The biggest SUVs and pickup trucks typically weigh around 6,000 pounds. And while those vehicles can make drivers feel safe, they pale in comparison to fully-loaded semi trucks, which can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and be more than 50-feet long.
When tractor trailers are involved in accidents with other vehicles, the consequences are often serious for drivers and passengers, as severe, painful, and disabling injuries are common. To make matters worse, insurance companies are often reluctant to pay settlements to truck accident victims.
Insurance companies employ teams of adjusters whose job is it to find ways to reduce or deny the amount of money they have to pay to people who file claims. Almost all truck accident victims are contacted by adjusters soon after their accidents, and adjusters may use these strategies to accomplish their tactics:
- Getting victims to admit fault for accidents – While speaking with an adjuster on the phone is inevitable for most truck accident victims, it’s important to stick to the facts of what happened and not admit fault, even if you think you might have contributed to the crash. If evidence later proves you weren’t at fault, you may be unable to pursue compensation.
- Getting victims to accept lowball settlements – Another tactic adjusters use is to entice victims who are desperate for money with immediate “lowball” settlements. These offers may seem substantial, but they’re rarely enough to cover all initial expenses, let alone future expenses. And after victims accept them, they may be unable to pursue future compensation.
Having an experienced Nashville truck accident lawyer on your side is your best defense against those tactics. Get in touch with Ponce Law today for a free consultation.