If you suffered injuries in a truck accident, your lawyer will deal with the insurance companies on your behalf. When the state requires that carriers establish the at-fault driver in order to determine whose policy must pay, they typically launch their investigations into the case right away so that they can quickly offer the victim a settlement. These companies may offer a lower payment than the victim actually deserves before they have had a chance to calculate the damages caused by the accident.
Many victims feel intimidated by the idea of managing the insurance claims process on their own, but a truck accident lawyer can manage these burdensome tasks for you so that you can focus on your health and recovery.
Insurance Requirements Vary by State
Each state has its own requirements regarding the types and amounts of car insurance drivers must carry. In no-fault states, drivers must carry property damage and personal injury policies to protect themselves in the event of an accident no matter who caused the collision. In these states, drivers deal with their own insurance companies after an accident to negotiate a settlement.
In at-fault states, drivers carry liability insurance that requires them to pay damages if the insurance companies deem them responsible for the accident. Some at-fault states require the at-fault driver’s insurance to cover 100% of the damages even if the other driver holds a smaller percentage of liability.
Others use a shared liability system, in which a victim may receive a reduced amount of financial recovery if they maintain partial responsibility for the accident. An attorney will communicate with the insurance companies for you to ensure that a fair investigation takes place and seek a just settlement for their client.
Types of Insurance Policies Involved in Vehicle Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), large truck accidents caused 87,000 injuries and over 4,000 fatalities in the United States in 2015. The size and weight of trucks can present an additional hazard on the road, and accidents often have serious effects, especially on the occupants of the passenger cars involved.
Commercial trucks must also comply with federal regulations, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). They must also carry insurance for accidents.
If you suffered injuries in a truck accident, you may qualify for a settlement under one or more types of policies. The Insurance Information Institute (III) outlines the types of insurance available to drivers, which fall under three basic categories. While states carry their own restrictions as to minimums and legal liability, drivers can choose from optional policies, as well.
Property Coverage
In general, insurance for property pays for vehicular damage or theft to their own vehicle. Drivers may also choose to purchase comprehensive or collision policies, which provide additional protection in the event of a single-vehicle accident, natural disaster, or collision with an animal.
Liability Coverage
Drivers carry liability coverage to pay for damages caused to another person or their property. Property damage liability (PDL) pays for damages the policyholder causes to another person’s property, while bodily injury liability (BIL) applies to injuries they cause to a vehicle occupant, pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcyclist.
Medical Coverage
Personal injury protection (PIP) covers the driver’s own injuries in an accident, as well as those of their passengers. Depending on the limits of the policy, it may also cover lost wages and funeral expenses.
How an Attorney Can Help You Through the Insurance Claims Process
You have enough to worry about without having to manage the frustration of insurance company tactics. If you hire legal representation, a truck accident lawyer will deal with the insurance companies for you, making it easier for you to pursue fair compensation for your injuries while you focus on your recovery.
You do not have a legal requirement to speak to insurance companies after an accident, but they may attempt to contact you frequently and make you feel as if you do not have any options.
A truck accident lawyer will work on your behalf to gather evidence, prove liability, and demonstrate the extent of your damages to pursue a fair settlement for you.
Contact Us for Help with Your Truck Accident Case
If you suffered injuries in a truck accident, you know that the extent of the damages from injuries often reaches beyond health concerns. Victims rely on insurance settlements to help them pay their medical bills and make up for lost time at work, but insurance policies involve complex stipulations and can present a challenge to manage alone.
An attorney can help you distinguish the types of insurance coverage that apply to your claim and seek a fair settlement for your injuries. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (800) 235-0444 today to speak with our legal team about your free case evaluation.
