A collision with an 18-wheeler may result in serious injuries, permanent disability, and loss of future income, and all can be devastating on a victim’s future. To ensure these costs will be covered, commercial freight carriers are required to buy extraordinary amounts of insurance for accidents and acts of negligence. Our truck crash attorneys explain mandatory insurance coverage for semi trucks and how these limits affect your injury claim. 
Truck Insurance Requirements for Commercial Motor Carriers
According to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, any company applying to be a commercial motor carrier must have specific insurance documents on file before FMCSA will approve vehicles for operation. The amount of insurance required varies depending on the type of vehicle registration and cargo.
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.
Have You Been Involved In A Rhode Island Truck Accident?
If you've been hurt in a truck accident you need to speak to an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Warwick office directly at 401.946.3200 to schedule your free consultation. We help truck accident victims in Providence, Warwick and all areas of Rhode Island.
|
Related links: |
