Legal and Insurance Concerns Following a Highway Accident with an Uninsured Trucking Company
Dealing with the aftermath of a vehicular incident can be complex, especially when the involved trucking company’s insurance status is questionable. Recently, I encountered a situation where a small collision occurred on the highway, caused by a truck merging improperly into my vehicle’s lane, resulting in approximately $11,000 in damages. Here’s a detailed overview of our experience and some guidance on potential next steps.
The Incident and Initial Response
During a routine commute, a truck driver merged recklessly, causing minor but costly damage to our vehicle. The driver initially provided their insurance information, and I took a photo of the policy for records. When contacted, the insurance company claimed that the policy had been canceled two months prior to the accident. Further investigation revealed that the trucking company’s main contact is unresponsive, and their attempt to reach their dispatch manager has been unsuccessful.
Investigating the Trucking Company’s Insurance Status
A quick check via the Department of Transportation (DOT) website shows that the company’s only active insurance policy is with Geico Marine. This raises suspicion, as marine insurance typically does not cover commercial trucking or road accidents. Industry insights suggest that some trucking firms might act this way—using alternative or non-standard insurance policies to meet the minimum legal requirements, while in reality, they lack appropriate coverage for their operations.
Additionally, the company filed an MCS-150 form just three days after the incident, which is part of ongoing federal safety and registration obligations but doesn’t necessarily verify active insurance coverage.
Legal and Practical Considerations
This situation prompts several questions:
- Is the trucking company intentionally delaying, perhaps hoping the situation will be forgotten or unresolved?
- Should you consider consulting a lawyer promptly to explore legal options?
- Would sending a certified letter demanding settlement be advisable?
- Is filing a lawsuit a prudent next step?
Insurance Caveats and Coverage Details
The at-fault driver’s vehicle is covered under full personal insurance. However, at the time of the accident, he was working for Uber and has not disclosed this to his insurer. There is some uncertainty regarding whether Uber’s insurance policy would cover this incident, particularly since the accident occurred during a ride. Caution is advised when filing claims with personal insurance, as they could potentially deny coverage or raise premiums if they discover the Uber employment.
Should You Pursue Alternative Avenues?
Given the trucking company’s suspicious insurance filings, it’s wise to remain cautious.
