Navigating an Accident Claim with a Trucking Company Lacking Insurance
Overview:
Recently, I faced a challenging situation on the highway involving a trucking company. A minor accident occurred when their driver recklessly merged into my vehicle over double solid lines, resulting in an estimated $11,000 in damages. What followed has been a winding path filled with confusion and uncertainty surrounding insurance coverage.
The Incident
After the accident, I obtained the driver’s insurance information and took a photo for reference. Upon reaching out to the insurance provider, I was met with the shocking revelation that their policy had lapsed two months prior to the incident. This left me questioning the accountability of the trucking company and the driver’s immediate management.
In pursuit of answers, I contacted the trucking company’s manager, who promised to call me back. However, he has conveniently been evasive ever since. A quick search on the DOT website revealed that the only active insurance registered under their name is with Geico Marine, which typically covers non-driving situations. This raises suspicions that they may be attempting to circumvent the minimum insurance requirements expected of commercial trucking operators.
To add to the complexity, the trucking company filed their MCS-150, a necessary document regarding company operations, just three days after the accident—prompting further questions about their intentions.
Seeking Guidance
At this juncture, I find myself pondering several key issues:
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What is the trucking company’s long-term strategy? Is their hope that I will simply let this issue slide as time passes?
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What steps should I take next? Should I consult a lawyer, send a certified demand letter for damages, or consider filing a lawsuit immediately?
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My father-in-law’s coverage situation. He has full insurance but was operating as an Uber driver during the accident. He hasn’t informed his insurer about driving for Uber, though I have reason to believe he has Uber-specific insurance. Yet, I remain hesitant to file a claim with our provider for fear they could deny it based on his driving status at the time of the incident.
Moving Forward
Amidst these uncertainties, I wonder if there could be hidden insurance policies that the trucking company hasn’t disclosed. Should I continue my attempts to communicate with them, or would it be more prudent to involve my own insurance despite the potential complications?
The situation is undoubtedly complicated, but taking informed steps is essential. Whether it involves legal action or leveraging available resources
