In the aftermath of an accident resulting in serious personal injuries, you may be entitled to seek compensation for the damages you suffered through a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company. In cases involving truck accidents, seeking an insurance settlement may be a viable option as opposed to having to take your case to court. However, insurance companies are a business and as such, one of their primary concerns is protecting their profits. The following offers tips for getting the most out of your claim. For more detailed information regarding your particular situation, call our office to speak with a skilled Virginia truck accident attorney.
Questionable Insurance Company Practices
The insurance industry earns billions of dollars in profits each year. In addition to making money through premiums paid by customers, they protect their profits by carefully monitoring the amounts they pay out in claims.
According to one major study, insurance regulators frequently receive complaints against insurance companies from consumers who feel they were taken advantage of or otherwise treated unfairly. Nearly two-thirds of these complaints center around accident liability and auto insurance policies. Among the most common problems encountered include:
- Insurance claims denials
- Excessive delays in processing claims
- Unsatisfactory settlement amounts that are less than what the claimant needs or deserves
When filing a claim for personal injuries, it is important to be aware of the company’s underlying motives and to take the steps needed to protect yourself.
Protecting Yourself when Filing a Claim
The Virginia State Corporation Commission accepts complaints from consumers concerning unfair insurance company practices. You can access their database to check on all insurance agents, agencies, and companies that operate in the state of Virginia.
When dealing with insurance companies that have a history of denying, delaying, or downplaying claims, the following are steps you can take to protect your rights:
- When any type of accidental injury occurs, report it immediately to the proper authorities so that an accident report can be filed.
- Always seek medical attention even if you suspect your injuries are minor, as this provides important documentation.
- File a claim as soon as possible. Any delays on your part could be used to justify a denial.
- Gather as much evidence as possible at the accident scene. This includes taking photos, getting witness contact information, and making note of the exact time and location. There may be nearby video monitoring devices that may have captured how the accident occurred.
- Before making any statements or signing any documents, speak with an experienced personal injury attorney first.
Contact a Virginia Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, contact a Virginia truck accident attorney to discuss what legal recourse you may have against the responsible party or parties. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, our legal team has successfully advocated for many truck accident victims and their families, and we understand how complex these cases can be. Our attorneys are available to meet and discuss the details of your case and how we may be able to help.
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