Dealing With the Trucking Company's Insurance Adjuster
After a serious crash, trucking companies and their insurers often move fast, sometimes sending investigators to the scene within hours. The adjuster's job is to limit what the insurer pays. Be polite but careful: don't give a recorded statement, sign medical releases or accept a settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries.
Why do trucking insurers move so quickly?
Large carriers and their insurers often have rapid-response teams that gather evidence and statements immediately after a crash. Early statements and early settlement offers, made before the injured person knows how serious their injuries are, usually favour the insurer.
What should you avoid saying or signing?
- Don't give a recorded statement to the other side's insurer.
- Don't guess about speed, distances or fault, or apologize.
- Don't sign broad medical authorizations that open your entire medical history.
- Don't accept a settlement or sign a release before treatment is complete; a release usually ends the claim permanently.
- Don't post about the crash or your injuries on social media.
What information can you give?
You can confirm your name, contact details and your own insurance information, and tell the adjuster that your representative will be in touch. Keep a note of every contact with the insurer, including names and dates.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to talk to the trucking company's insurance adjuster?
No. You are not required to give a statement to the other party's insurer. You can refer them to your lawyer.
Should I accept the first settlement offer?
Usually not for serious injuries. Early offers are often made before the full cost of treatment and lost income is known, and accepting usually ends your claim.
Why is the trucking company's insurer calling me so soon?
Insurers try to gather statements and settle early, while evidence is fresh and before injured people understand the full value of their claim.
Can the adjuster get my medical records?
Only with your authorization or through the legal process. Avoid signing broad releases that cover unrelated medical history.
What if the adjuster says the crash was my fault?
Don't argue or agree. Fault is decided by the evidence, and in most states partial fault reduces rather than bars compensation.