AboutRichard Expertise I have been the no-fault insurance administrator and arbitration specialist for 18 years working for a plaintiffs` law firm. I have a copy of and am familiar with the newest Reg.68 of the New York State insurance law and have sucessfully represented over 300 applicants at hearings and have guided more than 1,500 more that didn`t need to actually go to a hearing.
Expert: Richard Date: 6/14/2008 Subject: stolen truck in accident w/ no insurance
Question Hi,
I have a problem. I'm hoping that you can help me out with it.
Back in August of 2007 my truck was stolen. It was recovered 3 days later on the side of a freeway wrecked. When i went to collect the vehicle i was told that it was wrecked into a freeway sign and abandoned.
I was not driving the truck at the time. i use it for camping and what-not and i have another vehicle that i use for commuting, so i removed it from my insurance policy the month prior.
I received a letter from someone's insurance company a month or so later seeking financial recovery.... saying that my truck hit their insured driver. I sent them a letter telling them that my vehicle was stolen and that the vehicle was not insured. I did not hear from them again till a few days ago, and now they are threatening to have my drivers license suspended.
What are my right here? what should i do?
any help would be greatly appreciated.
Answer Hi Bill, if you never turned the plates in for that truck then there will be a problem. Before you start to panic though find out if the alleged accident even occured with the other driver and obtain a police report. This could be some type of shakedown attempt. If the other driver was in fact involved in an accident with your uninsured truck you could face a monetary judgement for his damages as well as a fine or suspension of your license for not having insurance on the truck and still being the registered owner. Have a copy of your police report of the theft because you may have to retain the services of an Attorney in this matter.
