Date: April 25, 2011 12:17:43 PM PDT
Subject: Follow-up investigation
Beth and Joe,
I'm glad we got to meet last week, I only regret the circumstances. I just wanted to give you an update.
There still isn't a police report available. We'll keep calling everyday until we get one.
I've spoken with your insurance claims rep, Stephanie, at Progressive. They won't sell us the Trailblazer, but she has agreed to it on a legal hold. This will prevent it from being sold, destroyed, etc until we can get out to look at it and have our reconstruction expert also inspect it. She will send me proof of it being put on legal hold and the contact information for where it's being stored; hopefully later today.
We've put Schierbaum Landscaping and their insurance company, Auto Owners, on notice to also preserve the dump truck, trailer, and other items we'll want. Those letters going out today.
It seems Schierbaum had a trucking/transport company fairly recently. However, their motor carrier license was revoked. At this point we don't know what insurance, or coverage limits, they had. We hope to get this information soon.
As you know, we still need to prove the dump truck driver, McCormick, is lying. Without other witnesses this can be tough. But, as we discussed at the scene Joe, my review and experience makes me think we've got a decent chance of at least scaring the hell out of Schierbaum's insurance company.
FYI, Schierbaum is making a claim for their property damage. Since Jeff only had $25,000 property damage coverage, you're looking at a possible claim for the excess. This is something for which we won't technically be representing you but will try to get worked out.
Let us know how Jeff is doing.
Rod Ritner