How Insurance Companies Handle Truck Accident Claims

Insurance companies start evaluating truck accident claims as soon as a crash is reported, well before any settlement offer is discussed. From the moment the accident is reported, insurers act swiftly to manage risk, limit their exposure, and influence the narrative surrounding the incident and the severity of any injuries involved. One often overlooked risk in today's truck accident cases is the impact of social media.

At Webster Vicknair MacLeod, our attorneys have over 120 years of combined experience dealing with high-stakes 18-wheeler and commercial truck accident cases throughout Texas and nationwide. We are knowledgeable about the laws and regulations governing trucking companies, as well as the internal strategies insurers use when evaluating liability and damages.

In this blog, we will discuss some seemingly minor mistakes that can undermine an otherwise valid claim, the role social media plays in the claims process, and how partnering with us can strengthen your case.

How Insurance Companies Evaluate Truck Accident Claims

Truck accident claims are governed by a complex mix of state negligence law and federal trucking regulations enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Insurance carriers typically assess:

• The severity and duration of injuries
• Whether federal safety regulations were violated
• The availability of comparative fault arguments under Texas negligence laws
• The credibility and consistency of the injured party’s conduct

While accident reports and medical records remain important, insurers now routinely look beyond traditional documentation when evaluating claims.

Why Social Media Has Become a Key Focus for Insurers

Social media platforms provide insurers with publicly accessible information that can be used—fairly or unfairly—to dispute injury claims. Courts have consistently allowed relevant social media content to be discoverable when it relates to physical condition, activities, or claimed damages.

Texas courts, like many jurisdictions, permit discovery of social media content when it is reasonably calculated to lead to admissible evidence under the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure. Even posts made well after a collision can be used to argue that injuries were less severe than claimed or resolved more quickly than medical records suggest.

How Innocent Posts Can Undermine a Truck Accident Claim

Insurance companies and defense attorneys may monitor or request social media content to:

• Challenge pain and suffering claims
• Suggest physical capability inconsistent with alleged injuries
• Argue that medical treatment was unnecessary or excessive
• Attack credibility at deposition or trial

Federal courts have also recognized that social media content may be relevant to personal injury claims when it reflects daily activities or physical limitations (Social Media Discovery and Rule 26). What matters is not what you intended to communicate, but how a post can be interpreted when placed next to medical records and testimony.

Why Truck Accident Claims Face Heightened Scrutiny

Commercial trucking cases often involve:

• Catastrophic injuries
• Higher insurance policy limits
• Corporate defendants subject to federal regulation

Insurers are becoming increasingly proactive in identifying ways to mitigate their risk exposure. The FMCSA provides carriers and insurers with a regulatory framework to rely on, while social media activity can sometimes diminish the perceived human impact of truck accidents. This combination leaves truck accident claims particularly susceptible to challenges regarding their credibility.

What Injured Individuals Should Focus On After a Truck Accident

Rather than attempting to manage evidence or anticipate insurer strategies, injured individuals are best served by focusing on a few critical steps:

• Seek medical care promptly and follow treatment recommendations
• Report the accident so law enforcement can document the scene, as required under Texas law for injury or disabling damage
• Take photos if you are able, without putting yourself at risk
• Limit public commentary, including social media posts about the accident, injuries, or recovery

How Webster Vicknair MacLeod Protects Clients From Insurance Tactics

Truck accident insurers possess significant resources and extensive experience in defending claims. But injured individuals do not have to face that process alone.

At Webster Vicknair MacLeod, we anticipate how trucking insurers defend claims and take proactive steps to protect our clients from avoidable pitfalls—especially those involving online activity and credibility challenges.

Our team:

• Handles all insurer communications
• Preserves and develops evidence through formal legal channels
• Works with medical and technical experts to document injuries accurately
• Prepares cases for trial when insurers refuse to offer fair compensation

If you've been injured in a truck accident, getting early guidance can significantly impact your case. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation. We serve clients nationwide, and you won't incur any fees unless we successfully resolve your case.