How Great West Casualty Handles Truck Accident Claims

Great West Casualty Company specializes in providing insurance coverage to the trucking industry. With policies designed to protect trucking companies and their drivers, Great West is a prominent player in the commercial vehicle insurance market. However, if you’ve been injured in an accident with a truck insured by Great West Casualty, recovering fair compensation can be challenging.

At Zinda Law Group, we help individuals injured in trucking accidents navigate the complexities of dealing with large insurance companies. This guide explains how Great West handles claims, the challenges you may face, and how you can protect your rights.

What Is Great West Casualty Company?

Great West Casualty Company offers insurance specifically tailored to the trucking industry, including:

• Primary Liability Insurance: Covers bodily injury and property damage caused by the insured truck.
• Physical Damage Coverage: Covers repairs or replacement of the insured vehicle.
• Non-Trucking Liability Insurance: Covers damages while the truck is not under dispatch.
• Cargo Insurance: Protects the value of the goods being transported.

Great West works to protect its clients from liability, which can make it difficult for accident victims to recover the full compensation they deserve.

How Does Great West Casualty Handle Truck Accident Claims?

Filing a claim against Great West Casualty involves several steps:

1. Reporting the Accident

After a trucking accident, the truck driver or trucking company insured by Great West must report the incident. You, as the injured party, may also contact Great West to initiate your claim.

2. Investigation

Once the claim is filed, Great West will assign a claims adjuster to investigate the accident. The adjuster will:

• Review the police report and accident scene photos.
• Collect statements from the truck driver and witnesses.
• Analyze black box data, which can reveal the truck’s speed, braking, and other behaviors before the crash.
• Evaluate maintenance and driver logs for potential violations.

3. Determining Fault

The adjuster will assess who was responsible for the accident. Great West may argue that you were partially or fully at fault to reduce their liability under comparative negligence laws.

4. Settlement Offer

After reviewing the evidence, Great West will present a settlement offer. Initial offers are often lower than what you may be entitled to, as insurers aim to minimize payouts.

5. Negotiation or Litigation

If the initial settlement offer is insufficient, your attorney can negotiate for a better offer or file a lawsuit to pursue fair compensation.

Challenges When Negotiating with Great West Casualty

1. Low Settlement Offers

Great West Casualty may offer a settlement that doesn’t fully account for your medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

2. Comparative Negligence Arguments

They may claim you were partially at fault, which can reduce your compensation under comparative negligence laws.

3. Prolonged Negotiations

Insurance companies often delay settlements to pressure victims into accepting lower offers.

4. Complex Policy Terms

Great West’s specialized trucking insurance policies can be difficult to navigate without legal expertise.

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident Involving Great West Casualty

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident, taking the following steps can protect your claim:

1. Call 911

• Report the accident and request medical assistance if needed.
• Ensure that a police report is filed, as it will serve as critical evidence.

2. Document the Scene

• Take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries.
• Collect contact information from the truck driver, witnesses, and responding officers.

3. Seek Medical Attention

• Even minor injuries should be evaluated by a medical professional to rule out hidden conditions.
• Keep all medical records and receipts.

4. Avoid Speaking with Adjusters

• Refrain from giving recorded statements or signing documents provided by Great West adjusters without consulting an attorney.

5. Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer

An experienced attorney can help you navigate the claims process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

What Damages Can You Recover?

In a truck accident claim involving Great West Casualty, you may be entitled to recover the following types of damages:

1. Economic Damages

• Medical expenses, including future treatment costs.
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity.
• Vehicle repair or replacement costs.

2. Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering.
• Emotional distress.
• Loss of enjoyment of life.

3. Punitive Damages

In cases involving gross negligence, such as reckless driving or serious regulatory violations, punitive damages may also be available.

How an Attorney Can Help You Deal with Great West Casualty

Dealing with a specialized trucking insurance company like Great West can be intimidating, especially when you’re recovering from injuries. Here’s how an attorney can assist:

1. Conduct a Comprehensive Investigation

Your lawyer will gather critical evidence, such as:

• Police reports and witness statements.
• Black box data and driver logs.
• Maintenance records for the truck involved.

2. Manage Communication with Adjusters

An attorney will handle all interactions with Great West’s adjusters to ensure you don’t make statements that could harm your claim.

3. Negotiate a Fair Settlement

Experienced attorneys understand the tactics insurers use to minimize payouts and will fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

4. File a Lawsuit if Necessary

If Great West refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney can take the case to court to pursue justice on your behalf.

FAQs About Great West Casualty Truck Accident Claims

1. How Long Does It Take to Settle a Claim?

The timeline depends on the complexity of your case. While straightforward claims may settle within a few months, more complicated cases involving serious injuries or disputed liability can take over a year.

2. Can I Sue Great West Casualty Directly?

Under Texas law, you cannot sue the insurance company directly. Instead, you’ll file a claim against the trucking company or driver they insure. A subsequent lawsuit will also be filed against the trucking company and the driver they insure.

3. What If I’m Partially at Fault?

Under Texas’s comparative negligence rule, you can still recover damages as long as you are less than 51% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Call Zinda Law Group Today

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident involving Great West Casualty, don’t face the claims process alone. Call Zinda Law Group at (800) 863-5312 for a free consultation. Let us help you fight for the compensation you deserve.