Semi clipped me on the interstate and dragged my car — is the insurance offer a joke?

I got hit by a delivery truck two years ago and the early offer they threw at me was embarrassingly low. Like, they make the first offer hoping you're scared or broke and just take it. I didn't, and I'm glad I didn't. Keep documenting everything — every appointment, every prescription, every day you had to change your plans because of this.

I used to work claims and I'll tell you exactly what's happening: they got out ahead of you with a quick offer before you knew the full extent of your injuries. That's textbook. Commercial trucking claims are handled differently internally — there's way more reserve money set aside because the liability exposure is higher. That opening number is almost never close to what they've actually reserved for your file. Don't take it.

A few things worth knowing — trucking companies are regulated by federal safety rules, and when a crash happens, there are data recorders, driver logs, and inspection records that can all become evidence. That stuff can disappear if it's not formally preserved early. If you're even thinking about talking to an attorney, sooner is better than later for that reason alone. Not telling you what to do, just flagging it.

Please don't let the shoulder injury drag on without pushing for that MRI if PT isn't cutting it. Rotator cuff and labrum issues don't always show on basic imaging and they can get way worse if you're doing PT on an injury that actually needs surgical evaluation. Your instinct to keep following up is the right one. Document every symptom even if it feels minor.

Not legal advice, but commercial trucking cases are genuinely different from typical car accidents — higher policy limits, federal regulations, potentially multiple liable parties (driver, carrier, even the cargo loader sometimes). The anxiety and driving avoidance you're describing also has real value as a claim component; don't minimize it when talking to anyone. Strongly suggest at least a free consult before responding to that offer.

The driving anxiety piece really hit me. That's not something that just goes away on its own for a lot of people and it deserves to be taken seriously — both for your own wellbeing and as part of what you've been put through. I really hope you have someone in your corner helping you fight this.

You've got two ER visits, active PT, a shoulder that might need an MRI, missed work, and documented anxiety. That is not a quick-settlement situation. Do not sign anything. Get a PI attorney on the phone this week — most do free consults and work on contingency so it costs you nothing upfront. The trucking company's speed in offering you something should tell you everything about how exposed they know they are.