Seeking Advice After an Accident
I was recently involved in a motor vehicle accident where I collided with two vehicles at an intersection. I reside in an “at-fault” state, and both drivers claimed to the officer that I ran a red light. As a result, I received a citation for running the red light, which I plan to contest in court. To make matters worse, I presented my proof of insurance to the officer, only to discover later that it was expired.
The day after the incident, I contacted State Farm, only to learn that my insurance policy had been canceled more than six months ago due to non-payment. I was devastated, especially since I had canceled the credit card that was set up for automatic payments. As expected, they denied my claim.
On a positive note, I do have insurance through Progressive for a secondary car that I rarely drive, which includes full liability coverage.
My questions are: Will Progressive cover the accident costs, even though the truck involved was not on their policy? Will the other insurance companies pursue Progressive for payment? Would Progressive prefer to cover the costs upfront rather than engage in litigation? Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
I’m not a legal expert, but I can offer some general guidance on your situation.
Liability Coverage: Generally, liability insurance only covers accidents that happen while driving a vehicle that’s specifically listed on the policy. Since the accident involved a different vehicle (the truck), Progressive may not cover the costs unless that vehicle is included in your policy.
Other Insurance Companies: If the truck is not covered by Progressive and you were at fault, it’s likely that the other drivers’ insurance companies will pursue a claim against you personally since you didn’t have valid insurance coverage at the time of the accident. This could lead to you being responsible for damages out of pocket.
Progressive’s Role: Progressive may not cover the accident at all if the vehicle isn’t insured under their policy. If they do cover any costs, it could depend on the specific terms and conditions of your policy. They may handle it by seeking reimbursement from you after paying out the claims, especially since you’re considered at fault.
Contesting the Citation: If you believe you did not run the red light, contesting the citation may help your case. Gathering evidence such as photos, witness statements, or dashcam footage can strengthen your argument.
Consult Legal Advice: Given the complexities of your case and the potential financial liabilities, it would be wise to seek legal counsel. A lawyer who specializes in traffic accidents and insurance issues may provide the best guidance tailored to your situation.
In summary, it’s essential to check the specific details of both your policies and consider consulting with a lawyer to explore your options.