Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyer

Inside the Trucking Company Playbook

After a serious truck accident, it is important to understand that you are not just dealing with a driver — you are dealing with a company trained to protect itself. Commercial carriers and their insurers often activate response teams immediately after a crash. Their goal is simple: reduce financial exposure.

One common tactic is shifting blame onto the injured driver, arguing that you stopped suddenly, changed lanes improperly, or were partially responsible for the collision. In other cases, companies attempt to distance themselves from liability by claiming the driver was an “independent contractor,” not an employee. They may also suggest a sudden mechanical failure occurred — even when maintenance records tell a different story.

Another strategy involves quick settlement offers. Shortly after the crash, before the full extent of injuries is known, insurers may present what seems like a substantial payment. In reality, these early offers are often far below the true value of a claim, particularly in cases involving long-term medical care, lost earning capacity, or permanent disability.

Trucking companies may also challenge the severity of your injuries, dispute the need for future treatment, or argue that pre-existing conditions are to blame. These tactics are designed to delay, minimize, and discourage.

At DJC Law, we anticipate these strategies. We move quickly to preserve evidence, analyze company records, and build a case that holds every responsible party accountable. When you understand the playbook, you are in a far stronger position to fight back.