{"id":76,"date":"2022-08-18T21:44:58","date_gmt":"2022-08-18T21:44:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.themejialawfirm.com\/?p=76"},"modified":"2024-04-01T16:58:13","modified_gmt":"2024-04-01T16:58:13","slug":"what-are-the-commercial-policy-limits-of-18-wheeler-trucks-and-how-do-they-differ-from-cars","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.themejialawfirm.com\/blog\/what-are-the-commercial-policy-limits-of-18-wheeler-trucks-and-how-do-they-differ-from-cars\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are the Commercial Policy Limits of 18-Wheeler Trucks and How Do They Differ From Cars?"},"content":{"rendered":"

In 2020, there were 32,562<\/a> motor vehicle crashes involving commercial trucks in the state of Texas alone. At least 581 people are known to have been killed in a truck-involved accident, and it\u2019s estimated that nearly 7,000 sustained injuries. We also know that the majority of people injured or killed in tractor-trailer accidents are not the semi drivers themselves, but instead the occupants of smaller passenger vehicles like cars, light trucks, and sports utility vehicles (SUVs).<\/p>\n

What happens if an 18-wheeler is liable for an accident that causes others to suffer damages? Victims of these types of accidents often face enormous losses like steep medical bills, lost income, and property damage to their vehicle. In order to obtain full and fair compensation, a truck accident attorney can help the accident victim file a claim against the truck\u2019s insurance company.<\/p>\n

Filing a claim against a commercial trucking company can be highly complicated. Commercial truck insurers are known to be aggressive\u2014and often resort to unscrupulous tactics in order to protect the trucking company from liability. It\u2019s essential that you consult with an attorney with expertise in truck accident law before proceeding with a claim. Without an experienced truck accident lawyer representing you, it can be difficult to obtain the compensation you need to cover your medical costs and move forward with your life.<\/p>\n

\"What<\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to know the commercial policy limits of 18-wheeler trucks because this will affect the amount of compensation you can receive after a collision. The insurance policy limits for 18-wheeler trucks differ from cars in a number of ways. We\u2019ll look closer at the legal insurance requirements for commercial tractor-trailers. For more information about insurance policy limits for drivers in Texas, see our article about policy limits and how they affect your claim.<\/p>\n

If you were involved in a crash with a semi-truck, an experienced truck accident attorney from The Mejia Law Firm can provide a free consultation to discuss your legal options. Our lawyers have a thorough understanding of the legal requirements for commercial truck insurance. We put our knowledge to use in helping you obtain maximum compensation after an 18-wheeler accident.<\/p>\n

Is 18-Wheeler Insurance Different From Car Insurance?<\/h2>\n

Insurance requirements for 18-wheelers are generally much higher than the requirements for passenger vehicles. This is because the damage that can be caused by a commercial truck is much more significant. Additionally, 18-wheeler trucks often transport hazardous materials like flammable liquids and toxic chemicals. Insurance policy limits aim to reflect the heightened perils associated with these vehicles.<\/p>\n

There are other differences between 18-wheeler insurance and private vehicle insurance. Most car owners purchase a policy themselves for the vehicle they personally own. The situation is different when it comes to commercial vehicles.<\/p>\n

The majority of truckers you see on the roads in and around Houston don\u2019t actually own the 18-wheelers they drive for work. The responsibility for obtaining an insurance policy doesn\u2019t usually lie with the driver but with the trucking company. In some cases, a separate party may own the truck used by the trucking company. In this case, the truck owner is typically responsible for insuring the vehicle.<\/p>\n

Another difference lies in the fact that semi-truck insurance must meet federal requirements, in addition to regulations at the state level. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the government body responsible for regulating the commercial trucking industry in the United States. There are strict insurance policy regulations that all interstate trucks must follow. When crossing state borders, drivers need to have the proper paperwork to ensure that they are in compliance with the insurance policy minimums required by that state.<\/p>\n

This complexity can result in a trucking company holding multiple overlapping insurance policies that cover different aspects of the business. There may be separate policies to cover different vehicles in the fleet, different types of cargo, and different drivers. As you can imagine, it takes a great depth and breadth of knowledge about commercial trucking insurance requirements to successfully file a claim against a large, powerful motor carrier.<\/p>\n

Minimum Liability Insurance Limits for 18-Wheelers<\/h2>\n

Federal code 49 CFR \u00a7 387.9<\/a> defines the minimum levels of financial responsibility commercial tractor-trailers must carry. Federal insurance limits vary depending on the weight of the vehicle and the type of cargo being transported. Commercial policy limits are as follows:<\/p>\n