Claim Management Tips

TRUCKING AND AUTO LIABILITY (third‑party bodily injury and/or property damage)

• Check for injuries — when in doubt, call an ambulance. Life and health are more important than vehicle damage.
• If the accident is minor with no serious injuries, move vehicles to a safe place out of moving traffic.
• Turn on hazard lights and, if possible, use cones, warning triangles or flares for safety.
• Call the police, even for minor accidents, to provide an outside confirmation that the accident occurred.
• Obtain contact information for the other party or parties.
• Notify our claims department or your insurance carrier right away. Ensure the insured driver completes an auto accident report immediately while details are still fresh.
• Do not sign any documents unless they are for the police.
• Take notes about the accident, including specific damage to all vehicles and possible witness information. If the name on the auto registration or insurance policy differs from the driver’s name, note the relationship.
• Do not accept fault for the accident. Admitting liability may jeopardize coverage. Also, do not accuse the other driver of causing the accident or attempt to make a cash settlement.
• Stay calm and state only the facts. Limit discussion about the accident to the insurance broker and the police. Even if details are embarrassing or unfavorable, be truthful. Be cautious of lawyers requesting statements; allow your carrier to determine when you should speak with an attorney representing the other party.
• If possible, photograph the accident scene.
• Do not leave the accident scene before the police and other driver or drivers.
• Notify the police if your vehicle is carrying hazardous materials that may leak and allow them to determine whether the fire department should respond.
• Remember, while gathering facts is important, accident investigation should be left to the police and the insurance companies.
   

CARGO

• Do not discard any damaged items. The insurance adjuster will need this evidence.
• Keep all receipts and bills. Remember, a bill of lading is typically required to settle all trucking cargo claims.
• Regarding all refrigeration breakdown claims, get evidence of mechanical breakdown from a professional mechanic.
• Protect your Cargo from further harm or loss (e.g., hang tarps, trans load to another trailer and complete delivery if possible).
• Call Bondar Insurance’s Claims department and/or contact your insurance carrier to report the loss.
• In the event of a fire loss, obtain the fire department incident number so the report can be obtained.
• If a cargo loss caused damage to property owned by others, call Bondar Insurance’s Claims department to assess if a liability claim needs to be registered.
   

WORKER’S COMPENSATION (INJURY TO EMPLOYEE OR INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR)

• If appropriate, offer first aid. Otherwise, if medical attention is needed, refer your employee to an Occupational Health Clinic. For serious injuries, transport the employee to the nearest emergency room. The choice of medical providers is different for each jurisdiction. Our Claims department can provide additional information on jurisdictions.
• Show concern for your independent contractor/employee’s well-being and keep in touch to stay informed of the recovery/progress.
• Inform your employee that most states have “a fee schedule” -which prevents doctors and hospitals from balance-billing them.
• Most states have minimum and maximum rates to pay the employee for lost-time benefits.
• Typically, the temporary total-disability rate is 2/3 of the employee’s average weekly wage, which is a tax-free benefit.
• The lost-time benefits commence if your employee loses time from his/her job after a waiting period of 3-7 days, depending on the jurisdiction.
• Some eligible medical benefits include chiropractic, doctor, hospital, physical therapy, etc.
• Check your state’s website for employee or employer rights.
   

GENERAL LIABILITY

• Should a slip and fall occur from a foreign substance, mark-off the area and arrange for immediate clean-up.
• If bodily injury occurs, offer first aid but never admit to fault or commit to paying any medical/hospital bills. Let the insurance company handle that decision.
• If it is a product’s claim, preserve evidence.
• Document all facts immediately after the accident is reported and keep copies of related paperwork to share with the insurance adjuster.
• Photograph any evidence and/or the accident scene. If possible, obtain a copy of any videos of the scene.
• Fax or e-mail any lien letters, attorney letters, suit papers or similar documents directly to the claims adjuster.
• Do not make offers to settle a claim. Allow the insurance company to handle all offers.
• Do not hire counsel without first checking with your insurance carrier.
   

PROPERTY

• Do not discard any damaged items. The insurance adjuster will need this evidence.
• Protect your property from further harm or loss (e.g., hang tarps and board windows if necessary).