After a truck accident, you’re likely to hear from an insurance adjuster within days—sometimes within hours. While they may sound helpful or friendly, their job is to protect the insurance company’s bottom line—not your recovery. At Tennessee Accident Law, we know firsthand how trucking insurance companies use aggressive tactics to delay, diminish, or deny claims. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, it’s crucial to know what you’re up against.
We’ll break down how these insurance companies operate, what you should (and shouldn’t) do when dealing with them, and how our legal team can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call us now at 615-212-9866 to speak with an experienced attorney about your truck accident case.
Why Trucking Insurance Companies Are So Aggressive
High Financial Stakes
Truck accidents often involve serious injuries or even death. Because of the potential for massive payouts, insurance companies go to great lengths to avoid paying fair compensation.
Legal Teams on Standby
Most major trucking companies have legal counsel and insurance representatives who are trained to respond to crashes within hours. Their job is to contain the damage and minimize liability.
Multiple Policies Involved
Unlike standard car accidents, commercial trucking accidents may involve several layers of insurance:
- Primary liability
- Umbrella coverage
- Cargo coverage
- Employer policies
The more complex the policies, the harder it becomes for victims to know what’s owed—and the easier it is for insurers to delay or avoid payouts.
Tactics Trucking Insurance Companies Use
Quick Lowball Settlement Offers
Insurers may offer you a small settlement immediately after your accident—before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Once accepted, you usually waive your right to seek more money later.
Requesting a Recorded Statement
They’ll ask for a recorded statement “just to get your side of the story.” But their real goal is to use your words against you later. Even innocent comments can be twisted to suggest you were at fault or not seriously injured.
Delaying Communication
By stalling investigations, delaying responses, or changing adjusters, insurers try to frustrate victims into accepting less money or dropping their claim altogether.
Blaming the Victim
Insurance companies often try to pin partial or full blame on the injured party. In Tennessee, even slight fault can reduce your settlement under the state’s modified comparative fault rule.
Disputing Medical Treatment
They may argue that your injuries are unrelated to the crash or that your treatment was unnecessary or excessive—especially if you didn’t seek immediate care.
What to Do When Dealing With a Trucking Insurance Company
1. Do Not Give a Recorded Statement
Politely decline and refer them to your attorney. Anything you say can be used against you.
2. Don’t Accept the First Settlement Offer
Initial offers are almost always far lower than what your claim is truly worth. Insurers hope you’ll take the quick cash and go away.
3. Get Medical Care Right Away
Delays in treatment can weaken your case. Follow all medical advice, attend all appointments, and keep a record of your symptoms and expenses.
4. Avoid Posting on Social Media
Insurers may monitor your public profiles and use posts to argue that you’re not as injured as you claim.
5. Hire an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney
When you work with Tennessee Accident Law, you’re no longer dealing with the insurer on your own—we step in and fight back with evidence, experts, and experience.
How to Document Your Accident and Interactions with the Insurance Company
Proper documentation is essential when dealing with trucking insurance companies. Keeping detailed records can strengthen your case and protect your rights throughout the claims process.
Keep a Detailed Accident Journal
Write down everything you remember about the accident as soon as possible. Include dates, times, locations, weather conditions, and descriptions of how the crash occurred. Record any conversations with witnesses, first responders, or the trucking company.
Save All Correspondence
Keep copies of every letter, email, and message you receive from the insurance company or related parties. Also, document any phone calls by noting the date, time, who you spoke with, and a summary of the conversation.
Collect Evidence at the Scene
If you are able, take photographs or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. If witnesses offer their contact information, record their names and phone numbers.
Preserve Medical Records and Bills
Maintain organized records of all medical visits, treatments, prescriptions, therapy sessions, and expenses related to your injuries. These documents provide vital proof of the impact the accident has had on your life.
Track Lost Income and Expenses
Keep detailed records of time missed from work and any financial losses incurred due to the accident. This includes transportation costs for medical appointments or other accident-related expenses.
By thoroughly documenting the accident and your interactions, you help your attorney build a stronger case and counteract common insurance company tactics aimed at minimizing your claim.
What an Experienced Lawyer Can Do for You
At Tennessee Accident Law, we level the playing field. Here’s how:
- Preserve Key Evidence: We move fast to secure black box data, driver logs, camera footage, and more.
- Build a Medical Record: We work with your doctors to document your injuries, prognosis, and long-term care needs.
- Negotiate With Power: We know the tactics insurers use and how to counter them—aggressively and strategically.
- Take Them to Court if Necessary: If the insurer refuses a fair offer, we’re ready to go to trial and win.
Our goal is to ensure you don’t leave money on the table—because what the insurance company offers is rarely what you’re truly owed.
Types of Damages We Help You Recover
- Medical expenses (past, current, future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Long-term rehabilitation
- Wrongful death damages (if applicable)
Real-World Example: Insurance Company Denied Liability
One of our clients was hit by a semi-truck in downtown Nashville. The trucking company’s insurer initially denied responsibility, claiming our client “cut off” the truck. Our investigation showed the truck ran a red light and was speeding through a construction zone. After gathering video footage and eyewitness accounts, we forced the insurer to settle for six times the original offer.
Get the Help You Deserve
You don’t have to face corporate insurance giants alone. At Tennessee Accident Law, we protect victims and families across the state—from Memphis to Knoxville, Nashville to Chattanooga.
Let us handle the insurance company while you focus on healing. Start by completing our free case evaluation form, or call us now at 615-212-9866 to speak with an experienced Tennessee truck accident attorney.
Sources
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
Provides guidelines and statistics on commercial trucking safety and insurance requirements.
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov
National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
Offers information about how insurance companies operate, including consumer protection resources.
https://content.naic.org
Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance
Regulates insurance companies in Tennessee and provides consumer complaint resources.
https://www.tn.gov/commerce