Ohio Truck Accident Help
A Division of Ohio Truck Accident
Truck accident victims face more than physical and emotional trauma after a terrifying collision. Too often, they must also deal with the unscrupulous tactics of large trucking firms looking for any opportunity to pay less.
As advocates for victims and safer roads, Ohio Truck Accident Help is exploring how trucking companies try to limit what they pay and how you can get the max after an accident.
Like other companies, trucking carriers want to increase profits and minimize liabilities. And ‘as a liability’ is exactly how they treat injury victims and claims.
In addition to the potentially negligent truck driver that hit you, trucking companies employ large legal teams and insurance firms. Armed with considerable resources, they frequently deploy various strategies to reduce their financial exposure.
Here are the common tactics trucking firms use:
Stalling is one of the most common tactics our attorneys have seen. Their aim? To wear you down.
Trucking companies capitalize on your financial pressure and emotional distress by delaying responses and prolonging negotiations. The longer the process, the higher the chances you might accept a lesser amount. Frequently, this decision is made out of desperation for closure and financial relief.
Downplaying the severity of your injury is another classic move. Trucking companies often argue that your injuries and losses are not as substantial as you claim or that a pre-existing condition is the real cause.
By casting doubt on your injuries or need for specific medical care, these companies seek to undercut the total compensation they pay.
Rather than accepting liability for their role in a crash or their employee’s actions, some trucking firms attempt to redirect the blame. Sometimes, they outright deny fault. Whether by contesting specific details or suggesting you were at fault, they want to weaken your claim.
Under Ohio’s comparative negligence standard, they can decrease what they pay or deflect responsibility altogether if they can shift the blame.
At first glance, a fast, hassle-free settlement might seem like a blessing. But you need to tread carefully. In their rush to close your case, trucking firms might present a sum that’s a fraction of its worth. Victims are often eager for resolution and might be tempted to accept without realizing they’re being shortchanged.
Victims can rarely get more when a truck injury settlement is accepted and finalized. To ensure you are protected, an experienced lawyer should review any offer.
It may sound far-fetched, but some trucking companies and insurance teams hire private investigators. They aim to capture footage or evidence contradicting your injury, trauma, and loss claims. A photograph or video taken out of context can jeopardize a genuine claim, reducing the potential payout.
Legal and insurance terminologies can be perplexing. Some companies exploit this by using convoluted language and apparent technicalities to make settlements appear favorable or dissuade you from further action. By keeping victims in the dark, these firms retain the upper hand.
Another tactic involves challenging the medical treatment you received after the accident. By questioning its necessity or the charges levied by healthcare providers, trucking firms can argue for a reduced medical claim, leading to a lower overall payout.
Witnesses can significantly bolster your case. Predictably, trucking companies might attempt to undermine their credibility. By suggesting bias or questioning the reliability of their accounts, they seek to weaken the supporting evidence and make your claim appear less robust than it truly is.
Much of the evidence in a truck accident case is under the company’s control. From employment files to truck maintenance records, a trucking company might intentionally misrepresent, misconstrue, or even hide evidence that could point to their liability. This could be part of a larger strategy to delay your claim until you grow frustrated. It may be necessary to file a formal lawsuit to get all the evidence you need.
By encouraging victims to go without legal counsel or deal with insurance adjusters directly, the trucking firms control the narrative. They bank on victims lacking the knowledge or resources to challenge their claims.
For example, an insurance adjuster may pressure you into making a statement without a lawyer or dissuade you from hiring one altogether. But all they are trying to do is lock you into a version of events. Remember, these companies are not interested in making things easier on you, and they are not doing you any favors. You should always consult a lawyer about your rights and legal options.
There’s a fine line between what a trucking company can do to limit what they pay out in settlements and unlawful behavior. It’s a sad reality, but some trucking companies do act in genuine bad faith.
It can be hard to spot, but it frequently involves knowingly providing false information, purposefully misinterpreting policies, or intentionally delaying or denying legitimate claims without a valid reason. If you suspect an insurance company has engaged in such practices, get a lawyer involved right away.
Getting fair and full compensation after a truck crash can be fraught with obstacles. Awareness of the tricks and tactics used by truck companies is the first step in countering them.
When trucking companies deploy these tactics, it can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re struggling to pay bills after a collision they are responsible for. Remember, it’s not just about the payout. It’s about holding large companies accountable and ensuring every victim is treated with dignity and respect.
If you were hurt in a truck accident and need help, Ohio Truck Accident Help. Our experienced and skilled Ohio truck accident lawyers will investigate, move swiftly, and fight to protect your right to a full physical and financial recovery. Contact us for a free, no-risk consultation.