Tractor trailer insurance minimums
We've often discussed federal regulations of tractor trailers on the blog, but one area that doesn't get talked about often is insurance limits. Like load weights and driving hours, the liability insurance minimums are strictly regulated by the federal government to ensure injured parties are taken care of should a tractor trailer injury accident occur.
Every commercial trucking company that runs shipments across state lines must maintain a minimum level of liability insurance. This level varies depending the weight and nature of the load being hauled, but $750,000 liability minimums are the standard on most 18-wheelers that you see on the road. This minimum goes up if the shipment is hazardous or explosive materials, since they pose more of a threat to other drivers.
Any driver or company who operates a truck without this minimum level of coverage is subject to severe financial penalties. They could be charged with up to $11,000 in fines per day.
Unfortunately, some drivers violate this regulation and don't carry the required amount of liability insurance. In other cases, catastrophic injuries with lifetime effects may end up costing the injured party more than $750,000 in medical costs and lost wages. In these cases, it is a good idea to consult a personal injury lawyer with tractor trailer crash experience. He or she will be able to examine your case and make sure your rights as an accident victim are upheld.
