Contacted by an Adjuster After a Truck Crash? Talk to a Lawyer First.

A trucking company’s insurance adjuster works for the trucking company’s insurer, not for you. Their job is to investigate the crash and value the claim for that insurer. If an adjuster has contacted you after a truck crash in Clayton County, you don’t have to face that call alone. T. Madden & Associates, P.C. is a Georgia personal injury law firm, in practice since 1999, that represents people hurt in truck crashes.

Who the Trucking Company’s Insurance Adjuster Works For

A trucking company’s insurance adjuster is a claims representative for the insurer. The adjuster looks into how the crash happened, collects facts, and works out what the insurer will pay. That work protects the insurer’s position, so the adjuster’s goals may not match yours.

This page is for people hurt in a crash involving a commercial truck, including:

• Drivers and passengers in cars hit by a truck
• Pedestrians and motorcyclists struck by a truck
• Families of someone killed in a truck crash

Truck cases often involve more than the driver. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-2-2, a person is liable for torts committed by a servant within the scope of that person’s business. So a truck claim may involve the trucking company, not only the driver.

T. Madden & Associates, P.C. represents injured people in truck accident claims. The firm is not an insurer, and it does not act as an adjuster.

What Lawyer Help Covers When an Adjuster Calls

Lawyer help covers the adjuster’s contact, the paperwork, the evidence, and any offer. These are the points where early mistakes often happen.

• Recorded statements. An adjuster may ask you for a recorded statement early. You can ask to speak with your lawyer first and understand what you’re agreeing to before you talk.
• Medical releases. Read any medical authorization before you sign it. A broad form can reach more records than you meant to share.
• Early offers. Early offers are often made before the full extent of your injuries and treatment is known. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-1.1, medical expenses are limited to the reasonable value of medically necessary care. Charges for care under a letter of protection are relevant and discoverable.
• Driver records. A motor carrier must keep driver duty status records for at least six months from the date of receipt (49 C.F.R. § 395.8). Requests for these records should not wait.
• Post-crash testing. After certain truck crashes, the employer must test the surviving driver for alcohol and controlled substances as soon as practicable (49 C.F.R. § 382.303). If an alcohol test is not given within eight hours, the employer must end its attempts and keep a record of why.
• Every responsible party. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33, the fault of everyone who contributed to the harm is considered, whether or not they were named in the suit. Fault of a nonparty is considered if the plaintiff entered into a settlement agreement with the nonparty or if a defending party gives notice not later than 120 days prior to the date of trial that the nonparty was wholly or partially at fault. The trier of fact must also consider the fault of all persons or entities who contributed to the alleged injury or damages, regardless of whether the person or entity was, or could have been, named as a party to the suit. That includes someone who was never named in the suit.

How the Process Works, Step by Step

The process starts with a free consultation. From there, the firm notifies the insurer, gathers records, and reviews your options with you. Early contact matters because records and vehicle data can be lost over time.

1. Free case evaluation. Call or use the online form. Give the crash date, the crash location, and the adjuster’s name and company.
2. Confidential intake. The firm reviews the crash facts, your injuries, your treatment, and any insurer contact so far.
3. Notice to the insurer. The firm tells the adjuster it represents you. It asks that further contact go through the firm.
4. Investigation. The firm requests records from the trucking company and the crash scene. It works to preserve evidence such as driver logs, dispatch records, dashcam footage, and vehicle data.
5. Damages review. The firm reviews medical bills, lost income, and future care needs. You decide whether to accept an offer, negotiate, or file a lawsuit.

Timelines vary with your medical course, the insurer’s response, and whether a lawsuit is filed.

About T. Madden & Associates, P.C.

Terance Madden leads the firm, which has been in practice since 1999. The firm’s lawyers include Terance Madden and Shenia Madden. Our team of support staff handles calls and document requests. The firm has offices in Jonesboro (Clayton County), Atlanta, Decatur, Macon, and Augusta.

The firm also handles car accident, motorcycle, e-bike, wrongful death, and catastrophic injury cases. Many of these overlap with truck crash claims.

The first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation to continue. The firm handles injury cases on a no fee unless we win basis, but you may still be responsible for court costs and case expenses.

Common Questions Before You Talk to the Adjuster

Call Now for a Free Case Evaluation in Clayton County

If an adjuster from a trucking company’s insurer has called or written, and you’re deciding whether to talk, sign, or accept money, you don’t have to make those choices alone. Call our Jonesboro office, or use the online form to start your free case evaluation. Phone lines are available 24/7.