If you’ve been in a truck accident and suddenly get a call from the trucking company’s insurance adjuster, don’t panic, but don’t rush to talk either. Insurance companies move fast to protect their own interests, and you should move just as carefully to protect yours.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for what to do if you’re contacted by a trucking company’s insurance after a crash in Florida.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Don’t Offer Details
The adjuster might sound friendly or act concerned, but remember, they work for the insurance company, not you. Their job is to limit the company’s financial liability, not to help you recover fair compensation.
What to avoid:
- Don’t give a recorded statement.
- Don’t speculate about the accident or your injuries.
- Don’t say “I’m fine” or minimize your condition.
Even casual remarks can be used against you later.
Step 2: Get Their Contact Information
Before ending the call, politely ask for the adjuster’s:
- Full name
- Insurance company name
- Claim number
- Direct phone number
Let them know that you will have your attorney follow up with them.
Step 3: Write Down Details of the Conversation
As soon as the call ends, jot down everything you remember:
- Date and time of the call
- What they asked
- How you responded
- Any promises or threats made
This documentation can help your lawyer understand the scope of the call and whether your rights may have been compromised.
Step 4: Do Not Sign Anything
The insurance company may mail or email you documents to sign, such as a release, medical records authorization, or even a settlement offer. Signing anything without legal review can seriously damage your case.
Once you sign a release, you may give up your right to sue, even if your injuries worsen.
Step 5: Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney ASAP
Truck accidents are often more complex than regular car crashes. Multiple parties could be at fault, including the driver, the trucking company, the maintenance provider, or even the truck manufacturer.
An experienced Florida truck accident lawyer can:
- Handle all communication with the insurer
- Investigate the crash and gather critical evidence
- Calculate the full value of your damages (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering)
- Fight for the maximum compensation you deserve
Step 6: Preserve Evidence and Follow Medical Advice
While your lawyer builds your case, you can help by:
- Keeping all accident-related records, receipts, and photos
- Following your doctor’s treatment plan and attending all appointments
- Avoiding social media posts about the accident
Your actions in the days and weeks following a crash can make or break your claim.
Final Thoughts
When a trucking company’s insurance calls you after a crash, it’s not just a courtesy; it’s a strategy. Their goal is to minimize what they pay. Your goal should be to protect your rights, your health, and your future.
Contact a Florida Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been involved in a personal injury incident, seeking legal advice is essential to protect your rights. Our legal team has more than 40 years of experience seeking justice for accident victims. Our attorneys have sought and won millions of dollars for our injured clients.
Call 850-601-1111 to schedule a complimentary consultation with no obligations. This consultation will help you explore your legal options. Let us help you fight for fair compensation.
Jaeson continued his studies at Florida State University College of Law, graduating with a Juris Doctorate in 2011. Throughout his law school career, Jaeson regularly volunteered his time at Florida Legal Services, where he assisted with several projects aimed at advancing the rights of low-income families in Florida. Jaeson has recovered millions of dollars from individuals for his clients. For his efforts, Jaeson was inducted in 2016 into the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. At the time of his induction, he was one of the youngest attorneys in the State of Florida to be inducted.
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