Understanding The Accident Injury Claim Process

Following an accident with a commercial truck, you have to be cautious about how you interact with the trucking company and its insurance company. Even if the adjuster seems as if he or she is invested in getting a fair deal for you, he or she still works for the insurance company. To help avoid critical mistakes that could hurt your claim against the insurance company, here are some missteps to avoid.  

Failing to Seek Treatment With Your Own Doctors

The insurance adjuster might try to persuade you to seek treatment with doctors he or she recommends. The adjuster could argue that doing this will help to ensure that you get the treatment that you deserve. In actuality, it could hurt your case.  

Medical care providers recommended by the adjuster are paid by the insurance company. Although the doctor is supposed to focus on what is best for a patient, the fact that he or she is paid by the company could compromise him or her.  

At some point, your attorney might advise you to get an examination by the company's doctor, you need to rely on your own doctor for care. If the company's doctor tries to minimize your injuries, your own doctor's testimony and records can help to refute him or her.  

Bypassing a Permanent Impairment Rating

It is possible for someone to suffer lingering injuries for months or even years after an accident. Unfortunately, after a settlement has been reached and a release signed, the injured has no legal recourse for pushing the trucking company to pay for future medical care.  

A permanent impairment rating can help protect you from this situation. The rating can be used to negotiate for future care and even impact how much money you get now for the injuries you are suffering today. Without this rating, it will be difficult for your attorney to ensure your future health is protected.  

Speaking Without Your Attorney

Phrases, such as "I am sorry," are instinctively said in emergency situations, but they can later come back to haunt you. The insurance company is looking for anything that it can use to dismiss your claim or decrease the amount of compensation you receive.  

To avoid inadvertently saying something that could prove damaging to your case, never speak to the insurance or trucking company without your attorney present. If a representative from either contacts you, refer them to your attorney.