An argument for raising minimum liability insurance for commercial trucks

As it stands, the minimum liability insurance for commercial trucks/buses is $750,000. While it sounds like a great deal of money, it is not nearly enough to cover medical expenses for someone seriously injured in a crash. 

Additionally, the amount has not been adjusted for inflation since 1985.

Many crash victims are seriously under-compensated. Nearly 5,000 people die every year in truck crashes. People who are lucky enough to survive a crash with a large truck are usually injured in a catastrophic, life-altering manner. They may require care for the rest of their lives, and $750,000 cannot cover the medical bills for that change.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) was set to raise rates in November 2014. However, in June 2014, the federal government added an amendment to the Department of Transport (DOT) funding bill that banned funding to develop the new regulation. The vote to halt funding to raise the limits passed by one vote and should be reconsidered.

There are a number of reasons to raise truck insurance limits:

  • Accident survivors often face expensive long-term care and the loss of their livelihood.
  • Current limits are not adequate, as fatal wrecks may cost $4.3 million in damages.
  • The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) officially states that the costs of fatalities and injuries far exceed current limits.
  • All drivers are at risk on the road with commercial drivers. If limits are not adjusted, taxpayers pay the liability costs.

Lee, Gober and Reyna – If you need a personal injury lawyer or help with an auto accident, motorcycle accident, wrongful death, or burn injury case, contact Lee, Gober and Reyna by visiting http://www.lgrlawfirm.com or calling 512.800.8000