QuestionRecently a commercial truck driver caused an estimated $700 damage to my residence. He left the scene and I had to chase him down in order to collect his personal information. After I received the estimated cost of repair, I contacted the driver for reimbursement of my $500 homeowner deductible. At that time the driver told me he did not have insurance, but would send me a check for $500. A month has passed and he has not sent me payment.
Using the Internet I have discovered that he was insured at the time of the incident and I now have the name of his carrier and policy number. In light of this information I sent the truck driver a demand letter for payment.
Should payment not be forthcoming then I plan legal action in an attempt to recover the amount needed to repair damages. The driver has continually acted in bad faith (leaving the scene, not providing all information, making false promises, etc.), so in my demand letter I promised to notify his insurance company and file complaints with law enforcement and regulatory agencies if he does not pay.
I'm not expecting the insurance company to pay me simply because I contacted them, so my question is --- after I contact the insurance company, what are they likely to do with regards to the driver, if anything?
Thank you in advance for you assistance in this matter.
AnswerHi Robert,
You should go ahead and contact his insurance company to file the claim. Explain to them in detail what happened. They will then contact their insured to verify the information. If he confirms what you say then they will pay the claim. If he refutes what you say then you may have to file a law suit in small claims court. If you receive a judgement in small claims court, you would send a copy of that judgement to his insurance company and they will have to pay it.
You should not wait any longer. He has already shown that he is not trustworthy.
I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh
