As a professional escort vehicle operator, you realize the importance of your role in the transportation industry. Your knowledge & expertise will help ensure that valuable cargo reaches its destination. We understand your job can be stressful as you make road travel safer for the oversize load driver and ALL motorists on the road, keep delays to a minimum, check for obstructions that could cause issues with the transport and prevent damage to highways, roadways and the cargo being hauled. We understand you are the eyes & ears of the driver, preparing him or her for any obstacles you observe in hopes of providing a smooth ride for all of you. You endure extreme weather conditions, treacherous roads and a growing population of distracted and ill-tempered drivers. As professionals, Trigon also understands that more times than not, a problem can arise that will lead to litigation.
Recently a pilot car services company agreed to provide pilot car services to a crane & hauling company to transport a large piece of machinery. In preparation for the trip, the pilot car was affixed with a pole approximately the same height as the skid. In transit, with the pilot car leading, the pole struck an overpass. The pilot car operator immediately radioed the driver of the oversized load to stop. The driver didn’t. Consequently, the skid struck the overpass and was damaged. The crane & hauling company filed a negligence claim against both the pilot car services company and the pilot car operator alleging that they had a duty toward providing reasonable care to avoid foreseeable problems and that the pilot car services were performed “in an inept manner.” While the lawsuit was eventually denied, the pilot car services owner and the pilot car operator spent an undisclosed amount of money on lawyer fees as well as money lost due to time spent away from work.
With the dramatic increase in litigation, will you be prepared when a client is unhappy with your work or believes you are at fault?
A lawsuit can have the single greatest impact on your current and future earnings. The effects are long lasting. Even if allegations are found to be groundless, thousands of dollars may be needed to defend the lawsuit which can bankrupt a smaller company or individual.
Whether you are new to the industry or have been in business for years, you need to be prepared and protect yourself.
Let Trigon help protect you and your company’s assets and reputation with an Errors and Omissions policy today.