Palm Oil Lorry Crash: Can You Claim Fire Insurance?

Palm Oil Lorry Crash: Can You Claim Fire Insurance? A palm oil lorry tanker crashed into the front portion of a house, causing severe impact damage to the hall. This house is situated beside a main road. Whom should you claim for impact damage? Such incidents are commonly seen in daily newspapers.

What is impact damage?

Impact damage refers to the loss or visible physical damage to a home or the destruction caused to the insured property. This damage must result from a direct impact by any rail or road vehicle or animal not owned by:

The insured or any occupier of the premises.
Employees while acting in the course of their employment.

The Incident

While driving to Johor Bahru via the country road instead of the NS highway, I enjoyed the fresh air and green oil palm plantations. Suddenly, I heard a loud “Bang…Bang…Bang,” disrupting the quiet afternoon. A loaded tank full of palm stearin had crashed into a house, covering the entire front hall with yellowish liquid and spilling onto the ground.

A retiree couple, clad in their “sarong,” rushed out from the kitchen to investigate. I joined them to help pull out the driver, who was stuck in his seat with minor injuries and bruises. He was dumbfounded and speechless. I advised the driver to lodge a police report. Soon, the place was crowded with onlookers, but no one knew how to handle the situation.

Palm Oil Lorry Crash: Can You Claim Fire Insurance?

Whom to Claim?

The main question was whom to claim for the impact damage to the house. I asked many people at a seminar and at the scene.

Most replied, “Claim from the lorry insurance,” including the elder couple’s son.

I then asked the son to show me their house fire insurance policy. Examining the details of the coverage, I assisted him in calling the insurer’s adjuster to survey the hall damage and assess the property loss.

To their dismay, the adjuster suggested claiming the truck insurance through a third-party claim. Although logical, it raised several concerns:

Third-Party Claim Cons:

Waiting Time: The process can be lengthy.
Legal Fees: Involving lawyers can be costly.
Accident Report: Finalizing the motor adjuster report can take time.
Emotional Damage: Claiming for emotional distress is complex.
Court Hearings: Attending postponed hearings is time-consuming.
Unpaid Leave: Can you afford to take time off work?
Security Risk: Waiting months or years to rebuild increases burglary risk.
Financial Shortfall:  After you have paid legal fees, you might have to cover significant costs.

Fire or Homeowner Insurance

With homeowner or fire insurance that includes impact damage (excluding the insured’s own vehicle), you can claim directly from your insurer by submitting:

The original police report.
Photos of the damage before and after.
The plan and construction bill.

If your house is adequately insured, you’ll be fully reimbursed without any average application.

After signing a subrogation claim letter, let the insurer handle the faulty party. This approach resolves your issues and saves on litigation fees.

The Aftermath of Impact Damage: A Heartbreaking Situation

The palm oil truck crash left the front portion of the house in ruins. The hall was a chaotic mess of debris and spilled palm oil. The once-cosy space looked like a disaster zone, with cracked walls, overturned furniture, and a slippery yellowish film covering the floor.

Rebuilding Costs and Strain

The insured couple had to fork out their money to start rebuilding. Despite having insurance, they faced immediate expenses that weren’t covered upfront. They had to hire consultants to assess the damage and devise a reconstruction plan, adding another layer of financial strain. Each step of the process demanded attention, coordination, and more funds.

Emotional Toll and Sleepless Nights

As night fell, the couple’s anxiety grew. The house, now partially open to the elements, became a beacon for potential burglars. Every creak and rustle outside stirred fear and restlessness. They barely slept, constantly worried about theft and further damage. The thought of strangers pilfering their remaining belongings added an unbearable weight to their already heavy hearts.

Pathetic Situation Described Vividly

The days turned into a blur of sorrow and frustration. The once lively hall, now a grim reminder of the incident, echoed their despair. The retirees, who once enjoyed peaceful mornings in their sarongs, now faced endless paperwork, consultations, and mounting bills. Their home, their sanctuary, had turned into a scene of distress.

Seeking Sympathy

The couple’s story is one of profound loss and enduring struggle. Their once vibrant lives now revolve around restoring what was taken from them so abruptly. The physical damage is matched by the emotional scars left behind. They navigate through sleepless nights and relentless stress, hoping for a resolution that seems ever elusive.

In the end, this situation underscores the devastating impact of such accidents, both physically and emotionally. It paints a vivid, sorrowful picture that calls for empathy and understanding from everyone who hears their story.

Importance of Fire Insurance and Dealing with Insurers

Material Damage and Fire Insurance

Fire insurance is crucial as it covers material damage caused by incidents like fires or impacts from vehicles. When such accidents occur, the priority should be to deal directly with the insurer to ensure prompt and adequate compensation for the physical damage. This compensation is essential for rebuilding and restoring the affected property.

When your home suffers material damage due to a fire or impact, the fire insurance policy helps cover the cost of repairs. To expedite this process:

1. Contact your insurer immediately: Inform them about the incident and provide all necessary documentation, including police reports and photographs.
2. File a claim: Submit a detailed claim with estimates for repair costs.
3. Cooperate with adjusters: Work closely with the insurance adjuster, who will assess the damage and determine the compensation amount.
4. Follow up regularly: Stay in touch with the insurer to ensure a claim is processed swiftly and efficiently.

Emotional Trauma and Legal Support

While insurance will take care of the material damage, dealing with the emotional trauma is equally important. Such incidents can be extremely distressing and might require professional legal support to navigate through the emotional and psychological impact. Hiring a lawyer to handle the emotional trauma aspect and possibly pursuing it in court can provide the necessary legal framework and support.

Steps to Address Emotional Trauma:

1. Consult a lawyer: Find a lawyer experienced in dealing with emotional distress cases.
2. Gather evidence: Document the emotional and psychological impact of the incident.
3. File a legal claim: Your lawyer can help you file a claim for emotional damages.
4. Seek therapy: Consider professional counselling to help cope with the stress and trauma.

Conclusion

In conclusion, addressing both the material and emotional aftermath of such incidents is vital. Fire insurance provides essential financial support for repairs, while legal assistance can help address the emotional trauma. Ensuring comprehensive coverage and seeking the right support can make a significant difference in managing the aftermath of such unfortunate events.

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