Austin is a city known for its vibrant culture, live music, and scenic outdoor spaces. But like any growing city, it also sees its fair share of traffic congestion and accidents, especially involving large trucks.
Truck accidents can be devastating. They leave victims with severe injuries, expensive medical bills, and lost wages. If you have been in one, you might expect the insurance company to help you recover your losses.
But here is the truth. The insurance adjuster handling your claim is not on your side. Their goal is not to get you the best settlement but to save the insurance company money. They might seem friendly, but their job is to minimize your compensation. An Austin truck accident lawyer can help you navigate these challenges and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Understanding the tactics of insurance adjusters can help you protect your rights. Here is why you should not trust them with your truck accident claim.
They Work for the Insurance Company, Not for You
It is easy to assume that an insurance adjuster is there to help. They might act concerned and sympathetic. But in reality, they are employees of the insurance company. Their job is to reduce the amount the company pays out in claims.
They use various tactics to achieve this. They might downplay your injuries, question your medical treatment, or argue that you were partially at fault. The less they pay you, the better it is for their employer.
They Offer Quick Settlements That Are Too Low
One of the most common tricks insurance adjusters use is offering a quick settlement. It might seem tempting, especially when you have medical bills piling up. But these early offers are usually much lower than what you actually deserve.
They hope you accept the money before realizing the full extent of your injuries. Some truck accident injuries take weeks or even months to show their true impact. If you accept a low settlement too soon, you cannot ask for more later.
They Use Your Words Against You
After an accident, the insurance adjuster may call you to discuss your claim. They might ask how you are feeling or request a recorded statement. Be very careful with what you say.
Even an innocent remark like “I’m feeling better” can be used to argue that your injuries are not serious. If they can twist your words to justify a lower payout, they will. This is why it is best to let a lawyer handle all communication with them.
They May Delay Your Claim on Purpose
Sometimes, insurance adjusters drag out the claims process. They might delay responses, request unnecessary paperwork, or claim they are still investigating. Their goal is to frustrate you into accepting a lower settlement out of desperation.
The longer they delay, the more pressure you feel to settle. They know that accident victims often struggle financially. They use this to their advantage.
They Try to Blame You for the Accident
Another common tactic is shifting blame. If they can prove that you were even slightly responsible for the accident, they can reduce or deny your claim. They might use police reports, witness statements, or even misinterpret your own words to do this.
This is why it is crucial to have strong evidence on your side. A truck accident lawyer can help you gather proof, such as traffic camera footage and expert testimony, to fight back against unfair blame.
Conclusion
Insurance adjusters might seem helpful, but their true priority is protecting their company’s bottom line.
If you have been in a truck accident, do not trust the insurance adjuster to look out for your best interests. Instead, consult a truck accident lawyer who knows how to fight back and secure the compensation you truly deserve. Your financial future depends on it.