Trailer Hit & Run
#1
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Trailer Hit & Run
I just received word from my race shop where my car & trailer were stored that a tractor-trailer pulling out of a neighboring business broadsided my trailer and dragged it for 30 feet before speeding off. One side of the trailer was caved in but fortunately my car is undamaged.
Unfortunately for that truck driver, the incident was caught on two separate security cameras and the video is now in the hands of the Pennsylvania State Police, who are tracking down the driver.
The trailer is a 20' ATC in which I have nearly $20k invested. The question I have is what are my legal options in regards to the driver and his company? I expect that they will be paying for the repairs in full. Inn the event that the trailer is not repairable, can I recoup all of my costs in the trailer, including the extras I put in (cabinetry, tire racks etc)? Can I seek punitive compensation for his driving off post-accident?
The sad thing is that the work on the car had just been competed and I was picking up the car & trailer this Friday...
Unfortunately for that truck driver, the incident was caught on two separate security cameras and the video is now in the hands of the Pennsylvania State Police, who are tracking down the driver.
The trailer is a 20' ATC in which I have nearly $20k invested. The question I have is what are my legal options in regards to the driver and his company? I expect that they will be paying for the repairs in full. Inn the event that the trailer is not repairable, can I recoup all of my costs in the trailer, including the extras I put in (cabinetry, tire racks etc)? Can I seek punitive compensation for his driving off post-accident?
The sad thing is that the work on the car had just been competed and I was picking up the car & trailer this Friday...
#2
Rennlist Member
Is your trailer insured? That's where you start. Let your insurance company deal with the other party. If not, you will need to go to them directly
#4
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^^ Drag, most carriers will include it with your street cars or Hagerty will cover it for change,`just in case this worst case scenario happens. Sorry for the hassles that are going to be facing. Total PITA.
#5
Drifting
Does the trucker company have insurance? In my state they are required to return (or replace) the item to "pre-accident" condition, so that includes all of your cabinets and extras.
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#8
WRONGLY ACCUSED!
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If you have trailer insurance, umbrella insurance, or any other type of insurance that covers your trailer do not negotiate with the trucking company. The only thing you should do is what you did do - file a police report and collect information.
If you have insurance, and negotiate with the trucks insurance company, your insurance company can claim that you prejudiced their claim if you seek to recoup any shortfall from them.
I was a claims attorney in my youth for a title insurance company. All insurance pretty much works the same way.
If you have insurance, and negotiate with the trucks insurance company, your insurance company can claim that you prejudiced their claim if you seek to recoup any shortfall from them.
I was a claims attorney in my youth for a title insurance company. All insurance pretty much works the same way.
#9
I'm in....
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#10
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That really sucks. Sorry for your troubles.
#12
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Progressive will cover liability for your trailer by itself. It's less than $75/year. To cover damage, get Lockton Storage, Paddock and Transport insurance and include your race car with it on an agreed value basis. It's cheap!
#13
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insurance
Instead I informed them that I am moving all my business, home, road cars everything, to another insurance company.
#14
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Truck
It is my understanding that a CDL holder who commits a hit & run receives an automatic one year suspension of their license on the first offense, and a lifetime suspension on the second. I expect to have a lot of leverage in any discussion on damages and compensation.
#15
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Originally Posted by twk63
I did to no avail. Once they heard the word race car, they immediately refused to insure the trailer.
Instead I informed them that I am moving all my business, home, road cars everything, to another insurance company.
Instead I informed them that I am moving all my business, home, road cars everything, to another insurance company.
Your small act might help them realize the consequences of their actions.