Truck Accident Lawyer Blog

Trucking companies, or motor carriers, are legally responsible (vicariously liable) for the acts and negligence of their drivers. In addition, the trucking company may be responsible itself (independently liable) for its own behavior, when an 18-wheeler wreck causes injury or a wrongful death. This is particularly true when it comes to negligently hiring, training, or monitoring the company's truckers. The trucking company must ensure that the truck drivers comply with all the safety rules set forth in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. Virtually all interstate trucking companies must carry at least $750,000.00 worth of insurance coverage. Many of these companies are required to carry more coverage still. It is not uncommon for a carrier to be required to carry at least $1,000,000.00 in coverage. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration lists the insurance requirements, and the insurance coverage confirmation filed by each company under its aegis.

As I was writing this blog entry, I did a random check of several trucking companies based in South Carolina. Here is what I found:

Company "A" is required to have $750,000 in coverage. No insurance coverage is on file.
Company "B" is required to have $750,000 in coverage. No insurance coverage is on file.
Company "C" is required to have $750,000 in coverage. $1 million in coverage is on file.
Company "D" is required to have $750,000 in coverage. $1 million in coverage is on file.
Company "E" is required to have $5 million in coverage. $1 million in coverage is on file.
Company "F" is required to have $750,000 in coverage. No insurance coverage is on file.
Company "G" is required to have $1 million in coverage. $1 million in coverage is on file.
Company "H" is required to have $1.5 million in coverage. No insurance coverage is on file.
Company "I" is not subject to the coverage requirements. No insurance coverage is on file.
Company "J" is required to have $750,000 in coverage. $1 million in coverage is on file.

In other words, just 5 out of the 10 I looked at were complying with the insurance coverage requirements. Let's hope they are at least following the other safety rules.