Lincoln General Insurance Company (LGIC) hosted a seminar on loss control and claims on September 26, 2006 at the Kingsway Financial building in Elk Grove Village, IL. Avalon was in attendance and had the opportunity to participate in a mock trial presented by attorney John Pion. The presentation gave insight into the legal proceedings and explained what to do and what not do in the event of a claim. In the event of a claim it is important to file accurate paperwork and to notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Attorney Jay Starret also discussed how to prepare for the courtroom and the importance of preparing for depositions.    

LGIC’s Claim Manager, Linda Dominoski, highlighted LGIC’s claims procedures and the different procedures to follow in a catastrophic loss situation. Remember the following guidelines to act properly after a claim occurs:

• Report your claim immediately to LGIC via fax at (717) 751-0144, e-mail at 1stReport@lincolngeneral.com, or phone at (800) 395-7489.
   

• Know the difference between catastrophic claims and non-catastrophic claims. A catastrophic (CAT) loss involves any of the following:  fatalities, life-threatening injuries or hazardous spills. For a CAT claim that occurs after business hours call the “after-hour emergency” hotline number at (717) 332-5665. 
   

• Train your driver to know what to do if a CAT loss occurs. The driver should not talk to anyone besides LGIC representatives, an LGIC appointed attorney or the police. Since many drivers are too distraught to answer questions at this time, the driver is not required to speak to the police at the accident scene.
   

• Only take photos of non-catastrophic claims. A disposable camera is the best type of camera to use at the scene of an accident. Digital cameras are not recommended because the pictures can be altered. However, downloading the pictures immediately lessens the likelihood of alterations, which allows the pictures a better chance of holding up in court. Cell phone pictures should not be taken because the photos are small and low quality. 

For more information on claim procedures and the documents for filing a claim visit LGIC website, www.lincolngeneral.com. 

Risk management:  Importance and tips

The seminar also focused on risk management, presented by Charlie Johnson from BISYS Risk Management Services. In his presentation he stressed the significant return a trucking company can receive by implementing safety programs. According to the Safety Council, for every $1 spent on safety programs, a company will receive a $3 to $4 return through reduced turnover, injuries, claims, insurance premiums, etc. Safety programs are essential to provide a line of defense for your company. 

 Avalon recognizes that it is critical to know what procedures to follow in the event of a claim, but it is equally important to know what steps can be taken to prevent a loss from occurring.  Here are some helpful tips:

• Provide truck driver safety and accident training. 

• Limit internal information in e-mails. Since e-mails can be used in court, it is necessary to be cautious what you send. 

• Create a safety plan for your company. The plan should provide procedures covering the following topics: hiring criteria, truck driver hours-of-service, securing loads, truck lights and markings, equipment inspections and employee drug and alcohol testing. 

• Enforce your company’s safety plan. Having a safety program that your company does not follow creates a potential problem in a law suit.

• Designate a spokesperson to deal with the media when an accident occurs. The person should be able to remain calm, respond with sympathy and explain that your company is doing everything to get to the bottom of the accident. 

Besides safety programs, proper risk management also includes maintaining adequate coverage to protect your company from large losses.  By working with Avalon and LGIC, your company will receive excellent service throughout your policy period. While LGIC helps your company through the whole claim process. LGIC handles claims quickly by assigning an adjuster within 24 hours and contacting your company within 48 hours. Also, an after hour and weekend emergency hotline is available to all insureds. Our strong service represents our dedication to all insureds. However, it should not be forgotten the high quality of the coverage we provide as well. 

Avalon offers the following coverage from LGIC:

• Physical Damage

• Primary Truck Liability

• Non-Trucking Liability

• Motor Truck Cargo

• General Liability

• Worker’s Compensation

• Umbrella