Legal Concerns with an Unsupported Trucking Company in a Highway Accident
Dealing with vehicle accidents can be challenging, especially when involved with companies that may not have valid insurance coverage. Here’s a detailed account of a recent incident and some important considerations for those navigating similar situations.
Incident Overview
Recently, a minor collision occurred on the highway, caused when a truck attempted to merge improperly into our vehicle’s lane. The damage has been estimated at approximately $11,000. The truck driver provided their insurance information, and I secured photographic evidence; however, further investigation uncovered troubling issues.
Insurance Status and Company Investigation
Upon contacting the provided insurance provider, I discovered that the policy had been voluntarily terminated two months prior to the accident occurrence. Following up with the trucking company’s management, I was met with evasiveness—they advised me to call back when they were available and are currently avoiding my calls.
Curious about the company’s legitimacy, I checked their registration via the DOT database. It indicated that their only active insurance policy belongs to Geico Marine, which is not standard for commercial trucking operations. Online insights suggest that some carriers attempt to maintain operational status by holding non-compliant or non-standard insurance policies, potentially to bypass legal requirements.
Furthermore, the company filed their MCS-150 form three days after the crash, raising questions about their oversight and compliance.
Legal and Strategic Considerations
Given these circumstances, it’s crucial to determine the appropriate course of action. Are they stalling hoping the issue will fade? Should we engage a lawyer promptly? Or is sending certified correspondence demanding compensation a better first step? Alternatively, should we consider initiating legal proceedings right away?
Insurance Concerns and Personal Liability
The individual driving the truck (my father-in-law) maintained full coverage at the time of the incident but was also working for Uber during the crash. He has not disclosed this additional occupation to his insurer, and it’s unclear if Uber’s coverage would apply. This raises potential complications regarding claim eligibility, as insurance companies sometimes deny coverage for accidents involving commercial rideshare activities.
Further Investigation and Next Steps
Given the uncertainty surrounding the trucking company’s insurance and the driver’s coverage, it’s wise to explore additional options:
– Could the trucking company hold other, undisclosed insurance policies?
– Should we persist in attempts to contact their management, or proceed directly through our insurance provider?
– Would legal counsel be necessary to safeguard our interests and ensure fair compensation?
Conclusion
Navigating accidents involving questionable
