Why truck claims are valued differently
Injuries from a crash with an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer tend to be more severe, the medical bills higher and the recovery longer. The bigger difference is insurance. A car driver may carry only the state minimum, but interstate motor carriers must carry far more under federal rules, so the ceiling on what can be collected is usually much higher.
| Cargo | Federal minimum liability coverage |
|---|---|
| General freight (trucks over 10,001 lbs) | $750,000 |
| Oil and certain hazardous materials | $1,000,000 |
| Most other hazardous materials | $5,000,000 |
Many carriers buy $1 million to $5 million or more. Trucks that never leave one state may follow lower state limits.
More than one party can pay
A truck crash claim can run against the driver, the motor carrier, the company that loaded the cargo, the owner of the trailer, a maintenance shop or a parts maker. Each may have its own insurance. That is why truck cases often settle for more than a car case with the same injuries.
Evidence disappears quickly
Trucks carry electronic logging devices, engine control modules and dash cameras, and carriers must keep driver logs, inspection reports and drug test results. Some of that data can be overwritten in weeks. A lawyer’s preservation letter early in the claim keeps it from being lost.
Federal safety rules matter for fault
Hours-of-service limits, inspection duties and driver qualification rules from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration set the standard of care. A driver over their hours or a truck with brakes out of adjustment can make fault much easier to prove. Your state’s fault rule then decides how any share of blame on your side affects the award.
Questions people ask
What is the average truck accident settlement?
Truck claims vary too widely for an average to help. Because injuries are often serious and the insurance is higher, many settle in the six figures and some in the millions. Build a range from your own bills with the calculator.
Who pays in a truck accident claim?
Usually the motor carrier’s liability insurer, because the company is responsible for its driver. Other parties, such as a shipper or maintenance company, may share liability.
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim?
The same statute of limitations as other injury claims in your state, usually two or three years. Check yours with the statute of limitations calculator.