Common Lawsuit Tricks Used by Trucking Companies
Throughout all of California, Los Angeles County has one of the highest rates of fatalities in crashes involving large commercial trucks, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 18 wheelers, semi-trucks, flat beds, tractor trailers and other kinds of big rigs tip the scales at more than 80,000 pounds, so it comes as no surprise that truck accidents are some of the most catastrophic, often causing severe, disabling injuries.
Getting hurt in a truck accident is traumatic enough, but getting swindled out of a fair injury settlement can make an already dire situation even more unbearable. Trucking is big business in America, and the trucking industry is no stranger to personal injury litigation. The unfortunate reality is that trucking companies and their insurance adjustors employ several tricks to minimize payouts, leaving victims and their families on the hook for costly hospital bills, treatment fees, repairs, lost wages and other damages.
Trucking companies may not play fair
Attorneys who specialize in commercial vehicle accidents have first-hand knowledge of the tricks used by trucking companies, their legal counsel and insurers to minimize settlements in injury claims. In the wake of an accident, don’t be fooled by the friendly phone call or email from a “third-party” insurance rep or risk manager who seems to care about your future — their primary goal is to limit payouts. These professionals will use every tool at their disposal to deny/delay your claim and do not have your best interests at heart.
Protect your rights to fair compensation by working with a reputable Los Angeles truck accident lawyer who knows how to level the playing field. The following are five of the most commonly used strategies and lawsuit tricks to watch out for.
- Getting you to make a recorded statement that undermines your claim for compensation. This is often done under the pretense of helping claimants get a quick settlement paycheck. There is no law that says you must provide a recorded statement, so if a claims adjustor asks for one, it’s best to decline and speak to your attorney instead.
- Encouraging claimants to delay their medical care or treatment, then arguing that the victim’s injuries were not related to the accident but were due to a pre-existing condition.
- Offering a quick but low settlement that does not adequately reflect the true value of your injuries and financial losses, which may take weeks or even months to be realized. A good attorney can ensure you get all the money damages you are entitled to and can maximize the value of your claim.
- Altering evidence or providing misinformation to the courts. Vital trucking logs are frequently “lost,” and other documents that might indicate negligence go missing. Your attorney’s private investigators can take proactive steps to prevent this from happening.
- Delaying your case by requesting more time to gather evidence, documents or records. Any excuse to push your mediation or trial date back further and delay your day in court. This tactic can be especially frustrating as expenses pile up, but a good lawyer will stay on top of your case, making sure that justice prevails.
Ellis Law attorneys on your side
When going up against trucking companies, you need a seasoned advocate in your corner who knows how to navigate the often deceitful tactics used to deny or delay claims. Recorded statements can haunt you later, and always refrain from signing anything until your attorney has reviewed it.
Ellis Injury Law is one of the leading truck accident law firms in California, and has procured more than re than $350 million on behalf of clients. Schedule a free, no-obligation case review by calling 310-641-3335.
Additional Resources:
- Disabled World.com, Tricks Insurance Companies Use Against Car Accident Victims https://www.disabled-world.com/disability/accidents/tricks.php
- NHTSA, Traffic Safety Performance (Core Outcome) Measures California https://cdan.nhtsa.gov/SASStoredProcess/guest
- FMCA, Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts 2015 https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts-2015