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Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations under 49 CFR Part 387 set a minimum for interstate for-hire commercial motor vehicles that transport property. They must carry at least $750,000 in liability insurance per occurrence. Trucks carrying hazardous materials must carry $1,000,000 to $5,000,000 depending on the commodity and quantity involved. Many national and regional trucking companies voluntarily carry $1,000,000 or more in primary liability coverage, well above the federal minimum. Knowing these limits, and how several defendants’ insurance policies can stack, is essential to maximizing your truck accident recovery.
Key Takeaways
- FMCSA 49 CFR Part 387 requires minimum $750,000 liability insurance for trucks in general freight interstate commerce weighing over 10,001 lbs
- Trucks carrying non-bulk hazardous materials or oil generally require $1,000,000 minimum; the highest-hazard categories (certain explosives, poison gas, highway route controlled radioactive materials, and large bulk hazmat shipments) require $5,000,000
- Many national and regional carriers maintain $1,000,000 or more in primary liability coverage, with some carrying excess layers adding $5,000,000 to $25,000,000 or more
- The cargo shipper, truck manufacturer, maintenance company, and other defendants may have separate insurance policies that combine with the carrier’s policy in catastrophic injury cases
- California’s two-year statute of limitations (CCP Section 335.1) applies to truck accident claims against all defendants
Nicky C
I can't explain in this short review how much Damoun and his team mean to us, but I'll try. My husband was in a near fatal motor cycle accident. He was T-boned by a pick up truck 4 months after we had our baby girl. The stress, fear and sadness I felt could not be measured I had no idea what to do or what happened. I'm so lucky we connected with Damoun and his group. It was a weekend and of course he was working lol. They really took care of us and put our minds at ease. The care and love they give their clients is unreal and I still can't believe how lucky we were to find them. Please if you need help, want someone who cares and will work for you this is the group. Damoun Yazdi you are amazing and so is your group we love you guys. Thank you for changing our lives for the better and for caring.
FMCSA Minimum Insurance Requirements by Vehicle Type
49 CFR Part 387 establishes minimum financial responsibility requirements:
For-hire carriers in interstate commerce (general freight, greater than 10,001 lbs GVWR): $750,000 minimum<br />For-hire carriers transporting household goods on vehicles at or above 10,001 lbs GVWR: $750,000 minimum (a lower $300,000 minimum can apply to household goods carriers whose entire fleet is under 10,001 lbs GVWR)<br />For-hire carriers transporting non-bulk petroleum products or non-bulk hazardous materials: $1,000,000 minimum<br />For-hire carriers transporting the highest-hazard bulk materials (certain explosives, poison gas, or bulk shipments in large cargo tanks): up to $5,000,000
Note: California may impose additional state-level minimum insurance requirements for intrastate carriers. Many large national carriers voluntarily carry $1,000,000 to $5,000,000 in primary coverage regardless of the federal floor.
How Multiple Defendant Insurance Policies Expand Your Recovery
In complex truck accident cases involving catastrophic injuries, Attorney Yazdi pursues all liable parties:
Trucking company (primary carrier): $750,000 to $5,000,000-plus liability policy<br />Cargo shipper: Separate general liability policy if improper cargo loading contributed to the accident<br />Truck manufacturer: Product liability insurer if a defective component (brakes, tires, steering) caused or contributed to the crash<br />Maintenance company: Separate insurer if negligent maintenance (brake failure, tire failure) contributed
By building claims against all responsible parties, Attorney Yazdi maximizes the total insurance coverage available for seriously injured clients.
Contact The Accident Network Law Group
Recovering the full value of a serious truck accident claim often means identifying every insurance policy in play, not just the trucking company’s. Attorney Damoun Yazdi and the team at The Accident Network Law Group investigate the carrier, the cargo shipper, the manufacturer, and any maintenance contractor to build the strongest possible recovery, with offices serving Costa Mesa, Riverside, Rancho Cucamonga, Apple Valley, Victorville, and Bakersfield. Consultations are free, we handle cases on a contingency fee (No Recovery, No Fee) basis, and se habla espanol.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The outcome of any case depends on its specific facts and circumstances. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Contact The Accident Network Law Group for advice about your individual situation.
