How to Handle Calls From the Insurance Company After a Truck Accident

After a truck accident, it’s not uncommon for your phone to start ringing almost immediately. Insurance adjusters, whether from the trucking company’s insurer or even your own auto insurance provider, often reach out quickly. Their tone might sound helpful or concerned, but make no mistake: these calls are not about helping you.

Truck insurers have one goal: to pay as little as possible, even if your injuries are serious and your medical bills are piling up.

A 2012 Consumer Federation of America report revealed that some insurance companies use claims software, such as Colossus, to undervalue injury claims.

These programs minimize payouts by limiting compensation for pain and suffering, ignoring long-term medical needs, and applying arbitrary caps based on past settlements. That means even a legitimate, well-documented claim can be unfairly reduced unless you have a lawyer fighting back.

Insurance adjusters are also trained to ask questions that may get you to downplay your injuries, accept some blame, or unknowingly weaken your legal claim. That’s why you should never speak to an adjuster without first talking to a lawyer.

Learn what to do and what not to say when the insurance company calls.

Don’t Give a Recorded Statement

One of the most common tactics insurance adjusters use is requesting a recorded statement early in the claims process. They may say it’s standard procedure or needed to move your claim forward. But the real goal is to lock you into details that may later be used against you.

Never give a recorded statement without legal advice. You are not legally required to provide one. Even saying “I’m okay” can be twisted to downplay your injuries. If you do not have a lawyer, politely decline and say you’re still seeking legal counsel.

Avoid Speculating About the Accident or Your Injuries

Accidents involving commercial trucks are complex, and it’s common to feel disoriented or unsure in the days that follow. You may not fully understand what happened or be aware of the extent of your injuries yet. That’s why avoiding guessing or speculating when speaking to any insurance representative is essential.

Don’t make statements like:

• “I didn’t see them coming.”
• “Maybe I was going too fast.”
• “I think I’m fine now.”

These statements can severely damage your case later on. Instead, stick to basic facts or tell the adjuster you’re uncomfortable discussing the details until you’ve spoken with an attorney.

Take Notes on Every Call

Document everything if you speak with an insurance adjuster before hiring a lawyer.

Write down:

• The name of the person who called
• The company they represent
• The date and time of the call
• A summary of what was asked and what you said

These notes could become important if there’s a dispute about your statements or the handling of your claim. Keep a log of all communication, even if it seems routine.

Refer All Communication to Your Lawyer

After hiring a truck accident lawyer, direct all insurance communications to your attorney. You’re not required to speak with insurers; continuing to do so could increase the risk of saying something that may harm your case.

When an adjuster calls, a polite and straightforward response like this is enough: “Please contact my attorney about my claim.”

This protects your rights and relieves you of the stress of managing difficult conversations during an already overwhelming time.

How St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyers Can Protect You

Truck accidents often result from a complex combination of driver error, mechanical failure, and road or weather conditions.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), truck driver-related factors contributed to 87% of the crashes studied. That’s why determining fault requires more than a surface-level review.

At Cofman Townsley, our St. Louis truck accident lawyers are well-versed in the strategies insurance companies employ, and we know how to counter them effectively. We conduct our investigation, gather the necessary evidence to prove liability, and handle all communication with insurers, so you don’t have to.

We stop insurers from taking advantage of you when you’re most vulnerable. You deserve full and fair compensation for your injuries, lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering. Our team will work tirelessly to make that happen.

Don’t Let the Insurance Company Call the Shots

Saying the wrong thing after a truck accident can cost you. Preserve your claim by getting legal guidance before speaking with an insurance adjuster. Let our St. Louis truck accident lawyers fight for every dollar you’re owed.

Schedule your free consultation today so you don’t face the insurance company alone.