How Thorough Investigation Turned a Denied Trucking Claim Into a Potential Punitive Damages Case

At The Law Office of Don Edwards, LLC, we believe no claim should be dismissed without a complete and thorough investigation. In one recent case, our persistence transformed a flat-out denial from an insurance company into a full acceptance of liability—with potential punitive damages on the table.

The Case: A Tractor-Trailer Collision on the Highway

Our clients were seriously injured when a tractor-trailer struck their vehicle on the highway. Given the size and weight of commercial trucks, the force of the collision left them facing significant injuries, medical bills, and emotional trauma.

When we reached out to the trucking company’s insurance carrier, the response was immediate—and disappointing. They claimed there was no coverage for the accident because the trucking policy had supposedly expired before the date of the wreck.

For many people, a denial like this might seem like the end of the road. But for us, it was just the beginning.

Digging Deeper: Going Straight to the Source

Instead of accepting the insurer’s word, our team contacted the at-fault driver directly. Through careful communication and follow-up, the driver provided us with critical documentation:

• Pay logs showing he was working on the day of the crash

• Mileage reports confirming he was driving routes for the trucking company at the time

These records proved that the driver was indeed operating under the company’s authority and insurance coverage during the wreck.

The Result: Claim Accepted & Potential Punitive Damages

Armed with this evidence, we presented our findings to the insurance company. Faced with undeniable proof, they overturned their denial and accepted coverage for the accident.

What’s more, their initial refusal to investigate thoroughly has opened the door for potential punitive damages—meant to penalize bad faith conduct and deter similar behavior in the future.

Why This Matters for Accident Victims

This case is a reminder that an insurance company’s first answer isn’t always the final word. Trucking accidents often involve multiple layers of coverage and complex corporate relationships. Without aggressive investigation, injured victims risk walking away from money they’re legally entitled to recover.

At The Law Office of Don Edwards, LLC, we go beyond the surface—tracking down documents, interviewing key witnesses, and holding insurers accountable when they try to avoid responsibility.

The Bottom Line

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, never assume a denial means your case is over. Our team has the experience and persistence to uncover coverage others overlook—and to fight for every dollar you deserve.

Contact us today to learn how we can help protect your rights after a commercial trucking accident.