My Driver was driving in the ice covered roads of AR trying to get to a truck stop. The roads were very bad and he was in the slow lane with his flashers on. A 18 wheeler, I will not give the name of the company, because it not the companies fault, but the drivers fault. The speed this driver was going, had he hit a 4 wheeler he would have most likely killed someone, the fast lane was open and empty. Thank God no one was hurt .... MY QUESTION IS when they were hit from the rear, the 22 ft box pushed against the 84" condo sleeper causing both cabinets to be crushed, I cannot tell if the sleeper housing is damaged, it also damage the box, dot bumper, and barn doors. I am wondering what damage I should look for before getting a estimate of the damage. They were hit from the rear at abt 45 mph and ended up in the median.
Hit by 18 wheeler in AR, damage to look for.
- Thread starter wgifford
- Start date
I'm so sorry to hear of the accident. I hope you can be compensated not only for the truck damage but also for the significant down time you and your drivers will suffer.
A picture of the truck would help readers visualize your question and draft a response. Additional info about your truck model and year, body type (reefer?), and sleeper manufacturer would also be helpful
For starters, I'd plan on going to a laser-equipped shop where the entire truck's suspension, alignment, and frame can be gone over end to end. The frame itself should be checked to see if it was bent or otherwise damaged.
A picture of the truck would help readers visualize your question and draft a response. Additional info about your truck model and year, body type (reefer?), and sleeper manufacturer would also be helpful
For starters, I'd plan on going to a laser-equipped shop where the entire truck's suspension, alignment, and frame can be gone over end to end. The frame itself should be checked to see if it was bent or otherwise damaged.
greg334
Veteran Expediter
Glad no one was hurt.
Maybe I don’t know how the commercial insurance works now-a-days, but here is what I would strongly recommend. Of course I assume you have insurance.
First (of course you did this) call the insurance company. Get names and if possible be there when an adjuster looks at the truck. I don’t know if there is an adjuster involve today.
Second look for a lawyer in the state that this happened, contact them and retain them. There may be way of you getting expenses not covered by your insurance company from the company driver who caused it.
Third A Team’s advice is right, look for really good alignment shop that does laser alignment and has references. Chances are the frame is twisted out of alignment just enough to affect the truck, which also means the truck will never perform as it should without the work to fix it. DO not allow the insurance company to just take the truck and do the work, be involved, see the work, etc…. Get in writing (if possible) that they will also align the axles and cab/sleeper/box as part of the job, stand firm on this with the insurance company. Remember this is your truck and THE tool that makes you money, make sure the work is done right the first time.
Fourth take a lot of pictures, you should have done this after the accident on the scene, but do this anyway, lots of pictures.
Oh by the way for those who may think this is an overkill, I went through this several times and know the third step is the biggest pain in the A**.
Maybe I don’t know how the commercial insurance works now-a-days, but here is what I would strongly recommend. Of course I assume you have insurance.
First (of course you did this) call the insurance company. Get names and if possible be there when an adjuster looks at the truck. I don’t know if there is an adjuster involve today.
Second look for a lawyer in the state that this happened, contact them and retain them. There may be way of you getting expenses not covered by your insurance company from the company driver who caused it.
Third A Team’s advice is right, look for really good alignment shop that does laser alignment and has references. Chances are the frame is twisted out of alignment just enough to affect the truck, which also means the truck will never perform as it should without the work to fix it. DO not allow the insurance company to just take the truck and do the work, be involved, see the work, etc…. Get in writing (if possible) that they will also align the axles and cab/sleeper/box as part of the job, stand firm on this with the insurance company. Remember this is your truck and THE tool that makes you money, make sure the work is done right the first time.
Fourth take a lot of pictures, you should have done this after the accident on the scene, but do this anyway, lots of pictures.
Oh by the way for those who may think this is an overkill, I went through this several times and know the third step is the biggest pain in the A**.
glad no one was hurt
good advice from others
but if the frame is out of shape, it may never be right
if they repair it make sure they no how and what they are doing
i have a friend who has a body shop and they had a truck that was
bought to them in a paper bag more or less and in two weeks that truck was back on the road and it was amazing how they made it like new again
today in hampton roads area we have 1/4 " of snow on the ground and over 30 accdents on roads so if you come to va to watch it
and be safe out there
good advice from others
but if the frame is out of shape, it may never be right
if they repair it make sure they no how and what they are doing
i have a friend who has a body shop and they had a truck that was
bought to them in a paper bag more or less and in two weeks that truck was back on the road and it was amazing how they made it like new again
today in hampton roads area we have 1/4 " of snow on the ground and over 30 accdents on roads so if you come to va to watch it
and be safe out there
It sounds like no one was hurt so the next phase is your truck. If it can be driven to a dealer, that would be the first stop. You need a estimate and a complete review of what the damage is.
As mentioned, the frame, box, sleeper, ect really has to be looked at. Most likely the will send a adjuster to you. Photos may not indicate all of the damage. Depending on the sleeper, it may or may not be repaired at that location. Sheet metal repairs and minor fiberglass work can be done on location. If it is a Alumi-bunk sleeper and the top fiberglass cap is beyond repair, it may have to go to detroit? Depending on the age of the truck, they may write it off.
With regards to insurance, you will have two different files. One from the adjuster pertaining to the actual truck damage, and the other from the insurance companies subrogation attorney. They will retain a lawyer on your behalf in the state where the accident happened if it is warranted.
The subrogation attorney will be seeking lost wages, downtime, and other losses on your behalf.
Whether your insurance company retains an additional lawyer will depend on whether the other party objects or accepts the initial claim offer.
Hopefully that gives you some idea. Keep in mind, that they will only pay the actual value, not what is owed initially. The attorney would then pursue the other party for the difference.
Hope it all works out for you
Davekc
owner
21 years
PantherII
EO moderator
As mentioned, the frame, box, sleeper, ect really has to be looked at. Most likely the will send a adjuster to you. Photos may not indicate all of the damage. Depending on the sleeper, it may or may not be repaired at that location. Sheet metal repairs and minor fiberglass work can be done on location. If it is a Alumi-bunk sleeper and the top fiberglass cap is beyond repair, it may have to go to detroit? Depending on the age of the truck, they may write it off.
With regards to insurance, you will have two different files. One from the adjuster pertaining to the actual truck damage, and the other from the insurance companies subrogation attorney. They will retain a lawyer on your behalf in the state where the accident happened if it is warranted.
The subrogation attorney will be seeking lost wages, downtime, and other losses on your behalf.
Whether your insurance company retains an additional lawyer will depend on whether the other party objects or accepts the initial claim offer.
Hopefully that gives you some idea. Keep in mind, that they will only pay the actual value, not what is owed initially. The attorney would then pursue the other party for the difference.
Hope it all works out for you
Davekc
owner
21 years
PantherII
EO moderator
Tennesseahawk
Veteran Expediter
If your driver was on I-40, then my nephew saw them in the median. I hope you guys get what's coming.
Sorry- I know what it still feels like... my lower back is still sore. I was hit on Jan. 5, and my truck is finally nearing completion. Follow Greg's advice, take it to your insurance co. Do Not take the advice of the company that hit you! They will dicker around with the money.
Word of caution! Do not expect your insurance co. to fully warrant the cost of repairs- they will pro-rate the life of your box. After weeks of delays (due to non-payment to towing co.) my insurance co. got the truck moved in a day! Another week went by, and I finally got the quote from them. They probably gave me a gift for my box: $4700 for a five year old 24' US Truck Body. Cost of repairs for the truck box estimated at $7200. Cost new from $9000 to $10,000 (US Truck & Hercules). I had no choice right now, had the trailer co. do the repairs. I will have to spend about $2600 out of pocket.
Other minor repairs to the cab, new front tire, check truck chassis frame and axle alignment, and of course, a new front seat (for those who saw what happens to a Seats, Inc. seat.)
Now US Truck apparently sent the wrong rear header, uprights, and rear sill, may cost me a few more days. If lucky, I see the truck on March 1! Two months...fortunately able to drive for someone else, or I would be in hock up to my ears...
Word of caution! Do not expect your insurance co. to fully warrant the cost of repairs- they will pro-rate the life of your box. After weeks of delays (due to non-payment to towing co.) my insurance co. got the truck moved in a day! Another week went by, and I finally got the quote from them. They probably gave me a gift for my box: $4700 for a five year old 24' US Truck Body. Cost of repairs for the truck box estimated at $7200. Cost new from $9000 to $10,000 (US Truck & Hercules). I had no choice right now, had the trailer co. do the repairs. I will have to spend about $2600 out of pocket.
Other minor repairs to the cab, new front tire, check truck chassis frame and axle alignment, and of course, a new front seat (for those who saw what happens to a Seats, Inc. seat.)
Now US Truck apparently sent the wrong rear header, uprights, and rear sill, may cost me a few more days. If lucky, I see the truck on March 1! Two months...fortunately able to drive for someone else, or I would be in hock up to my ears...
joebob1_30132
Expert Expediter
Sorry to hear.. hope no one was hurt!! use to work for a wrecker company that has a police contract,andx wife does body shop estimates for allstate.. they are pretty thorough, their insurance will look and the body shop will look ,the thing peole dont understand is the insurance companies are not your friend especially yours, big mistake, they are out for themselves ,,the nature of the body shop is to make money off insurance..they are your best ally, they will shoot 4 unseen damage you know the knee bone connected to foot bone connected to the toe bone, they wiil fight to get origanal not 2nd rate parts, and most importantly, depreciation loss, cause the truck aint gonna be the same, it will be in the computer as damaged and any potencial buyer can lookit up..You have rights .. #1 you choose where it will be repaired .. most insurance companies have their preferred body shops ..this is code for... they want our busines they will work for us .... takes it to somone u trust preferably the dealer body shop. 2nd be an #####.. you pay good money.. 2 be insured you dont like it take it back... do not be bullied. hope it helps good luck
I took it to a body shop, they stated if the frame in the front is bent it would be a large job. The frame is damaged in the back at least 8 ft The cab is shifted slightly, the sleeper is damaged slightly. They are saying the sleeper & box would have to be removed. The box was damaged in the front, the load hit the front of the box which hit the sleeper to be able to tell completely the damage. The truck is a 1999 FL70 condo 84" sleeper 22 ft box, with a brand new engine clutch and transmission put in 2 weeks ago. My greatest concern is this: The adjuster came out and he states My insurance company is the same insurance company, of the company that rear ended my truck. That would see to me to be a conflict of interest. The same insurance company represents both trucks.
Giff:
I have to believe that having the same insurance company representing both parties can be a blessing - they should be looking out for the best interest of both parties, which are both their insureds or customers.
Some advise - I would not "sign-off" on the claim after the repairs are made until you have had some time to operate the vehicle under normal working conditions for a month or so. Any unseen damage should rear it's ugly head within a month or two time frame. Having the claim remain "open" will allow you to file for the unseen damage, though you may have to prove it was the result of the accident. Professionally explain your reason for not wanting to sign-off on the claim immediately after the repairs are completed. I'm sure that any insurance adjuster will understand your concerns.
Good luck with this endeavor.
Thanks,
HotFr8Recruiter
I have to believe that having the same insurance company representing both parties can be a blessing - they should be looking out for the best interest of both parties, which are both their insureds or customers.
Some advise - I would not "sign-off" on the claim after the repairs are made until you have had some time to operate the vehicle under normal working conditions for a month or so. Any unseen damage should rear it's ugly head within a month or two time frame. Having the claim remain "open" will allow you to file for the unseen damage, though you may have to prove it was the result of the accident. Professionally explain your reason for not wanting to sign-off on the claim immediately after the repairs are completed. I'm sure that any insurance adjuster will understand your concerns.
Good luck with this endeavor.
Thanks,
HotFr8Recruiter