Soon after a truck accident in NYC, you may hear from the other driver’s insurance adjuster, often before you’ve had a chance to process what happened. They may sound helpful, but their job is to save the company money, not protect your recovery.
At Douglas & London, our NYC truck accident lawyers have seen how quickly accident victims can be taken advantage of when they don’t know their rights. Here are five essential tips for dealing with an insurance adjuster after a truck crash, so you don’t settle for far less than you deserve.
1. Be Polite, But Say as Little as Possible
After a serious accident, it’s natural to want to explain what happened, but less is more when speaking to an insurance adjuster. Stay calm and polite, but avoid going into detail about the crash, your injuries, or your recovery.
Don’t:
- Admit fault or speculate about who caused the crash
- Guess about the severity of your injuries
- Say you’re feeling better if you haven’t been fully evaluated
An adjuster can use even an apology or uncertain answer against you. If asked for a statement, you can say, “I’m not comfortable making a statement right now. I’ll have my attorney contact you.”
2. Never Agree to a Recorded Statement Without Legal Advice
Insurance adjusters may pressure you to give a recorded statement, claiming it’s routine or required. However, you are not legally obligated to provide one.
Recorded statements are often used to twist your words and catch inconsistencies, especially before you fully understand your injuries or the crash details. These recordings can be taken out of context and used to dispute your version of events or the extent of your injuries later.
Protect yourself by declining a recorded statement and referring the adjuster to your legal representation.
3. Document Every Interaction
If you speak with the insurance adjuster (briefly and without detail), document every call or conversation, including:
- The date and time of the call
- The full name of the adjuster
- The insurance company they represent
- A summary of what was discussed
A clear paper trail will help your lawyer track the adjuster’s tactics, confirm misrepresentations, and hold them accountable if needed. If anything is promised over the phone, ask for it in writing.
4. Don’t Accept the First Settlement Offer
Quick settlement offers are a common insurance tactic, especially in high-stakes truck accidents, where injuries and damages tend to be severe. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), large truck crashes resulted in 117,000 injury crashes in 2021 alone, with many victims facing long-term or permanent consequences.
Adjusters know you may be overwhelmed, stressed, and worried about medical bills or lost wages. That’s exactly when they offer a lowball payout, hoping you accept before speaking with an attorney.
Accepting a fast payout is tempting, but that’s exactly what the insurance company wants. These early offers rarely account for the full scope of your injuries, long-term medical costs, future lost earnings, or emotional distress.
Settlements are final. If your condition deteriorates after signing, you won’t be able to reopen your claim.
Always have an experienced NYC truck accident lawyer review any offer before signing anything.
5. Let a Lawyer Handle All Communication With the Insurance Company
The best way to protect your rights after a truck accident is to avoid dealing with the adjuster and let your lawyer do the work.
Truck accident claims often involve multiple liable parties (like the driver, trucking company, and cargo loaders), large commercial policies, and aggressive defense teams.
A skilled attorney can:
- Communicate directly with the adjusters
- Manage evidence and documentation
- Accurately calculate your damages
- Push back on unfair settlement tactics
- Take your case to trial if necessary
Having a legal professional on your side sends a clear message: You know your rights and will not settle for less.
Get Help From Experienced NYC Truck Accident Lawyers
At Douglas & London, we’ve helped countless truck accident victims across New York City recover full and fair compensation, often in the face of insurance companies determined to pay as little as possible.
Let us handle the paperwork, calls, and negotiations so you can focus on your recovery. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation to learn how we can protect your future after a crash.