What to Do If the Trucking Company Calls You After an Accident
The aftermath of a truck accident can be challenging for many reasons. You’re likely dealing with severe injuries that have seriously upended your life, and while you have the right to seek compensation if the truck driver was at fault, that’s easier said than done. Trucking accident claims are particularly complex due to the involvement of the trucking company, which has invested considerable resources in avoiding liability for the accidents their drivers cause. As such, you may receive a phone call from the company or their representative after the crash, and what you say to them could affect the outcome of your claim.
Why Would a Trucking Company Call Me?
Trucking companies are primarily concerned about protecting their profits and their reputations. If they call you after an accident, it is often a sign that they know they are in trouble. While they might frame the conversation as a “courtesy call,” do not let your guard down. They will do everything they can to undermine your claim, so taking steps to protect yourself is key.
Steps to Take If the Trucking Company Calls
Here are some tips to follow to protect your claim from aggressive trucking representatives.
Do Not Accept the Initial Offer
If the trucking company, their lawyers, or their insurers recognize that they bear liability for the accident, they might try to entice you into accepting a lowball settlement offer. While the figure might seem substantial at first, it will be insufficient to cover the full extent of your losses, and taking it will close the door on subsequent negotiations. Do not accept any offer until you have had an opportunity to calculate your current and future accident-related expenses.
Do Not Admit Fault
In many cases, the liable insurer calls the injury victim in an attempt to get them to admit some degree of fault. This can happen more easily than you might think. For example, even the simple phrase “I’m sorry” during the conversation can be used against you.
Do Not Speculate
The trucking company’s representative might ask you what happened, attempting to draw you into a line of questioning that can allow them to cast doubt on your story. Offering your speculation about the crash will not help your case, as determining fault will require a thorough investigation. If the ultimate cause is different from what you initially told the trucking company, they could argue that your story is too inconsistent to be taken seriously and that your claim should be dismissed.
Consult with an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney
With so much at stake, it is crucial to remember that anything you say in a conversation with the trucking company’s representative can be used against you. As such, the most effective course of action is to tell them that you are engaging legal representation and that your lawyer will provide any further information they require. When you have done so, pick up the phone and call Wagner Zemming Christensen, LLP, and let us handle the rest.
Contact an Experienced Riverside Trucking Accidents Law Firm Today
Most people feel overwhelmed after suffering injuries in a truck accident, and trucking companies like to take advantage of that fact. Don’t let that happen to you. Working with an experienced attorney can protect your rights and maximize your compensation. The Riverside personal injury lawyers at Wagner Zemming Christensen, LLP, have the experience, skills, and knowledge to take on the big trucking companies and fight for the full compensation you deserve. Call us now or contact us online for a free case evaluation to learn more about how we can help you.