Insurance reduces the risk inherent in operating a motor vehicle. A momentary lapse in judgment or surveillance could lead to a crash that generates tens of thousands of dollars in expenses. Those at fault for a crash are usually liable for any losses that others sustain.
The law requires that drivers carry insurance. Most people involved in crashes can cover their losses with insurance if they have assistance settling the claim. As collision expenses increase, the complexity of the claims process also increases. If the vehicle at fault for the collision is a semi-truck or similar commercial vehicle, it may be particularly difficult for the injured person to secure compensation.
Why is it typically so difficult to navigate a liability insurance claim after a semi-truck crash?
The coverage rules are different
Commercial vehicles are not subject to the same basic insurance rules that govern passenger vehicles. Instead of $25,000 worth of bodily injury liability coverage and property damage coverage, the commercial truck requires a much higher overall insurance policy.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires a minimum of $750,000 in liability protection. Ideally, that extra coverage makes it easier for injured people recoup their losses.
However, the claims process can be much more aggressive in cases where the insurance company faces a six-figure loss. The initial settlement offered might seem reasonable at first, but it could actually leave the injured person with substantial uncovered expenses.
Cooperating with a personal injury attorney familiar with commercial truck collisions and complex insurance claims can be beneficial for those affected by commercial truck collisions. Crash survivors and grieving family members may need help estimating their losses and negotiating for appropriate compensation, and that’s okay.