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4 Secrets of truck accident insurance claims

BY READERS DIGEST

17th Jun 2020 Insurance & Legal

4 Secrets of truck accident insurance claims
In 2018, there were roughly 112,000 truck accidents in the United States that resulted in injuries. Despite advancements in motor vehicle safety in recent years, truck accidents remain a pervasive problem. 
If you have sustained injuries in a truck accident, you may need to file an insurance claim. However, handling such a claim can be time-consuming and complicated, especially if you have never gone through the process before. 
If you are wondering where you start, look no further. Read on for four secrets you need to know to help you maximize your truck accident insurance claim. 

Secret 1: The accident scene is crucial

The minutes immediately following a truck accident are some of the most crucial in the entire insurance claims process. 
The accident scene is often a hotspot for evidence. Key evidence at the scene will include: 
  • Photos of the scene and any damage;
  • Witness statements; and 
  • Identifying information of other parties involved.
If you wait until too long after the accident, some of this information may no longer exist or will be difficult to obtain. For example, property damage may be repaired, and witnesses may be more difficult to track down. 
Thus, you should collect as much evidence and information at the scene as possible. This will give you a better likelihood of success on your claims moving forward. 

Secret 2: Seek immediate medical attention 

When handling an insurance claim, you will generally need to prove what damages exist before you receive any compensation. Common injuries in the aftermath of a truck accident include:
  • Neck and back injuries, 
  • Spinal cord injuries, 
  • Head and brain injuries, 
  • Burns,
  • Amputation and disfigurement, 
  • Internal injuries, and 
  • Cuts, bruises, broken bones, and lacerations. 
The best way to prove that you are entitled to compensation for your injuries is by seeking medical attention and diagnosis by a medical professional. 
Even if you don’t notice any immediate injuries, it is still imperative that you visit a doctor as soon as practicable. Failure to do so could result in the worsening of any injuries that do exist and potentially missing out on valuable compensation you may be entitled to. 

Secret 3: Insurance companies are not your friends

While it is true that they may ultimately provide you some compensation, the reality is that they do not have your best interests at heart. 
As the truck accident law firm of Abrahamson & Uiterwyk puts it, “Insurance companies are not on your side. It is their job to pay out as little as possible so that the insurance company doesn’t lose money or miss out on profit.” 
At the end of the day, insurance companies are businesses that operate for profit. They will try to pay out as little as possible and as quickly as possible. Don’t be tempted to take the first offer they present to you. You may in fact be entitled to more. 

Secret 4: Attorneys don’t always cost a fortune

One of the best ways to maximize your truck accident insurance claim is to hire an attorney. However, people frequently don’t even consider hiring an attorney because they don’t think they can afford one.
In fact, some of the best and most experienced truck accident attorneys will take cases on a “contingency fee.” This means that you don’t pay any fees unless and until you win your case. They also typically offer a free consultation, so you can interview multiple attorneys and let them help you determine whether you have a good case.
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