Understanding the Truck Accident Claim Process

If you’ve been injured by a truck driver’s negligence, the stakes are high. The sheer impact generated by accidents involving machines of this size ensures that they are exceptionally dangerous and that related losses are high. If this is the difficult situation you find yourself in, having a better grasp of the truck accident claims process and working closely with a dedicated Chicago truck accident attorney is to your distinct advantage.  

The Path Forward

To begin, you will file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance provider, which generally means the trucking company’s insurance carrier. From here, your attorney will present the insurance company with your strongest claim, which will be predicated on evidence like the following:

• Physical evidence gathered at the scene of the truck accident
• The eyewitness testimony of bystanders and vehicle occupants
• Any photos, videos, or dash cam footage taken during or directly following the accident
• Your account of the accident
• The testimony of professionals with expertise in the circumstances of your accident
• Accident recreation models that flesh out the circumstances involved
• Any evidence that speaks to the truck driver’s negligence, such as impairment, excess speed, distraction, or exhaustion
• Evidence of the physical, financial, and emotional losses you’ve experienced 
• The police report

Both sides will negotiate back and forth in an attempt to reach a fair resolution that is mutually acceptable. 

Important Points to Keep in Mind

There are several important points to keep in mind as you move forward with your claim:

• Seeking the immediate medical attention that you need and carefully following your doctor’s advice and instructions are critical to your recovery and to your claim.
• The insurance company is motivated by profits and is looking for a reason to limit your compensation, which is all the motivation you should need to refrain from providing them with a statement and to skip social media while your claim is pending. 
• Leave negotiations and the insurance company in general in the very capable hands of your attorney. 
• Keep in mind that there is a two-year statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit against the insurance company, which is relatively brief in relation to the complexity of these cases. 

When Negotiations Break Down

If the insurance company refuses to land on a reasonable settlement offer, your attorney will likely advise you to file a lawsuit against it, which will kick off the legal process. In the end, however, most truck accident claims are settled out of court, and the fact of filing a lawsuit may bring the insurance company back to the negotiating table. Whatever happens, however, your truck accident attorney will be well prepared to keep your claim moving effectively and efficiently forward. 

Speak with an Experienced Chicago Truck Accident Attorney Today

The accomplished Chicago truck accident attorneys at Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd. appreciate the gravity of your situation and will leave no stone unturned in their zealous pursuit of its favorable resolution. For more information, please contact us today.