In Dallas and throughout Texas, the trucking industry is subject to insurance requirements that provide financial protection for others on the road. Trucking companies operating in the state must carry insurance to cover potential accidents, injuries, and property damage due to their operations.
Specifically, trucking companies must carry liability insurance to cover costs in accidents where they are at fault. This insurance includes coverage for bodily injury and property damage. Still, if you’ve been injured in a collision with a commercial truck, you may need a Dallas truck accident lawyer to help you negotiate a fair settlement.
What Are the Texas Liability Insurance Requirements for Truck Drivers?
Under Texas law, trucking companies must provide proof of commercial liability insurance for each vehicle registered to their business. Similarly, truck drivers across all states are obligated to adhere to the minimum liability insurance standards set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
In Texas, the specific insurance requirements for trucking companies depend on the nature of the transported goods.
Here are the specific requirements:
- For interstate passenger carriers with a capacity of 16 or more people: Liability coverage of $5,000,000 must be secured.
- For interstate passenger carriers carrying 15 or fewer passengers: A minimum liability insurance coverage of $1,500,000 is mandatory.
- Non-hazardous material property transportation: Regulations necessitate a financial responsibility of at least $750,000.
- For-hire and private trucks transporting hazardous materials, wastes, or substances (across interstate, foreign, or intrastate commerce, with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 or more pounds): A liability insurance policy of $1,000,000 is required.
- For-hire and private trucks involved in transporting hazardous substances using cargo tanks, portable tanks, or hopper-type vehicles with capacities exceeding 3,500 water gallons (across interstate, foreign, or intrastate commerce, with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 or more pounds): A liability insurance policy of $5,000,000 is compulsory.
Notably, these policy limits represent the minimum thresholds, and companies may opt for higher coverage limits when purchasing their policies.
John (Jack) Zinda
Founder / CEO
Over 100 years of combined experience representing injured victims across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationWhat Coverage does Trucking Company Insurance Provide?
Texas trucking companies extend liability insurance to their employees, assuming the liabilities inherent to owning and operating a trucking enterprise. It’s important to note that this insurance primarily encompasses instances where the truck driver’s actions are unintentional and fall within the scope of their employment duties.
Furthermore, truck insurance typically provides coverage for the following scenarios:
- Damages arising from inaccurate product deliveries
- Incidents involving the truck driver while representing the insured on third-party premises like loading docks, truck stops, etc.
- Liability for bodily injury and property damage
- Personal injury liability
- Medical payments for injuries sustained
Our Dallas attorneys have a proven track record of successful case results and will skillfully negotiate with insurers on your behalf.
Neil Solomon
Partner
Real results matter. We do not get paid unless we win your case.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationWhat Kind of Compensation Is Available in Trucking Accident Cases?
Collisions involving 18-wheelers are often catastrophic. These massive vehicles often cause severe injuries and fatalities due to their weight and size.
Compensation for personal injury and wrongful death claims typically falls into two main categories: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages primarily comprise medical expenses and lost wages. Medical expenses may encompass the following:
- Ambulance transportation
- Hospital fees
- Prescription medications
- Costs associated with rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Expenses for potential future medical treatments
Lost wages apply when you cannot work due to accident-related injuries. This category of damage includes the following:
- Bonuses
- Overtime pay
- Vacation time
- Loss of earning capacity
Additionally, you might be eligible for compensation to repair or replace your vehicle post-accident, including rental car costs during repairs.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages encapsulate losses or injuries that don’t have bills attached. These damages can cover the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Physical impairment
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Decreased quality of life
- Mental anguish
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
Standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ready to answer in your time of need.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationWhat Kind of Damages Are Recoverable in Fatal Trucking Accidents?
Certain surviving family members may qualify for compensation following a fatal accident caused by negligence.
Wrongful death damages could include the following:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Compensation for the decedent’s lost earning capacity
- Loss of inheritance, encompassing projected earnings and potential gifts
- The loss of companionship, comfort, support, and society from the decedent
- Loss of services
Obtaining a full financial recovery can be challenging if your claim exceeds the insurance carrier’s policy limits. In Texas, specific assets are exempt from seizure for civil judgments, such as a person’s primary residence, car, wages, personal belongings, and tools used for trade or profession.
Example Case Results
While every situation is unique, our experienced personal injury attorneys will explore all available sources of compensation in your case.
Here are just a few examples of our case results:
- $3.6 million for a back injury sustained in a truck accident
- $1.6 million for head trauma and back and shoulder pain due to a pinched nerve
- $6.5 million in wrongful death damages after a fatal accident
Cole Gumm
Attorney
We are here to ensure you won’t have to face this difficult time alone.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationTrucking Accident Representation in Dallas
At Zinda Law Group, our experienced trucking accident lawyers have the expertise and resources to help you construct a compelling case for compensation. We believe an injured victim should never worry about the cost of legal representation. This is why we provide free consultations.
In addition, our law firm accepts cases on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure a settlement or court award for your personal injury claim. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to a trucking accident, we are here to help.
Contact us now for a complimentary case evaluation with our Dallas truck accident attorneys.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
We have successfully represented clients in a wide variety of cases across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation
