Ghost Brokers: How Fake Insurance Impacts Your Rights in an Atlanta Truck Accident Claim
Atlanta truck accidents are common, and injuries sustained by motorists involved can be devastating. When the trucker or the trucking company is at fault, you have the right to hold them liable, so it can come as a shock to find out a ghost broker is involved.
Ghost brokers sell fake or invalid insurance to trucking companies looking to save money, which can leave victims paying out of pocket for property damages, medical care, and other losses. Our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers explain more about the problem and how to get the compensation you need to recover.
What Are Ghost Brokers and How Do Fake Insurance Policies End Up on Atlanta Roads
Federal regulations require most interstate trucking companies to carry a minimum amount of $750,000 in liability insurance and to file proof of that coverage before receiving operating authority. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, ghost brokers pose as legitimate insurance representatives but lack licensing or the authority to sell policies.
Warning signs that a trucking company may be operating with fraudulent insurance include:
- The carrier dissolves and reappears under a new name shortly after a serious crash.
- The insurance company named on the policy denies any coverage or knowledge of the carrier.
- The carrier’s FMCSA registration shows frequent or recent changes to insurance filings.
- The policy limits listed do not meet federal minimum requirements for the type of cargo being hauled.
- The carrier’s DOT safety record shows a pattern of violations and rapid identity changes.
Discovering that a trucking company carried fraudulent insurance after a serious crash is devastating, but it does not mean you are without options.
Getting Compensation For Atlanta Truck Accident Injuries When Insurance Isn’t Available
Truck accidents in Atlanta pose serious risks to motorists and can result in devastating injuries. Finding out insurance is unavailable in the aftermath only makes a bad situation that much worse.
Fortunately, there may be other options to get compensation. These include:
- File a claim against other liable parties, such as brokers, shippers, and cargo loaders who may share responsibility for the crash.
- File a claim against a parent company or affiliated entity.
- Consider whether your uninsured motorist coverage may help cover your costs.
- Take legal action against the ghost broker who sold the fraudulent policy.
Fraudulent insurance is designed to leave victims with nothing. Getting experienced legal help as soon as possible helps prevent out-of-pocket costs and secure the total compensation you deserve.
Trucking Company Lacks Insurance? Contact Our Experienced Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers
With the high cost of insurance, ghost brokers are an increasing problem in the trucking industry and can leave Atlanta truck accident victims facing heavy losses. At Shiver Hamilton Campbell, we can review your case, pursue all options, and fight for the compensation you need to recover.
To request a consultation, contact our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers today. We represent clients in Savannah, St. Simons Island, Decatur, Jonesboro, and throughout DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett Counties.
Sources:
fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/insurance-filing-requirements
nicb.org/prevent-fraud-theft/ghost-brokers
