out for these adjuster tricks:
Quick Settlement Offers Adjusters often make low offers within days of your crash. Quick settlements like that save the insurance company work. More importantly, they get you to settle for a small amount before you fully understand what your injuries are and how much your personal injury claim is worth.
Asking for Medical Records Insurance adjusters often ask for permission to access your medical history to evaluate your claim. While you will need to share relevant medical history and records with the insurer, you do not have to (and should not) give them full access to your entire medical history.
Claiming You Must Talk Adjusters may say you have to give them information. This isn’t true for the other driver’s insurance company. You can always say: “I’ll have my lawyer contact you.”
Delay Tactics
Some adjusters use delays to frustrate you:
- Taking weeks to return calls
- Asking for the same documents multiple times
- Claiming they’re “too busy” to handle your case
Sometimes, the break-in communication with your adjuster can be more strategic than just a workload issue. They hope you’ll get tired and accept less money.
How to Protect Yourself
Get Everything in Writing
Never rely on phone promises. Ask for written confirmation of:
- Settlement offers
- Claim denials
- Requests for information
- Timeline promises
Keep Detailed Records
Organize all your truck crash documents:
- Police reports
- Medical bills and records
- Photos of the accident scene
- Witness contact information
- Insurance correspondence
One way to outsmart the insurance company is to keep all of your records in one place. Good organization shows you’re serious about your claim.
Know Your Rights
You have important rights when dealing with adjusters:
- You don’t have to talk to the other driver’s insurance
- You can have a lawyer handle all communication
- You can reject settlement offers that seem too low
- You have time to understand your full injuries
Why You Need Professional Help
Truck Crashes Are Complex
Unlike standard motor vehicle collisions involving two or more passenger cars, truck crashes are more likely to involve catastrophic injuries and more complicated claims. The average person isn’t equipped to handle these complex cases alone.
Attorneys Know Adjuster Tricks
Experienced truck accident lawyers deal with insurance adjusters every day. They know:
- Common adjuster tactics
- How to value your claim properly
- Which evidence to preserve
- How to negotiate fair settlements
Nothing says “I mean business” like having a lawyer by your side. Personal injury attorneys know the law, understand insurance adjusters’ tactics, and can forcefully fight for your rights.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Over half (51%) of claimants who hired an attorney received a higher settlement amount. This shows how much difference professional legal help can make.
When to Contact a Lawyer
Call Immediately If:
- The truck crash caused serious injuries
- Someone died in the accident
- The insurance company denies your claim
- You’re being pressured to settle quickly
- Multiple vehicles were involved
- The adjuster asks for recorded statements
The sooner you get legal help, the better your chances of preserving important evidence and protecting your rights.
What Lawyers Do for You
A Denver truck accident lawyer from CO Trial Lawyers can:
- Handle all communication with adjusters
- Investigate the truck crash thoroughly
- Preserve crucial evidence before it’s lost
- Calculate the true value of your claim
- Negotiate with multiple insurance companies
- File a lawsuit if needed
Settlement vs. Litigation
Understanding Your Options
Not all truck crash cases go to court. Many settle through negotiations with insurance companies. However, you need to know when a settlement offer is fair and when you should fight for more.
Factors That Affect Your Claim Value
Several things determine how much your truck crash claim is worth:
Economic Damages:
- Medical bills (current and future)
- Lost wages and income
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Rehabilitation costs
Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability
Don’t Settle Too Early
Just like a diamond, insurance settlements are forever. Once you sign onto a settlement, even if you have additional losses later, you can’t go back and get more compensation.
Make sure you understand the full extent of your injuries before agreeing to any settlement.
State-Specific Considerations
Colorado Truck Accident Laws
If your truck crash happened in Colorado, specific laws apply:
- You have three years to file a lawsuit (statute of limitations)
- Colorado follows modified comparative fault rules
- The state requires minimum insurance coverage amounts
- Special regulations apply to commercial vehicles
Understanding these laws helps you make better decisions about your case.
Working with Local Experts
Colorado personal injury law firm professionals understand state-specific rules that out-of-state lawyers might miss. This local knowledge can make a significant difference in your case outcome.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t Make These Errors
Mistake 1: Waiting Too Long Evidence disappears quickly after truck crashes. Don’t wait weeks to get help.
Mistake 2: Trusting the Adjuster Remember, they work for the insurance company, not you. Be polite but cautious.
Mistake 3: Settling Medical Bills Yourself Let your lawyer handle medical liens and bills. Paying them yourself can reduce your settlement.
Mistake 4: Posting on Social Media Insurance companies check your social media for evidence you’re not really hurt. Avoid posting photos or updates about activities.
Mistake 5: Missing Medical Appointments Not seeking medical care, gaps in between treatments, or not following up with recommended care when you claim you are still injured can be very damaging to your case.
Your Next Steps
Immediate Actions
If you’re currently dealing with insurance adjusters after a truck crash:
- Stop talking to adjusters until you get legal advice
- Gather your documents – police reports, medical records, photos
- Write down everything you remember about conversations with adjusters
- Continue your medical treatment as recommended by doctors
- Contact a truck accident lawyer for a free consultation
Getting Professional Help
At CO Trial Lawyers, we’ve helped many truck crash victims deal with aggressive insurance adjusters. We know their tricks and how to counter them. Our experienced team can:
- Review your case for free
- Handle all adjuster communication
- Investigate your truck crash thoroughly
- Fight for maximum compensation
Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you during this difficult time. Contact our Denver personal injury law firm today for help with your truck crash claim.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with insurance adjusters after a truck crash is challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. Remember that adjusters work for insurance companies, not you. Their goal is to pay as little as possible, as quickly as possible.
The most important thing you can do is get professional legal help early. Truck crashes involve complex laws, multiple parties, and high stakes. An experienced attorney levels the playing field and helps ensure you get the fair compensation you deserve.
Don’t let insurance companies pressure you into quick settlements or trick you into saying things that hurt your case. Take control of your situation by understanding your rights and getting the help you need.
If you’ve been in a truck crash, contact CO Trial Lawyers today at 303-390-0799 for a free consultation. We’re here to fight for your rights and help you get back on your feet.