Navigating an Insurance Nightmare: What to Do When a Trucking Company Lacks Coverage
Summary of Events:
Recently, my experience with a trucking company has raised serious questions about their insurance practices and my path forward after a minor accident. Here’s a brief overview of the situation:
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My vehicle was involved in a small collision on the highway, caused by a truck merging into our lane over double solid lines. The estimated damages to my vehicle amount to roughly $11,000.
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Initially, the truck driver provided their insurance information, which I documented with a photo. Upon reaching out to the insurance provider, I discovered that the policy had been terminated two months before the incident occurred.
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I attempted to communicate with the truck driver’s manager at the trucking company. However, he has become elusive, suggesting I call back but failing to answer my subsequent calls.
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A check on the company’s status via the DOT website revealed that their only active insurance is through Geico Marine. This raises suspicions, as it seems that organizations sometimes utilize non-automotive policies to evade the minimum insurance requirements for trucking operations.
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Interestingly, the company filed their MCS-150—the document that updates their insurance status—just three days following the accident.
Questions Arising:
These developments lead me to wonder about their ultimate goal. Are they stalling, hoping the issue will fade away? Should I take immediate action, such as consulting a lawyer or sending a certified letter demanding compensation? Alternatively, would it be wiser to jump straight into filing a suit?
Complicating matters further is the fact that the claimant in this scenario, my father-in-law, possesses full coverage. However, at the time of the accident, he was driving for Uber. He hasn’t disclosed this to his insurance, and while I suspect he may have separate Uber insurance, I’m uncertain of its applicability here. I’m also hesitant about filing a claim with our own insurance, fearing it could jeopardize our coverage due to the circumstances of the accident.
Next Steps:
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Seek Legal Advice: Given the complexity surrounding the trucking company’s lack of coverage and the potential implications for my father-in-law’s insurance, consulting with a legal professional might provide clarity and direction on how to proceed.
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Document Everything: Continue to keep thorough records of all communications with the trucking company and the insurance representative, as these will be crucial if any legal action is pursued.
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**Examine All Insurance Options
