Usually, insurance is the first option available for those negatively affected by a car crash. The policy of the driver at fault for the collision can pay the costs generated by their regulatory violations or negligence.
In crashes between two passenger vehicles, the coverage available could end up being far too low given the overall expenses generated. When crashes involve a passenger vehicle struck by a semi-truck, there may be better coverage available. However, the claims process is likely to be far more challenging.
Insurance companies have more to lose with more coverage
Insurance companies are notoriously aggressive negotiators. They often try to trick and manipulate people into making mistakes that limit how much compensation they receive. Such tactics are common even in standard car insurance claims.
When there is a commercial policy involved, there is that much more incentive for the insurance company to try to avoid financial responsibility. Even the most generous insurance policy carried by an individual probably offers only a fraction of the coverage available through a commercial policy.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) maintains much higher insurance standards than any state setting insurance requirements for individual drivers. Any truck that weighs 10,001 pounds or more typically needs to have at least $750,000 of liability coverage.
The insurance company has a lot to lose when someone in a passenger vehicle makes a claim related to a crash with a semi-truck. They may therefore employ a variety of different negotiation tactics intended to reduce what the company eventually pays.
Insurance adjusters try to manipulate people into accepting low settlement offers or convince them to make recorded statements. The goal is to minimize what the insurance company eventually pays to the people injured by the semi-truck collision.
Most people already dealing with a disabled vehicle and serious injuries may find it nearly impossible to navigate insurance company tactics. Thankfully, people do have the option of retaining the assistance of a lawyer.
An attorney can handle claims negotiations, allowing injured people to focus on other responsibilities. A lawyer can also help educate someone about their rights and the coverage available. If an insurance company does not offer a reasonable settlement, then an attorney could help the person affected by a semi-truck crash by initiating a personal injury lawsuit.
Having the right assistance can make a major difference for those dealing with the aftermath of a semi-truck collision. Those who understand that the insurance claims process is likely to be difficult may get help sooner than those who think that they can handle the process on their own.