You would do - (fill in the blank) - in this situation?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by rolls canardly, Oct 28, 2022.

  1. rolls canardly

    rolls canardly Road Train Member

    1,627
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    Feb 7, 2009
    mt. pocono. pa.
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    So I was run off the road and wrecked today - by a tri-axle dump,
    pulling an equipment trailer, with an excavator.
    I was on Rt. 80E, going down what they call the "Big hill,"
    from 380 - 80 split, down to Scotrun on-ramp.
    I have a load, and I'm in the slow lane doing speed limit,
    and the on-ramp merge is from the left, going into hammer lane.
    Dump truck is merging, seems to have a good head of steam going on,
    and there was no one next to me; passing me, from like 1/4 mile back,
    so he was good to go in that lane.
    Then he starts to cut over into the right lane, so I pulled the air horn.
    Mega-loud air horn.
    He keeps coming.
    LAID on the horn. Then 2 MINUTES of horn; just keeps going.
    Nothing.
    Eventually I got to eat 75 feet of guardrail trying to avoid contact
    with the trailer and excavator.
    I don't think I want a 3 axle equipment trailer and a 40,000 lb. excavator on my chest.
    Tow truck had to lift ft. axle over one of the guardrail posts
    to get me back in line with the road.
    Did the driver, (and i use the term loosely,)
    momentarily forget he was towing the trailer?? Don't Know.
    I do know there was about 40 feet of bank down to a stream there,
    not good to try at 60 MPH.
    So I called the company that was 100% at fault here.
    Phone at office answered by Ms.Sparkly Bubbly.
    Ms.Bubbly said she will look into it. Took my number.
    (Accident report by PSP indicates I was run off road
    by a merging driver failing to yield right of way.)
    This was serious, I could have been killed.

    So, I need a hood, fender, headlight, and weld a leak,
    that a bolt head pushed into my pass. side tank.
    I got off easy, no ac condenser or radiator.
    I have no claims on my insurance, and would like to keep it that way.
    I really don't want to sue them, or anybody,
    it's just a tough break for me, and could get pricey for them.

    So, this is the "what should i do" part,
    no one died, no injuries, minimal damage; maybe 3 grand used parts.
    I'm thinking, go to their offices Monday morning,
    ask what was found out about the driver of your truck.
    (Yes, there is paint on my driver side fender from the trailer.)

    Discussion follows. Depending on the exchange,
    I can either turn it in to my insurance,
    or get paid out directly from you guys to make me whole.
    My insurance, and his CDL are unaffected.
    The best outcome for all, and 3 grand is a cheap "off the hook" for them.

    So, how was your day?
    What do I do?
     
    Last edited: Oct 28, 2022
    Reason for edit: run down, tired, worn out
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  3. olddog_newtricks

    olddog_newtricks Medium Load Member

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    Jun 3, 2018
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    If you are satisfied with 3k ( and it may cost you more than that ) then I'd give them 24 hrs. to pay up . If they hesitate in any way , turn it into your insurance and avoid the headache of trying to collect. Let the insurance company fight with them. I would not let them off the hook for cheap. It always costs more than you think it will.
     
  4. silverspur

    silverspur Road Train Member

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    Sep 26, 2012
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    I would talk to a lawyer, but that's just me.
     
  5. rolls canardly

    rolls canardly Road Train Member

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    Feb 7, 2009
    mt. pocono. pa.
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    Agreed; to both of you.
    And there is also more damage there, than it looks like you have.
    I just want to keep on the friendly side of my ins. company.
     
  6. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    Man I sure hope you had a dash cam. I can't think of anything better in this situation. I'm glad you are OK and I'm sorry you are probably going to have some long days dealing with someone's outrageous driving.
     
  7. ‘Olhand

    ‘Olhand Cantankerous Crusty

    6,750
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    Jan 18, 2011
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    You could get burned either way...But imho I’d talk to my insurance agent and get a feel and would be right back on phone with other company
    Also wondering...dash cam evidence?
    And lastly(sorry I gotta ask).,.,TWO minutes blowing your horn??? If so why not just back out of it,..in 2 minutes even on that downgrade you could have stopped
    But definitely made...created a lot of distance between both of you
     
  8. skallagrime

    skallagrime Road Train Member

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    Apr 10, 2012
    Indiana
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    3k would barely cover labor, id be looking for 10k and thats me doing the work (3k if you already have parts sitting at your place) might be okay, but i think thats waaaaaay too low
     
  9. Farming Trucker

    Farming Trucker Bobtail Member

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    Mar 30, 2019
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    I think that part about two minutes on the horn was sarcasm.
     
    LilRedRidingHood Thanks this.
  10. rolls canardly

    rolls canardly Road Train Member

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    Feb 7, 2009
    mt. pocono. pa.
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    No dash cam.
    The "air horning" didnt start till he was almost running over me,
    no sarcasm.
    I kept blowing it after contact thinking he would stop.
    He didnt.

    It seemed to me he forgot he had the trailer??
    Is that possible???
     
    LilRedRidingHood and bzinger Thank this.
  11. austinmike

    austinmike Road Train Member

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    Jul 11, 2011
    Missouri
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    Another vote for lawyer. Sorry that happened to you.
     
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