Why insurance policies for commercial trucks and 18-wheelers are higher

Insurance policies for commercial trucks and 18-wheelers are higher than the policies we get as regular drivers because these drivers and companies have a legal obligation to be highly trained in safe driving practices.

For most people, we learn to drive, take our driving test, get our license, and pay the minimum amount of insurance possible. These minimum limits policies sometimes only have $25,000 in insurance coverage. That means if you get hit by a driver with a minimum limits policy of $25,000, that’s the maximum amount of money you’ll receive.

On the other hand, commercial vehicles like large trucks and 18-wheelers are required to have huge policies. And in some cases, the minimum amount is anywhere from $500,000 to $1,000,000. These larger policies are in place because commercial vehicles are required to follow the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s rules, which include:

• Trucking companies must go through safety auditing and hire professional drivers
• Professional drivers must have good safety records, must be medically fit to drive, must be supervised by their company, and must follow all safety rules all the time
• If a trucking company is found to be unsafe, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will place it “out of service,” and it won’t be able to operate until and unless it proves to the Administration that it can operate safely.

Higher safety standards and insurance policies for commercial vehicles are supposed to keep us safer

There are over 15 million commercial trucks and 18-wheelers on the road in the United States. They are bigger than regular cars, which means the laws of physics are against us if we get hit. That’s why the safety rules for trucks and 18-wheelers are so strict. And why their insurance policies are larger.

State and federal laws lay out specific insurance requirements for commercial trucks. These requirements include the minimum coverage they need to carry. The idea is that higher minimum insurance limits for large trucks will increase public safety and make companies focus on safe operation. It also means that you may be able to get fair and just compensation for the harm they caused you when you’ve been hit by a truck or 18-wheeler.

However, even with a better chance to recover fully, you will still have to fight to get a fair and just settlement.

Higher minimum insurance limits don’t guarantee higher settlements

Depending on the facts of the case, the severity of your injuries, and other factors, the insurance company may fight your injury claim tooth and nail. Remember – insurance companies are supposed to make their shareholders money. They have no incentive to pay you for your pain and suffering, past and future medical bills, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and mental anguish.

That’s where we come in. Our job is to help you get your life back as soon as possible. We make sure the insurance company treats you fairly, and we take them to court if they don’t. We know their playbook better than they do. And they know we don’t settle for anything less than the best.

Don’t wait to consult an attorney about your case just because the trucking company has a big insurance policy. You’re just giving them time to build up their case against you when you wait. Time is not on your side.

To get our help now, call us at 877-724-7800 for your confidential, free case analysis. You can also fill out a contact form on our website and tell us about your case. Our attorneys will review your case, answer all your questions, and help you make an informed decision about what you need to do next.

For more information about how you can get help and protect your rights after a serious accident, reach out to our law office at 877-724-7800