When you are involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer, you might assume that you will be taken care of by the insurance provider. After all, it is the job of a commercial insurance provider to cover the tractor-trailer in the event of an accident. However, there are several reasons why you might not be given the settlement offer you deserve.

How Disputes Arise During Settlement Negotiations

While many insurance providers will try to offer low settlements as a way to save money, the insurance provider you are negotiating with might also make a low settlement offer because they simply believe your claim is not worth very much. Every accident is unique and the insurance provider might simply not have enough information to properly value your claim.

After the accident, you will need to prove that you were injured, which can be determined through your medical bills. Because of the size of a commercial truck, injuries are more likely than not with these types of accidents and the disagreement with the insurance provider might be more likely over how injured you are and over whether specific injuries are a result of your accident.

However, if you have an injury that is not the result of your accident, but your injury becomes worse as a result of the accident, you are entitled to compensation for it under the "eggshell doctrine." As long as you are able to prove that the accident exacerbated your injuries, the insurance provider should accept this fact as part of your settlement offer.

The Insurance Provider Might Deliberately Give You a Lowball Offer

Unfortunately, you can never assume that a commercial vehicle insurance provider will be fair. They will likely make a settlement offer that is much lower than what your settlement is worth or might try to deny your claim altogether. For this reason, it's a good idea to involve a tractor-trailer accident lawyer in your case as soon as possible.

A commercial truck accident case requires close attention to detail and legal knowledge. You will also be able to maximize your settlement if you factor in all of the damages you have suffered as a result of the accident including medical bills, future medical expenses, lost wages, future lost earning potential, the cost of making your home more accessible, the cost of assistive devices, and pain and suffering. However, if the insurance provider still refuses to settle, you may be forced to go to trial to receive compensation.

For more information, contact a tractor-trailer accident lawyer near you.