What can I do if a truck used my driveway and hit my garage but the insurance company would not cover it?

Question

The trucking company moving in new neighbors used my driveway to turn around and hit my garage.  I had to take off for estimates and for the garage to be repaired.  The insurance company said that I can’t be compensated for it. This happened on August 23rd. I looked out my front window because I heard a lot of noise, by the time I got to window truck was already pulling out of my driveway. I noticed the damage the next day. I went to the neighbor to get trucking company name and phone number. The contracting company was very nice. The company they contracted gave me a hard time.  The trucking company hung up on me several times when trying to get information.

John Brennan · Answer

You need representation.  More information is required. As stated your question does present legal issues.

Steven D. Dunnings · Answer

Hire an attorney.

Ronald A. Steinberg · Answer

If you sue them, you are entitled to all of the damages which were related to their negligent act.

Thomas Edward Gates · Answer

Not knowing the damage amount, if under $4,000 you can take them to small claims.  Your new neighbor's insurance may also be liable for the damages. Liekwise, your home owner's policy should cover the damages, less your deductible.

Leonard Schwartz · Answer

Get all the addresses and file suit for the damage. You cannot recover for your lost time. My guess is that they have insurance and will settle.

Paul Whitfield · Answer

you certainly can sue the trucking company but you must prove they did the damage. I am not sure you can. You didn't see the event (or so you say) you just assume the truck caused the damage. In court you cant assume anything sue them in small claims court and see if they have insurance.

Paul Schroeder · Answer

You can sue the trucking company.  You could also potentially sue your neighbors, as the trucking company was their agent.  Suing either, or both, will likely get an insurance company involved.  Ideally, the insurance company will want to settle.

David Stoddard · Answer

You can file suit against the trucking company.

Michael Heilmann · Answer

You may sue the truck company which is responsible for its driver's actions.

Jeffrey Lapin · Answer

If the trucking company's insurance company will not compensate you for the damage to your garage then your only option is to sue the trucking company. If you cannot reach a settlement prior to trial, which does happen in many cases, then a judge or jury would decide what money, if any, the trucking company owes you.  Another option, although it may not do any good, would be to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau ("BBB")against the trucking company. Depending on the status of the trucking company with the BBB, specifically whether they are "accredited,"  they might be able to help you get money. The BBB cannot force the trucking company or their insurer to pay you though.  As I can only provide general answers based on the limited information in your Question, you may want to talk to an attorney about your case to get more detailed answers about your rights and options.

Kevin Habberfield · Answer

Get an attorney and sue them or take them to small claims (depending on the amount of damage and cost to repair) and do it yourself.

Brett Rosenthal · Answer

Can always sue company, regardless of insurance they are still at fault.   Small claims has 10,000 limit now so that is alternative.

Steven A. Schwartz · Answer

You may have no alternative but to sue them if they will not cooperate.

James Kelaher · Answer

If the damage to your garage was less than $5,000, you can sue them yourself in small claims court.

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What can I do if a truck used my driveway and hit my garage but the insurance company would not cover it?

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