How to Handle a Trucking Company Facing Insurance Issues After a Highway Accident
In today’s blog post, we’ll explore a recent scenario involving a highway collision with a trucking company that appears to lack valid insurance coverage. This case highlights important considerations for anyone dealing with similar incidents, especially when the responsible party’s insurance status is uncertain.
Background of the Incident
Recently, a minor collision occurred on the highway when a trucker merged abruptly over double solid lines into another vehicle, resulting in approximately $11,000 in damages. The driver involved provided their insurance details and was promptly photographed. Upon reaching out to the insurer, it was discovered that the policy had been terminated two months prior to the accident date.
Further investigation revealed that the trucker’s employer, the trucking company, has shown evasiveness. When contacted, the company’s manager requested a callback when in the office but has since avoided further communication.
Verifying Insurance Coverage
A check through the Department of Transportation (DOT) database uncovered that the trucking company’s only active insurance is with Geico Marine — a policy unrelated to commercial trucking. This raises suspicion, as some operators attempt to mask their lack of proper coverage by holding policies that do not meet legal requirements for trucking operations.
Additionally, the company filed their MCS-150 form with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) just three days after the incident, a move that could suggest attempts to maintain legal registration despite lacking proper insurance.
Legal and Financial Next Steps
Given these developments, questions naturally arise: Is the trucking company deliberately delaying procedures in hopes that the matter will be forgotten? Should immediate legal action be pursued? Is it prudent to send a certified letter demanding compensation or to consider filing a lawsuit right away?
One complicating factor is that the involved driver, who is a family member, had full coverage on his personal vehicle but was driving for Uber at the time of the accident. There is uncertainty whether Uber’s insurance applies here, especially since the driver has not disclosed their Uber driving status to their personal insurer. This uncertainty raises concerns about the viability of filing a claim with existing insurance, as it might result in denial or even policy cancellation, particularly if the claim is linked to rideshare activity.
Additional Considerations
Another pressing question is whether the trucking company might possess other, undisclosed insurance policies that aren’t publicly listed. It’s also worth contemplating whether to persist in attempting direct contact, or whether to involve legal professionals or insurance experts to proceed more strategically.
