Commercial Auto Liability Insurance Expert

The Complexities of Commercial Auto Liability Insurance

The structure of Commercial Auto policy forms and endorsements comprises a complex line of coverage. Although the Commercial Auto policy provides restricted coverage in comparison with a Personal Auto policy, it is used to cover small to large fleets and a much wider array of loss exposures. These factors complicate coverage; therefore, deeper technical skill is required to dissect coverage of this type – technical skill that we’ve developed from decades of hands-on practice. Whether your case involves additional insureds, contractual liability, coordination with General Liability, or Hired and Nonowned autos, we have likely been there.

Our Experience with Commercial Auto Liability Insurance

Mr. Daniel’s experience with Commercial Auto Liability dates to 1975, and many of our engagements today involve disputes with this line of insurance. Mr. Daniel’s depth in this line of insurance was developed while insuring a wide array of Commercial Auto customers, including contractors, service fleets, garage keepers, and long-haul truckers. He has placed Commercial Auto insurance for fleet schedules ranging from one vehicle to over 100.

Mr. Daniel’s experience ranges from dealing with fender benders to fatalities. His expertise with Commercial Auto Liability includes the following areas:

Cases are listed only after we are disclosed as an Insurance Expert to opposing counsel.

February 2010 - Engaged by policyholder counsel to provide analysis and testimony regarding Commercial Auto and Agent Standard of Care in structuring Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage.  Case also included technical coverage issues involving Personal Auto.  Creative Young Minds, et al v. Hibbs Hallmark; Cause No. 048-23087-09 in 48th Judicial District Court, Tarrant County, Texas.  Attorney Greg Clift, Clouse Dunn Khoshbin LLP  (214) 220-3888.

October 2009 – Engaged by defense counsel to opine on issues regarding Commercial Auto, Agent Errors & Omissions, Insurance Bad Faith.  Case involved insurance for Mexican truckers operating in the United States and/or Mexico.  Defense counsel Elizabeth Christ, (210) 227-3243, Denton, Navarro, Rocha & Bernal, P.C.;  Salazar v. Medina; Cause No. 09-02-24170-MCV, 293rd Judicial District Court of Maverick County, Texas.

June 2009 – Designated by counsel for insured as Commercial Auto, Commercial Umbrella , and Agent Errors & Omissions expert.  Case required analysis regarding failure to procure, non-owned autos, contractor’s liability, and additional insured endorsements.  Allegations included Insurance Bad Faith.   Attorney Charles Fairchild (816) 500-0280.  MWR Contractors v. Becker Lassen Insurance Agency, Case No.  07BA-CV 01477 In Circuit Court of Boone County Missouri at Columbia.

June 2009 – Designated as Commercial Auto Insurance expert by counsel for policyholder.  Case required expertise in Hired and Nonowned auto coverage, contractual liability, additional insureds and Commercial Umbrella policies.  Pleadings involved issues of Agent Errors & Omissions and Insurance Bad Faith.  Mick White Renovations v. Affordable Insurance Services, et al; Case No. K.S.A. Chapter 60, In District Court of Johnson County, Kansas.  Attorney Charles Fairchild (816) 500-0280.

April 2009 - Insurance expert witness designation pertaining to Business Auto claim denial for Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage.   Case required analysis of interplay between Commercial Auto, Agent Errors & Omissions, Insurance Bad Faith and Workers Compensation.  Elizondo v. American International Group, et al; Cause No. 07-62262-1, County Court at Law No. 1, Nueces County, Texas.  Plaintiff counsel Doug Allison (361) 215-7802.

February 2007 – Defense counsel engagement regarding alleged Bad Faith placement of a loss sensitive insurance program and carrier’s claim reserve methodology.  Case required expertise in Commercial General Liability, Workers Compensation, Agent Errors & Omissions. Case involved Attorneys Leland de la Garza and David Tabor - Shackelford, Melton & McKinley, LLP   (214) 780-1400 Lauren Engineers and Contractors, Inc. v. Hilb Rogal, and St. Paul Insurance , 104th District Court, Taylor County, TX, Cause # 23376-B

September 2005 - Engaged to assist defense attorneys answering alleged Agent Errors & Omissions. A fireworks explosion and fire resulted in multiple fatalities and widespread property losses. Allegations involved coverage placement disputes for numerous lines of insurance: Commercial Auto, Workers Compensation, General Liability Insurance, Commercial Umbrella, and Property Insurance. Attorneys Brent Cooper and Joyce Ondich - Cooper & Scully, PC, (214) 712-9500. Joseph M. Lamb, Jr. d/b/a Pyrotechnics by Lamb v. Britton-Gallagher, et al; Civil Action No. 2-04CV-400, US District Court, Eastern District of Texas, Marshall Division.

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Burl Daniel, CPCU, CIC, CRM     |     817.980.4897    |     burl@burldaniel.com