Tips for Negotiating a Fair Settlement with Great West After an 18-Wheeler Accident

If you’ve been involved in an 18-wheeler accident and need to negotiate a claim with Great West Casualty Company, you must be prepared. As a major commercial trucking insurer, Great West handles thousands of truck accident claims each year and often tries to settle for the lowest possible amount.

Without the right strategy and legal support, you risk receiving less than what your claim is truly worth. This guide provides key tips for negotiating a fair settlement with Great West and explains how to protect your claim from common insurance tactics.

At Zinda Law Group, we help truck accident victims fight for the maximum compensation possible.

1. Understand the True Value of Your Claim

Before negotiating with Great West, you need to determine the actual value of your case by assessing:

• Medical Expenses – Hospital stays, surgeries, therapy, rehabilitation, and long-term treatment
• Lost Wages – Compensation for missed work and reduced future earning capacity
• Pain and Suffering – Emotional distress, PTSD, and long-term physical pain
• Property Damage – The cost to repair or replace your vehicle

Insurance companies like Great West often start with a lowball settlement offer, hoping you will accept quickly without negotiating. Never settle without consulting a truck accident attorney to ensure you receive a fair amount.

2. Don’t Accept the First Offer

Great West’s first settlement offer is almost always lower than your claim’s true value.

• Politely decline the first offer
• Request a written explanation of how they calculated the amount
• Submit a counteroffer backed by medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repair estimates

A strong counteroffer increases your chances of securing a fair settlement.

3. Collect Strong Evidence to Support Your Claim

The stronger your evidence, the harder it is for Great West to undervalue your claim. Key evidence includes:

• Police Reports – Official documentation of the accident
• Medical Records – Proof of injuries and treatment costs
• Witness Statements – Testimonies from people who saw the crash
• Accident Scene Photos & Videos – Documentation of vehicle damage and road conditions
• Black Box Data – Many 18-wheelers record speed, braking, and driver behavior

Tip: Commercial trucks must comply with FMCSA safety regulations. If Great West’s insured driver violated federal trucking laws, this can strengthen your claim.

4. Avoid Giving a Recorded Statement

Great West’s adjusters may ask for a recorded statement, but you are not legally required to provide one.

• Do not admit fault or minimize your injuries
• Request all communication in writing
• Let your attorney handle direct negotiations

Insurance companies use recorded statements to reduce claim payouts. Anything you say could be used against you.

5. Be Patient and Expect Delays

Great West may delay the settlement process to pressure you into accepting a lower offer. If negotiations take time, don’t rush.

• Stay patient and firm in your demands
• Continue medical treatment to document the full extent of your injuries
• Work with an attorney to ensure your claim isn’t unfairly delayed

If Great West refuses to offer fair compensation, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and take the case to court.

6. Work with an Experienced Great West Truck Accident Attorney

Negotiating with Great West after an 18-wheeler accident is challenging without legal representation. Their adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, but an attorney can:

• Determine the full value of your claim
• Handle all communication with Great West’s insurance adjusters
• Gather expert evidence to strengthen your case
• Negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation

At Zinda Law Group, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win.

Take Action Today

If you’re negotiating with Great West after an 18-wheeler accident, don’t settle for less than you deserve.

Call (800) 863-5312 today for a free consultation.