Large commercial vehicles are incredibly important for our economic prosperity. These vehicles ensure that goods are transported throughout the country and throughout this state. However, accidents involving larger trucks often result in significant injuries and major property damage. Because of this, California law mandates that commercial trucks carry certain types of insurance that are above and beyond what most drivers are required to purchase.
Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements in California
The state of California has always been on the side of protecting its citizens. That is why the state sets strict liability coverage requirements for commercial trucking companies and drivers.
The insurance requirements for commercial trucks in California vary depending on the types of freight being carried. Every commercial truck driver operating solely within California state lines in a vehicle that is more than 10,000 gross vehicle weight (GVW) must have an intrastate identification number as well as liability insurance coverage depending on the freight:
- $1,000,000 liability insurance for transporting oil
- $5,000,000 liability insurance for transporting hazardous materials
- $750,000 liability insurance for transporting general freight
- $300,000 liability insurance for transporting household goods
- $20,000 per vehicle and $20,000 in cargo insurance per catastrophe
Importance of Commercial Truck Insurance
Commercial truck insurance is a vital component of any trucking business in California. It provides financial protection against accidents, injuries, and property damage, which can be devastating to a company’s bottom line. Without adequate insurance coverage, a single accident can lead to significant financial losses, damage to reputation, and even bankruptcy. Commercial truck insurance helps to mitigate these risks, ensuring that businesses can continue to operate safely and efficiently.
In California, commercial truck insurance is not only important but also mandatory. The state requires all commercial trucks to carry liability insurance, which covers bodily injury or property damage caused by the truck. This insurance policy is essential for companies to avoid legal and financial problems. Moreover, having commercial truck insurance can also help businesses to comply with federal regulations, such as those set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Who Needs Commercial Truck Insurance in California?
In California, any business or individual that owns or operates a commercial truck is required to have commercial truck insurance. This includes:
- Commercial trucking companies
- Independent truck drivers
- Owner-operators
- Businesses that use trucks for hauling goods or equipment
If you use a truck for commercial purposes, it is highly recommended that you purchase commercial truck insurance. This applies to single truck contractors and businesses with a truck fleet. Even if you only use your truck occasionally for business purposes, you still need to have commercial truck insurance.
What if a Truck Crosses State Lines?
The reality is that most commercial motor vehicles that operate in the state of California also operate across state lines. In these cases, the driver and the trucking carrier must also follow insurance requirements set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), at least if the carrier wants to obtain their operating authority number (MC number).
Similar to the requirements set forth by the state of California, the FMCSA also sets forth property damage and bodily injury insurance requirements depending on the type of freight being hauled:
- $300,000 for vehicles under 10,000 pounds (carrying non-hazardous freight)
- $750,000 to $5,000,000 for vehicles over 10,000 pounds (the amounts depend on the type of freight)
- $5,000 per truck for household goods transportation
- $10,000 per incident for household goods transportation
Finding the Best Commercial Truck Insurance
Finding the best commercial truck insurance in California can be a daunting task, but it’s essential to get the right coverage for your business. Here are some tips to help you find the best commercial truck insurance:
- Research and compare insurance companies and their policies
- Consider working with an insurance broker who specializes in commercial truck insurance
- Make sure to read and understand the policy terms and conditions
- Consider purchasing additional coverage, such as umbrella insurance
- Check the insurance company’s reputation and financial stability
When shopping for commercial truck insurance, it’s essential to consider the specific needs of your business. You should consider factors such as the type of freight you haul, the number of trucks you operate, and the level of coverage you need. By doing your research and comparing policies, you can find the best commercial truck insurance for your business.
Will Crash Victims be Able to Recover Compensation?
Any accident involving a larger commercial truck can result in severe injuries and property damage for those involved. This is particularly true for those inside traditional passenger vehicles in California.
The insurance minimums mentioned above are designed to help compensate an injury or property damage victim in the event the crash is caused by the truck driver or trucking company negligence.
However, it is not uncommon for these insurance minimums to not provide adequate coverage, particularly if the injuries are catastrophic. We strongly encourage any truck crash victim to work with a skilled Irvine truck accident attorney who can handle every aspect of the investigation.
An attorney will get involved quickly and conduct a complete investigation into the incident. This will include gathering any evidence needed to prove liability and handling all negotiations with the insurance carriers and legal teams involved.
Ultimately, the goal is for a truck crash victim to recover compensation for their emergency medical bills, all follow-up medical treatment, lost income, property damage expenses, as well as pain and suffering damages.
Steps to File an Insurance Claim After a Truck Accident
Filing an insurance claim after being involved in a truck accident can be a daunting task, especially when dealing with the aftermath of the incident. To ensure that the process is as smooth and effective as possible, follow these essential steps:
1. Ensure Safety and Report the Accident
Immediately after the accident, prioritize safety. Move to a safe location if possible and check for any injuries. Call 911 to report the accident, ensuring that police and emergency services are dispatched to the scene. The police report will be vital for your insurance claim.
2. Collect Evidence at the Scene
If you are able to do so safely, gather as much evidence as possible at the accident scene. Take photographs of the vehicles involved, focusing on points of impact and overall damage. Capture images of the surrounding area, including traffic signs, road conditions, and any skid marks. Collect names, contact information, and insurance details of all parties involved, as well as contact information for witnesses.
3. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, it’s crucial to get a medical evaluation after the accident. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and having a medical record from right after the accident can be critical in proving the extent of your injuries related to the accident.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Most insurers have deadlines for when claims must be reported, so timely notification is critical. Provide them with all the information you have gathered, and be honest about the incident and any injuries.
5. Keep Detailed Records
Start a file to keep all accident-related documents and information together. This includes the police report, your insurance claim number, claims adjuster contact information, receipts for all expenses related to the accident (medical treatments, towing, rental cars, etc.), and any correspondence related to the accident.
6. Follow Up on Medical Treatment
Continue to follow up with medical care as advised by your healthcare providers. Keep records of all treatments, diagnoses, and recommendations. These medical records will form an essential part of your insurance claim, particularly if there are personal injury components.
7. Consult with a Truck Accident Attorney
Consider consulting with an attorney who specializes in truck accidents. They can provide valuable advice on the complexities of truck accident claims, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and ensure that your legal rights are protected throughout the process.
8. Review and Respond to Insurance Communications
Keep a close eye on any communications from your insurance company. Respond to requests for additional information promptly and keep copies of all correspondence. If you disagree with the insurance company’s decisions, discuss this with your attorney, who can advise you on the next steps, such as filing a dispute or appeal.
Why Choose Callahan & Blaine for Truck Accident Cases?
When you’re dealing with injuries or losses after a commercial truck accident, the stakes are high, and you need representation that understands the complexities of California’s trucking regulations. At Callahan & Blaine, our 40 years of experience in high-profile and high-stakes cases has equipped us to handle even the most complex truck accident claims, ensuring our clients have a powerful advocate by their side. Our attorneys have achieved some of the largest personal injury settlements in U.S. history, and we bring this level of dedication and skill to each case we handle.
Our firm’s strength lies in our extensive trial experience and our hands-on approach. With more than 700 years of combined legal expertise, we work to recover full compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. Reach out today to begin your case with us by calling (714) 241-4444 or visiting our contact form.
