For example, the trucking company involved in your crash may have purchased a policy for:
Freight liability.
The motor carrier must have a policy to cover freight damage ranging from $750,000 to $5,000,000, depending on the commodities transported. For non-hazardous freight transported in vehicles weighing less than 10,001 pounds, the carrier must have a policy of at least $300,000.
Passenger liability.
If the commercial vehicle has a seating capacity of 15 or fewer passengers, the carrier must have a policy covering bodily injury and property damage worth between $1,500,000 and $5,000,000.
Hazardous materials.
If the company transports any dangerous liquids, gas, or other potentially volatile materials, it must have an insurance endorsement for public liability under Sections 29 and 30 of the Motor Carrier Act of 1980.
While nationwide carriers can easily have multi-million dollar insurance policies, they are not likely to pay out without a fight.
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