After a truck accident, you may be approached by a representative of the trucking company or their insurance company. They may offer you what seems like a good amount of money to settle your claim. While it can be tempting to just accept the offer, you should never sign any documents without first consulting with a lawyer. Both trucking and insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Insurance companies don’t make money by paying out the full value of a claim. Instead, they make millions -- or even billions -- of dollars each year by denying or minimizing legitimate claims. The insurance adjuster isn’t obligated to act in your best interests. They’re working for their employer, with the goal of making your case go away for the least amount of money. While the settlement offer may seem fair, accepting it means giving up important rights, like the ability to file a lawsuit. In contrast, a truck accident lawyer is required to act in the best interests of their client. They will investigate the circumstances of the truck crash, research the law that applies to your case, and file a claim against any and all parties who may be financially responsible for your losses in order to get you the highest possible settlement or award for your claim. In fact, research shows that injury victims who are represented by an attorney get settlements that are as much as 40% higher as compared to people who go it alone. Most personal injury law firms offer a free initial consultation, where they will listen to your story and advise you of your legal options and rights. These cases are often handled on a contingency fee basis, which means that you pay nothing upfront and will only pay attorney’s fees if your lawyer recovers money for you. Even if you believe that a trucking company’s offer is fair, it makes sense to protect yourself by consulting with a truck accident lawyer before agreeing to anything or signing any paperwork.