Talking to insurance after a truck accident feels like the helpful, natural thing to do — but it can quietly work against you. That’s the situation Jim Keller breaks down in today’s Keller Edge Legal Minute.
Jim Keller’s Legal Minute: Other Driver
Talking to Insurance After a Truck Accident: Why It Feels Different This Time
Picture this: you’re in an accident involving a semi-truck, and shortly after, the trucking company’s insurance adjuster calls wanting to ask you some questions. As Jim points out, it’s human nature to want to be helpful and talk to someone who’s asking. However, you have to understand that the insurance company isn’t always on your side — and your interests may not align with theirs, even when it’s your own insurer calling.
You’re Not Required to Give a Statement Right Away
Jim’s advice is simple: pause, and tell the insurance company you’ll get back to them. Then talk to a lawyer first. In fact, if the request comes from the other driver’s insurer rather than your own, you generally have no legal obligation to provide a recorded statement at all.
Why the Trucking Company’s Insurer Isn’t on Your Side
Adjusters often catch people in a vulnerable moment — right after something traumatic, when you might not be thinking as clearly as usual. That’s exactly why it’s important to remember they’re not on your side. An attorney, on the other hand, is on your side and will fight for you. For more on this, see what to know before talking to the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Truck Accidents Often Involve More Than One Insurance Company
Semi-truck crashes are rarely as simple as a two-car accident. Because the driver, the trucking company, and sometimes even cargo loaders or maintenance contractors can all bear responsibility, each of these parties may carry its own insurance policy — which is exactly why one quick phone call rarely tells the whole story.
Talk to a Keller & Keller Attorney Today
So the next time you’re faced with talking to insurance after a truck accident, remember Jim’s advice: pause first, and call a lawyer before you say anything.
Reach Jim and the Keller & Keller team at 1-800-2KELLER and ask for Jim directly, or visit www.2keller.com to get started.
