Should I Give a Statement to a Truck Company’s Insurer After a Crash?
Were you involved in a serious collision with a tractor trailer in South Florida? You need compensation to cover your damages—from medical expenses to wage loss to pain and suffering. However, sadly, dealing with insurance companies after a crash can be very hard. You should avoid giving a recorded statement. Here, our Miami trucking accident lawyer explains why you should never give a statement to a truck company’s insurer after a crash without an attorney by your side.
Insurance Adjusters are Not On Your Side (Even Your Own No-Fault PIP Carrier)
As a starting point, you need to remember that insurance companies are not on your side. Insurance adjusters—even those from your own no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) carrier—will invariably prioritize their employer’s bottom line. That means minimizing the insurance company’s payouts. Their role is to assess the damage and determine the least amount of compensation the insurance company can justifiably pay. Despite presenting themselves as helpful and sympathetic, adjusters are trained to save their company money.
A Truck Company’s Insurance Adjuster is Trained to Use Your Words Against You
A truck company’s insurance adjuster is a professional trained to protect their employer’s financial interests. They conduct conversations in a manner that might seem informal and friendly but are designed to elicit responses that can be used to undermine your claim. Simple, seemingly innocent statements can be twisted to suggest fault or downplay injuries.
Always Speak to an Attorney Before Giving a Recorded Statement
You are not required by law to give a statement to a truck company’s insurance carrier immediately after a crash. Quite the contrary, you have the right to take your time to recover from your injuries. Further, you can and should work with insurance adjusters through an experienced attorney. A top-rated Miami, FL trucking accident lawyer will help ensure that your words are not misconstrued or used against you in the claims process.
Recovering Compensation After a Semi-Truck Accident in Florida
If you were hurt in an eighteen wheeler crash in South Florida, you need the absolute maximum financial compensation. Never rely on a trucking company or an insurance carrier to willingly step up and pay you the full and fair settlement that you deserve. Compensation may be recovered for:
- Property loss (vehicle repairs);
- Emergency room care;
- Hospital bills;
- Other medical costs;
- Loss of current/future wages;
- Pain and suffering;
- Disability or disfigurement; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
Set Up a Free Consultation With Our Miami Semi-Truck Accident Attorney
At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our Miami tractor trailer accident lawyer is standing by, ready to help you fight for justice. Were you or a loved one hurt in a semi-truck crash? We can help. Contact us today to set up your free, no strings attached consultation. With a law office in Miami, our firm fights for the rights of semi-truck victims throughout all of South Florida, including in Miami Beach, Hialeah, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, and Jupiter.
