How Do Insurance Companies Value Truck Accident Claims in New Mexico?
At the Law Office of Samuel I. Kane P.A., our truck accident lawyers in New Mexico have successfully represented hundreds of our Las Cruces and Dona Ana County residents after they have been hurt in a collision with a semi-truck or big rig.
We explain to each of our clients just how complex truck accidents are, so they know exactly what it takes to pursue the negligent truck driver, trucking company, truck manufacturer, or third-party who is responsible for their injuries.
We believe that the more our clients know about the truck accident injury claim process (will link to the blog one of two), the better equipped they will be to make decisions about their recovery and their financial future.
One major question we receive is, “How do insurance companies value truck accident claims in New Mexico?” The truth is the answer depends on your unique case, but several guidelines are common among the truck accident claims process.
First: We must determine who is responsible for your Las Cruces truck accident.
Truck accidents are very different from passenger vehicle collisions because several possible parties may be held accountable for the value of your claim.
They include the:
- Truck driver
- Trucking company
- Maintenance company
- Manufacturing company
- Third-party, including cargo loaders or other warehouse staff
The importance of determining who is liable for your truck accident injuries is that each party’s insurance company will have different requirements for assessing the value of your claim — and each may have different liability coverage, limiting the dollar amount we can pursue, which will affect the overall value of your case.
Second: Systems Analysis vs. Human Analysis
Truck accident insurance companies often use computer software to determine the value of your injury claim, which removes the human element from your injury evaluation.
Once the insurance adjuster inputs the data related to your medical needs, property damage, and overall losses into the system, the software will return a range of settlement options, of which they will choose the lowest possible figure to present an offer for your claim.
All accident with injury victims must know that insurance companies focus solely on their bottom line, which means they will do everything they can to deny your claim completely, or only accept partial blame for their policyholder’s involvement in the crash.
This is not fair. But it is the reality of their process. That is why it is so important to retain experienced legal representation from a skilled Las Cruces truck accident attorney before filing a claim.
Our truck accident attorneys will provide the human analysis necessary to establish the full value of your claim before presenting it to the insurance company, which includes:
- Current, ongoing, and future medical requirements
- Current and future lost wages
- Loss of future earning potential
- Temporary disability
- Permanent injuries
- Property damages
- Pain and suffering
We will outline your complete financial expenses, and your ongoing needs, so you are not left paying for your accident injuries out of pocket.
Third: Beware of the apologetic insurance adjuster who WILL devalue your claim.
Insurance companies rely on a proven resource to add value to their services, and that is to provide an empathetic and apologetic voice that will assure you they “very sorry” this happened, and that they care about your wellbeing.
The truth is they don’t care. But they know – through endless research – that being kind and caring gives injury victims the satisfaction that they are being listened to.
Studies show that when an injured person believes they have received a sincere apology, they are more likely to settle the claim for less than they deserve.
Also, with single question like, “How are you feeling?” the insurance adjuster can devalue your claim, as they catch you off guard with their compassion, and you answer, “I’m fine.” Rest assured they are recording your call and will use it against you later.
Do not let a kind-sounding voice on the other end of the phone devalue your claim.
Let the Law Office of Samuel I. Kane P.A. truck accident lawyers in Las Cruces take the lead in your case by calling 575-222-0472 today to schedule a free consultation. Our law firm focuses on truck accidents because we have the experience necessary to produce results for our clients, and we can pursue the same for your case.
