Legal and Insurance Concerns After a Highway Collision with an Uninsured Trucking Company
Navigating the aftermath of a vehicle accident can be complex, especially when the involved commercial entity appears to be operating without valid insurance. Recently, I encountered a situation where a trucking company appears to lack active coverage, raising questions about their intentions and the best course of action.
Incident Overview
While traveling on the highway, my vehicle was struck by a truck that merged carelessly across double solid lines, resulting in an estimated $11,000 worth of damages. The truck driver provided their insurance information at the scene, and I captured photographic evidence. However, upon contacting the insurer, I learned that the policy was terminated two months before the accident occurred.
Investigating the Trucking Company’s Insurance Status
Seeking clarity, I undertook some research through the DOT website and discovered that the trucking firm’s only listed active policy is with Geico Marine — a coverage that is unrelated to commercial trucking. Industry knowledge suggests that some companies might attempt to temporarily deactivate or sidestep the state-mandated minimum insurance requirements by utilizing policies that do not fully cover commercial operations. Interestingly, the company filed a Schedule B (MCS-150 form) with the FMCSA just three days after the incident — a possible sign of attempted legal coverage or a strategic move to maintain operating status.
Next Steps and Legal Considerations
Given these circumstances, several questions arise: Is the trucking firm hoping the issue will fade over time? Should immediate legal action be pursued, such as consulting with an attorney or sending a certified demand letter? Or is it necessary to consider filing a lawsuit promptly?
Insurance Coverage Complexities
My father-in-law was driving the vehicle involved in the collision and has comprehensive coverage. He was working for Uber at the time, though he hasn’t disclosed this to his insurance provider, and we’re uncertain if Uber’s insurance would come into play. This ambiguity makes us cautious about filing a claim; there’s concern that our insurer might deny coverage or decide to drop us due to the circumstances of the accident.
Should I Seek Further Contact or Go Through Insurance?
The question remains whether the trucking company’s apparent lack of valid insurance indicates the presence of undisclosed coverage. Should I persist in trying to contact them directly, or is it more prudent to involve our insurance company regardless? Additionally, exploring legal avenues or additional insurance options might be necessary to ensure fair resolution.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with a commercial vehicle accident
