What Should I Do When the Trucking Company’s Insurance Contacts Me After an Accident?

What should I do when the trucking company’s insurance contacts me after an accident? Navigating the aftermath of a truck-related accident is daunting. The physical toll, the emotional distress, the mounting medical bills — it’s a lot to handle. Just when you’re trying to piece everything together, the phone rings. On the other line? The trucking company’s insurance provider.

But what should you do in this situation? How should you respond? It’s a pivotal moment, one that can greatly influence the trajectory of your recovery and claim. This guide aims to equip you with the knowledge and confidence you need to handle such calls, ensuring you protect your rights and interests.

If you or a loved one is grappling with the repercussions of a truck accident, don’t navigate this journey alone. As a St. Louis-based truck accident lawyer, Burger Law is here to assist you. We take cases throughout Missouri and Illinois, ensuring justice is served. Speak to a truck accident lawyer today at or contact us online for a free consultation.

Understanding the Trucking Company’s and Insurance Company’s Motives

When you’re approached by an insurance company following a truck accident, don’t be fooled – despite whatever they say, they are not looking out for you and do not have your best interest at heart.

• Trucking insurance companies are businesses first — At their core, insurance companies are businesses. Like any other business, their primary objective is to be profitable. Every dollar they payout in claims is a dollar less in their profit column.
• Trucking insurance companies try to minimize payouts — Given their business nature, it stands to reason that insurance companies aim to minimize their payouts (and any truck accident lawyer will tell you this is the case). They employ teams of adjusters and lawyers who know how claims work, all working tirelessly to ensure the company pays out as little as possible. This isn’t about being fair to you; it’s about preserving the bottom line.

By understanding the driving forces behind an insurance company’s actions, you can better protect your interests when they contact you.

Tactics Employed by Insurance Companies to Minimize Compensation

Insurance adjusters are well-versed in denying and devaluing claims. They’ll deploy a variety of tactics to achieve their goals:

• Quick settlements before the full extent of injuries is known
• Requests for recorded statements to catch claimants off-guard
• Downplaying the severity of injuries or damages
• Shifting blame to you
• Delaying the claim process to wear down claimants
• Disputing medical treatments or expenses as unnecessary
• Using statements out of context to devalue the claim
• Offering lower settlements in the hope claimants won’t negotiate

What to Do When The Trucking Company’s Insurer Calls

In the moments following an unexpected call from the trucking company’s insurance provider, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, taking the right steps can safeguard your interests. Here’s what you need to do:

• Stay calm and professional — Your emotions may be running high, especially if the accident was recent. You also may just feel nervous. Do your best to remain composed during the conversation. Keep in mind you’re speaking with a representative of a business, and it’s in your best interest to remain professional.
• Limit your responses — Be concise with your answers. Remember, the less you say, the fewer chances there are for your words to be used against you later.
• Decline recorded statements — Politely refuse any requests for recorded statements. Without proper legal representation, you may unintentionally say something that could hurt your claim. They may say you are required to give one for them to process the claim, but that’s rarely true. If you do have to give one, stick to brief facts.
• Do not admit fault — Even if you believe you may have played a role in the accident, avoid admitting any liability. There could be factors you’re unaware of that contributed to the incident, and if their is evidence of your liability the adjuster will uncover it themselves.
• Ask for caller details — Ensure you note down the name, position and contact information of the person calling you. This can be helpful for future reference.
• Avoid details about injuries or damages — Medical evaluations may still be ongoing, and it’s essential not to provide any information that might be incomplete or inaccurate. Details of your injuries can be found in your medical records. Any damages – medical bills, lost wages, car repairs, etc… – can also be verified through documentation. You can tell the adjuster the numbers, but there’s no need to go into detail.
• End the call if overwhelmed — If at any point you feel overwhelmed or unsure about the conversation, it’s okay to end the call. You can always speak again when you’re more prepared or after you hire a truck accident lawyer.

The aftermath of a truck accident is challenging enough; having the knowledge to navigate these conversations empowers you to stand up for your rights.

Directing the Conversation

When the insurance company reaches out, remember that you’re in control of the conversation. While they might have their agenda, you have the right to dictate the terms of engagement. If their policy holder (the trucking company) injured you, they are required to pay you. Here’s how to keep the higher ground in a call with the trucking company’s insurance:

• Refer them to your attorney — If you’ve already hired a truck accident lawyer, you did so for a reason – let them go to work for you. Immediately inform the insurance adjuster that you hired a lawyer. Direct them to communicate with your attorney moving forward. Burger Law is well-equipped to handle these discussions, ensuring your best interests are always at the forefront.
• If without representation — If you’ve yet to secure a truck accident lawyer or aren’t sure if you’re going to hire one, it’s still in your best interest not to delve too deeply into the details of the accident or your injuries. Politely inform the caller that you’re in the process of seeking legal counsel and that your attorney will be in touch once you’ve made arrangements. Otherwise, again, be brief and stick to the facts you know.
• Set boundaries — Make it clear that you’d prefer all communication to be in writing moving forward, if that’s the case. This ensures there’s a record of every interaction, providing transparency and accountability.

Remember, while the insurance company may be well-versed in handling such conversations, you have rights. By directing the conversation and setting clear boundaries, you position yourself for a more favorable outcome.

Tips for Talking With the Trucking Company’s Insurer

It’s easy to feel flustered when the trucking company’s insurance contacts you. However, being equipped with the right approach can make a significant difference. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:

• Stay focused on the facts — Stick to the basic details of the accident. Avoid offering opinions or discussing feelings.
• Avoid speculating — If you’re unsure about a particular detail or question, it’s better to say you don’t know rather than guessing.
• Politely decline detailed questions about your health — It’s not the time to discuss the extent or nature of your injuries. These details can be found in your medical records, which you can send to them.
• Be wary of leading questions — Insurance adjusters might phrase questions in a way that could lead you to provide answers that might not be in your best interest. Always take a moment to think before responding.
• Don’t fall for their friendliness — Insurance adjusters may come across as friendly and concerned, but remember their primary goal is to minimize the payout. Stay professional and cautious. They want you to think they really care so you let your guard down – don’t.

Document the Conversation With The Trucking Company’s Insurer

In legal matters, especially involving insurance claims, documentation can be your best ally. Detailed records provide clarity, support your claims and can be instrumental in ensuring fair treatment. Here’s what you need to keep a record of:

• Date and time
• Caller details (name, position and contact information)
• Any requests for documentation
• How you felt about the conversation (was the adjuster aggressive? did they try to change your words around?)
• Follow-up steps
• Any letters, emails or other documents from the insurance company

Having a detailed record can be the difference between a favorable resolution and a drawn-out, challenging process.

Don’t Accept the Trucking Company’s First Offer

Medical bills, repair costs and lost wages – the expenses pile up after a truck accident. So when the trucking company’s insurance provider presents an initial settlement offer, it can be tempting to accept it, hoping to alleviate some of the immediate financial pressures.

However, it’s important to keep a few things in mind:

• Initial offers are often lowball settlement offers — Insurance companies are well-aware you’re under stress and might be desperate for financial relief. Their first offer often reflects the minimum they believe they can pay to resolve the claim quickly.
• There’s more at stake — The initial offer might not account for long-term medical treatments, rehabilitation future lost wages, or the emotional and psychological toll of the accident. You are owed full compensation, not a small sum the insurance company says you’re owed.
• Negotiation is expected — Insurance adjusters often expect some negotiation. By accepting the first offer, you might be leaving significant compensation on the table that they’re already willing tom pay.
• Consult with a truck accident lawyer — Before making any decisions, you should at least talk to an experienced truck accident lawyer. At Burger Law, we have the experience and understanding to evaluate the fairness of an offer. We offer free consultations, so there’s no reason not to call us to see if their offer is fair.

Stand firm, seek legal counsel and ensure that any settlement genuinely reflects the full extent of damages and suffering you’ve endured.

Tactics Insurance Companies Use to Make the Initial Offer Seem Like the Best Deal

• Emphasizing quick payouts — Highlighting how fast you’ll receive the money if you accept now
• Downplaying Future Costs — Minimizing potential future medical treatments or rehabilitation costs
• Comparing with other cases — Mentioning that their offer is generous compared to other “similar” cases they’ve settled
• Highlighting the uncertainty of litigation — Suggesting that going to court is risky, and you might end up with less (always hire a truck accident lawyer before filing a lawsuit)
• Using emotional appeals — Emphasizing how they “care” about your well-being and want to help you move on
• Overwhelming with paperwork — Sending extensive documentation that might be confusing, making the offer seem like the simplest route
• Setting artificial deadlines — Claiming the offer is only valid for a short period to pressure a quick decision

Call Burger Law’s St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyers Today

At Burger Law, we’re not just another law firm; we are your advocates. Our track record speaks to our unwavering commitment to fighting insurance companies and ensuring our clients receive the justice they deserve. Our principles guide every interaction and decision: We are aggressive in our pursuit of justice, direct in our communication and above all, compassionate in understanding the turmoil you’re currently going through. You don’t have to go through it alone. Reach out to Burger Law today. Speak to a St. Louis truck accident lawyer today at or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation.

Related Article: Your Rights When Dealing With the Insurance Companies

Gary Burger

Founder | Injury Attorney
Gary Burger has dedicated his career to standing up against bullies. The founder and principal attorney of Burger Law | St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer has helped hundreds of Missouri and Illinois individuals and families recover th …
Years of experience: 30 years
Location: St. Louis, MO

click here more Info