How & Why Insurance Companies Deny Trucking Accident Claims

Large trucks are a common site on Florida roadways. Used to transport goods and cargo throughout the Sunshine State, they can be found on the busiest interstates as well as back roads. When these trucks are involved in accidents, injured victims can find that the companies insuring these vehicles are unwilling to cooperate and pay valid claims. When this happens, it is best to seek counsel from an experienced Miami insurance claim lawyer at VPM. We can review your trucking accident claim and help you obtain the compensation you are owed.  

The exact definition of what is considered to be a “large truck” can vary, but it can include any truck that has a weight of more than 10,000 lbs. Common examples include:

• Dump trucks
• Semi-trucks
• Moving trucks
• 18-wheelers
• Construction trucks

A Miami Insurance Claim Lawyer Explains How Trucking Accident Claims Are Denied

Insurance companies are experienced in denying or underpaying claims involving large trucks. One of the ways they do this is by dragging out the claims process. Doing so, they hope, will take a financial toll on the injured victim and force them to agree to a settlement amount that is not as high as it should be. Another tactic insurance companies use is to make a lowball settlement offer very soon after the accident occurs. The hope is that the victim will feel pressured to accept the money as they are worried about bills and their own recovery. A Miami insurance claim lawyer at VPM can help determine when an offer of settlement should be accepted or denied. 

Another tactic used by insurance companies is to retain the services of a private investigator. They hire a private investigator in an attempt to collect evidence that disputes the victim’s claims of injury. Private investigators have been known to follow accident victims to see if they act in a way or say something that can be used to show they are not injured or they are not as injured as they claim. Insurance companies will also look at the social media accounts of the victim to obtain this information. 

Insurance companies and their representatives will also construe the fine print of an insurance policy to validate their denial of a claim or their refusal to pay a claim for what it is worth. This is one reason why you need the assistance of a Miami insurance claim lawyer during your claims process; to ensure that the policy is not misconstrued and you receive the full amount of compensation you deserve.

Finally, the insurance company may try to “pass the buck” and blame a different party for the accident and injuries sustained by the victim. By deflecting the cause of the accident, they may be able to avoid a hefty payout to the injured party. 

A Miami Insurance Claim Lawyer Explains Why Trucking Accident Claims Are Denied and Underpaid

Insurance companies are a business, and as such their bottom line is what matters most to them. By denying and underpaying claims, they are able to keep their bottom line healthy. This can be especially beneficial with trucking accident claims as they tend to have more catastrophic injuries and death as well as multiple victims. By admitting liability and covering the claims resulting from the accident, the insurance company typically must pay a large amount of money. When they deny a valid claim, it is best to speak with a Miami insurance claim lawyer.

Delaying payment is also a strategy used by insurance companies to encourage an injured party to enter into a settlement. When an injured party has medical bills on top of their normal bills and is not able to work, they may feel significant pressure to just take the amount that is offered by the insurance company, even if the amount offered is too low. By taking advantage of the injured party’s situation, the insurance company is able to save money and close a claim through settlement. 

By creating a situation where the injured person becomes frustrated with the claims process, the insurance company is also optimistic that the claimant will lose faith in the process, quit pursuing the claim, and move forward without collecting the money they are owed. Do not allow the insurance company to do this to you. If you have a valid claim, do not cease pursuing your case until you are paid in full the amount of compensation you are owed. 

Insurance companies often operate under the assumption that a claimant will accept their decision without question. Unfortunately, this does happen far too often as many claimants trust that the insurance company will act in good faith and pay them full value for their claim. When the insurance company acts in bad faith by failing to pay a claim or failing to pay a claim in full, a Miami insurance claim lawyer from VPM can help. 

Large Truck Accident Statistics

According to a 2020 report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the following are some statistics regarding accidents involving large trucks.

• 4,965 people were killed in accidents involving large trucks
• 71% of people that were killed in accidents involving large trucks were occupants of other vehicles
• 13% of people were killed in accidents involving large trucks were non-occupants (such as pedestrians or bike riders)
• 68% of people injured in accidents involving large trucks were occupants of other vehicles
• 2% of people injured in accidents involving large trucks were non-occupants
• 55% of fatal crashes involving large trucks occurred in rural areas
• 66% of fatal crashes involving large trucks occurred on weekdays
• 7.2% of fatal crashes in Florida involved large trucks

Speak With A Miami Insurance Claim Lawyer At VPM 

If the insurance company has denied your claim for injuries in an accident involving large trucks, you need the assistance of a Miami insurance claim lawyer at VPM. Our attorneys are experienced at helping policyholders that have had their claims improperly denied or underpaid by the insurance company. We may be reached via our contact page.  

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