The Role of Insurance Companies in Laredo TX Truck Accident Claims - Help for 18 Wheeler Injury Victims
A severe trucking accident in Laredo, TX can cause life-altering injuries, and insurance companies are typically the first source of compensation for damages. Hiring an experienced Texas lawyer to help you file your insurance claim protects your rights as an injured party while ensuring you receive fair compensation for your losses.
A Laredo 18 wheeler accident attorney at Carabin Shaw will help you hold liable parties accountable for your injuries and other damages. We offer our services on a contingency-fee-basis so that you can get excellent legal advice without upfront costs. Our law firm also offers an initial consultation for FREE so injured victims and their families can easily, and without obligation, evaluate their legal options. Call 800-862-1260 now.
How Insurance Companies Process Truck Accident Claims in TexasThe primary role of an insurance policy is to protect insured accident victims financially and people who may hold them liable for damages. The insurance company will investigate the 18-wheeler accident to determine:
- Fault
- Damages
- Coverage
After a victim reports an accident, the insurance company assigns an adjuster to the case. This person investigates the accident scene and collects evidence to determine fault and calculate damages. The adjuster then offers a settlement based on the Laredo truck accident insurance coverage available.
In Texas, the state minimum insurance requirements for passenger vehicles are $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident. Texas motor carrier regulations require at least $300,000 of truck insurance coverage depending on the type of freight it is hauling.
If you disagree with the settlement offer from the insurance company, you can present additional evidence of damages to the adjuster. You may also request an appraisal or file a complaint with the Texas Department of Insurance. If these options do not result in fair compensation, you and your South Texas truck accident lawyer may file a personal injury lawsuit.
Liable Parties in a Texas Big Rig AccidentAfter a trucking accident in Laredo, the affiliated insurance company will evaluate the coverage in a commercial insurance policy purchased by the owner of the truck, which is likely a trucking company. This is different from passenger vehicle wrecks, in which the driver is often the owner of the insured vehicle. Because of this difference, there are two possible liable parties in a Texas 18-wheeler accident lawsuit: the driver and the owner of the truck.
In Texas, the civil court may split a big rig accident personal injury claim into two phases. The first phase would be against the driver, and the second would be against the company owning the commercial vehicle. This prevents the false attribution of gross negligence by a driver onto the company, which limits prejudice by the judge or jury.
What to Do if Insurance Isn’t Enough for Your Injuries18 wheeler accident insurance claims should result in compensation that covers economic and noneconomic losses. This includes:
- Medical bills
- Repair costs
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
If the settlement presented by the commercial insurance company does not offer enough compensation to cover these damages, you should NOT accept the offer. If you haven’t hired a lawyer by this time, you should. Laredo TX truck accident attorneys can help you negotiate with the insurance company, seek compensation from your insurance company, or file a lawsuit.
Why You Need a Lawyer After an 18-Wheeler Accident Crash in LaredoIn a best-case scenario, an injured victim hires a lawyer as soon as possible after a truck accident. This allows the lawyer to collect better evidence, possibly at the accident scene. Good legal advice can also help you avoid common injury claim mistakes, such as:
- Admitting fault
- Failing to get medical care
- Not calling law enforcement
- Delaying the claims process
A trusted legal team will protect your rights as an accident victim. They’ll also maximize your compensation so you can receive a settlement or judgment that covers your comprehensive losses. Without an attorney, you may miss out on sufficient compensation to help you successfully move on with life after the accident.
Don't Delay; Contact Our Top-Rated Texas Attorneys at Carabin Shaw Today for a Free Case ReviewAt Carabin Shaw, our team will help you make the most out of your truck accident claim, whether that involves insurance only or a civil lawsuit. Read our client reviews to learn how we’ve helped other accident victims. Then call our toll-free number at 800-862-1260 for a free consultation. We have English- AND Spanish-speaking staff available to speak with you 24/7.
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