Understanding a Trucking Company’s Insurance Scam: What You Need to Know
Dealing with a vehicle accident can be stressful, especially when the at-fault party appears to be avoiding responsibility through questionable insurance practices. Recently, I encountered such a situation involving a trucking company that may not have valid active insurance coverage at the time of an accident. Here’s a detailed rundown and some guidance on how to navigate this complex scenario.
The Incident
While driving on the highway, my vehicle was struck by a truck merging over double solid lines. The resulting damages are estimated at around $11,000. The trucker provided insurance details, and I captured a photo of their insurance card. However, upon investigation, it became evident that their insurance situation is not straightforward.
Insurance Concerns
When I contacted the insurance company listed, I was informed that the policy had been terminated two months prior to the accident date. Further inquiries with the trucking company’s manager were met with silence; he requested I call back when he’s in the office and has since avoided my attempts to reach him.
To verify their coverage, I checked the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) DOT records. Interestingly, their current active insurance policy is listed as a Geico Marine policy, which is typically intended for marine insurance rather than commercial trucking. Online analyses suggest that some trucking firms may use alternative policies, such as marine insurance, to circumvent the minimum insurance requirements mandated for commercial drivers, thereby operating without proper coverage.
The trucking company filed the necessary MCS-150 form just three days after the accident, which raises questions about their reporting motives and insurance compliance.
Legal and Next Steps
Given this information, I am contemplating the best course of action. Should I wait to see if the trucking company attempts to settle voluntarily, or is it advisable to consult legal counsel promptly? Initiating communication via certified mail demanding compensation might be prudent, along with considering formal legal action if necessary.
My father-in-law, the actual driver involved, has full personal coverage. However, he was driving for Uber at the time, and he hasn’t disclosed this to his insurance provider. There’s also the possibility that Uber’s insurance policy might be in effect during the incident. Nonetheless, I am cautious about filing a claim through our insurance, as there’s a risk they might deny or drop coverage due to the ride-sharing context.
Further Considerations
It’s worth investigating whether the trucking company holds alternative or undisclosed insurance policies. Persistent attempts to contact them could be beneficial
