Insurance Companies and Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are serious business for the insurance companies

Insurance companies have a powerful profit motive to reduce or deny your compensation after any crash, but that's especially true in truck accident cases. Here's why:

• The stakes are higher. Trucking companies purchase policies with high limits to protect their assets, and the injuries sustained are usually severe. That means there are usually more dollars on the line than in cases involving passenger cars, and the insurance companies have more to lose.
• Multiple insurance companies will be involved. A typical accident involving two passenger cars means there are just two insurance companies: yours and the other driver's. In a truck accident, it's never that simple. The cab and the trailer almost always have separate insurance. The cargo may also be separately insured. Accepting a settlement offer from one insurance company can affect the others' liability, and you may be caught in the middle as multiple defendants fight over liability.
• Most of the evidence is theirs. The hours of service (HOS) log, the truck's "black box" data, and other records such as hiring and supervision records belong to the trucking company. That means their insurance company has easy access to much of this critical evidence, whereas you need to take action to build your own case.
• They'll bring in their heavy hitters. Because the stakes are so high and the investigation required is so complex, the insurance companies will put their most experienced attorneys and adjusters on your case. They'll be prepared to use every legal means at their disposal to reduce your recovery, and to go to trial if necessary.

All of this means that you can't afford to face them alone. You need an experienced trial lawyer on your side to take on the trucking companies and their insurance companies. Attorney Richard E. Lewis has been representing the injured in Spokane and throughout eastern Washington for years. The insurance companies know how strongly Richard advocates for his clients, and they know he can help you level the playing field.

Take charge of what happens next. Stand up to the insurance company. Contact us online or call 509-413-1278 for your free initial consultation with Richard Lewis.