Commercial truck drivers and companies have significant responsibilities to ensure that they operate safely. These large vehicles can lead to substantial injuries and extensive property damage if an accident occurs. Here, we want to discuss the insurance requirements for commercial trucks in Florida. The insurance requirements for these vehicles go above and beyond standard vehicle insurance requirements.
Requirements for Trucks Only Operating in Florida
If a commercial truck driver only operates these vehicles within the boundaries of Florida, and if the truck is over 26,000 GVW, then the drivers are only required to carry intrastate USDOT numbers, and the minimum insurance will be different than if the drivers crossed state borders with the truck. The current Florida commercial truck insurance minimums are:
Liability insurance for oil transport of $1,000,000
Liability insurance for hazmat of $5,000,000
Liability insurance for household goods of $300,000
Liability insurance for general freight of $750,000
Commercial Trucks That Operate Across State Lines
Any commercial truck operating in Florida that goes across state lines will have a different insurance threshold that must be met. This includes commercial trucks originating in Florida and crossing state lines as well as commercial truck drivers originating from other states coming into Florida.
Crossing the state lines means that the regulations set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) apply. Current FMCSA commercial truck insurance minimums depend on the type of freight carried by the truck and include the following:
Non-hazardous freight in vehicles under 10,001 pounds – $300,000
Non-hazardous freight in vehicles over 10,0001 pounds – $750,000
Oil carried by for-hire and private carriers – $1,000,000
Other hazardous material carried – $5,000,000
It is important to understand that both the Florida intrastate and federal interstate insurance requirements that we discuss here are minimums. If you are a commercial truck driver or trucking company and involved in an accident where damages rise above the insurance minimums that you have, you or your trucking company will be responsible for the amount not covered. This will come out of either personal assets or the company’s assets.
Working With a Florida Truck Accident Attorney
If you or somebody you care about has been injured in an accident caused by the negligent actions of a truck driver or trucking company in Florida, we encourage you to reach out to an attorney immediately. Truck accident claims can become incredibly challenging, particularly when going up against aggressive insurance carriers and well-funded trucking companies. A lawyer will fully investigate your case, gather the evidence needed to prove liability, and work to secure total compensation for your losses.
If you are injured in a Florida trucking accident, you should be able to recover a range of compensation for your losses. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Total coverage of medical expenses related to the crash
Lost wages if you cannot work while recovering
Various out-of-pocket expenses
Property damage expenses
Pain and suffering damages
Loss of quality of life damages
The total amount of compensation available to truck accident victims in Florida will vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the injuries, whether or not you are able to work, the level of property damage, and the level of pain and suffering you experience. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney in St. Petersburg for more information.
