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semi truck accident

What to Do After a Semi Truck Accident

semi truck accident

There’s a lot of risk involved in running a semi-truck business. Of course, one of the main risks is ending up in a semi-truck accident.

Experiencing a truck accident can be a traumatic experience. Depending on the accident, you could face all kinds of issues – such as damage to your vehicle, injuries, and a pause in your business operations. This is why it’s so important to know exactly what to do after experiencing an accident.

Even though you may be shaken up, following the right step after a semi-truck accident is essential. Doing so will help you with your well-being, as well as any potential legal claims you might make.

So if you experience a semi-truck accident of any scale, be sure to follow the steps below.

After a Semi Truck Accident: Top Steps

Focus On Safety

The first and most important step after a semi-truck accident is to make sure that everyone involved in the accident is safe. Assess your condition and check up on the condition of anyone else involved in the accident. Passenger vehicles should first check that everyone in the vehicle is safe, and make note of any serious and minor injuries.

If possible, move the semi-truck to a safe location away from traffic for public safety. Make sure to turn on your hazard lights to alert any other drivers of the accident.

If you are injured or unable to move, try to remain still until help arrives. The same applies to any passengers that might be in the semi-truck. If you need to tend to any serious injuries, try to first get guidance from emergency services over the phone.

Contact Emergency Services

Call emergency services immediately to report the accident and request medical assistance if anyone involved in the accident needs it. The police will also arrive at the scene to document the incident and prepare an accident report, which is important for insurance purposes.

You may also need to arrange for a tow truck to come to clear the accident scene. Of course, semi-truck crashes involve large vehicles, so you may need a special commercial truck towing service.

Gather the Right Information

As soon as everything is safe at the scene of the accident, the next step is to gather all of the necessary information about the accident. This is important for reporting semi-truck accidents and making sure you have all of the facts for doing this.

Collect information from all parties involved in the accident, including the semi-truck driver, witnesses, and passengers. If another commercial vehicle is involved in the crash, take down the details of the trucking company too.

Gather everyone’s names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, insurance information, and license plate numbers. While this may seem like a hassle straight after a semi-truck accident, having this information available is essential.

Document the Accident Scene

The next critical step in dealing with a semi-truck accident is making sure that you gather enough physical evidence about the crash. You’ll need this when reporting the accident and filing any insurance claims.

Use your phone to take pictures and videos of the accident scene. Capture the position of vehicles, damages sustained, skid marks, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Having these visual records of the accident will make it a lot easier to file any claims and proceed with the legal aftermath of the accident.

When gathering this information, you’ll also need to make sure that you get the story straight for how the accident took place and which party was at fault. Ensure the evidence you gather can clearly depict this.

Notify Your Insurance Company

After commercial trucks have an accident, things can get expensive very quickly. The first thing you’ll want to do once the accident is cleared is notify our insurance company.

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with accurate details of the incident and share the evidence you have gathered. By filing a claim quickly, you’ll have a far smoother claims process. Gaining compensation for any damages or injuries will also be a lot quicker.

Seek Medical Attention

You might not think you’re injured, but if you’ve been in a semi-truck accident it’s a good idea to seek medical attention.

Some injuries get worse over time, without showing full effect immediately. By going for a proper medical examination, you’ll detect any underlying issues which means you can treat them quickly.

Consult With a Lawyer

This isn’t always an absolutely necessary step, but consulting with an attorney certainly has its advantages after a semi-truck accident.

Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in semi-truck accidents is ideal. They will evaluate your case, protect your rights, and guide you through the legal process. An attorney will handle negotiations with insurance companies, gather evidence, and represent your best interests if litigation becomes necessary.

While you don’t always need a lawyer after an accident, you will want to work with one after a complicated incident.

Preserve Your Evidence

If there is a case and you need to work with a lawyer, then make sure you have all of your supporting evidence stored safely.

Preserve all evidence related to the accident, including medical records, accident reports, photographs, and witness statements. This evidence will be vital for supporting your insurance claim or potential lawsuit, should you pursue legal action against the responsible party.

Understand Your Legal Rights

On the topic of lawsuits and attorneys, it’s vital that you understand your legal rights after an accident. Know what you can and cannot do, and familiarize yourself with the specific laws surrounding semi-truck accidents in your jurisdiction.

Each state may have different regulations and statutes of limitations. Understanding your rights empowers you to make informed decisions regarding insurance claims and legal actions. Having enough legal knowledge also means you can proceed with the case faster and more efficiently.

File an Insurance Claim

Now you’ve got legal help, evidence of the semi-truck accident, and you’ve been in touch with your insurance company. The next step is to file an insurance claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company.

Provide them with all relevant information and evidence to support your claim. The more support documents you have, the better.

Insurance companies can be difficult to work with – especially in cases where large commercial semi-trucks are involved. This is why having good legal representation is so useful.

Negotiate a Settlement

A key part of the claims process is negotiating a settlement. If you work with an attorney, then they will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.

Try to reach a fair settlement that compensates you for property damages, medical expenses, and possibly lost wages. Of course, the settlement you reach will depend on the specifics of the accident and the commercial insurance company.

If you cannot reach a suitable agreement with the insurance company, then you may need to pursue a lawsuit. This is not ideal, but can be worthwhile depending on the accident.

Consider Legal Action

This isn’t always the case, but there are certain accidents where filing a lawsuit is necessary. You would do this to seek full compensation (which the insurance company isn’t offering) and to protect all of your rights.

If you do decide to take legal action, your attorney will guide you through the entire litigation process. They will represent your interests in court and work to get you the compensation you desire.

While filing a lawsuit can be very worthwhile, it really just depends on the specifics of your case. Each case is different, with some more suitable for lawsuits than others.

Complete Your Semi-Truck Repairs

There are plenty of legal challenges you have to face when dealing with a semi-truck accident. Despite all of this, you’ll still need to get your truck back on the road and your business back in operation as soon as possible. This will likely involve following through with semi-truck repairs.

You may need to rake out a semi-truck repair loan in order to do this if you are still waiting on the insurance settlement. In some cases, you may even need to replace the entire semi-truck completely. Knowing how to buy a semi-truck and find the right semi-truck financing is important here.

The sooner you get your truck repaired, the faster you can get past the accident and back on the road.

Conclusion

Experiencing a semi-truck accident can be an incredibly difficult event. However, following the right steps and knowing what to do after the accident will make the whole process a lot easier to manage. By taking the right steps efficiently, you’ll be able to get past the accident faster and more positively.

If you find yourself needing to purchase a new semi-truck after experiencing an accident, then it’s also important to understand what semi-truck financing options you have available. Get in touch with us at Mission Financial, where we can help any truck driver secure financing for the commercial vehicle of their dreams.

top 10 commercial truck insurance companies

Top 10 Commercial Truck Insurance Companies

top 10 commercial truck insurance companies

With so many commercial truck insurance providers out there, finding the best policy can be tricky.

When you buy a semi-truck, you must get the right commercial truck coverage for your business needs. The best commercial truck insurance depends on your specific business, vehicle, and scenario.

To help you find the right policy, here are the top 10 commercial truck insurance companies operating right now.

Top Commercial Truck Insurance Companies

Progressive

Progressive holds the largest market share of commercial truck insurance companies in the US, making it an easy choice for truck drivers.

This insurance provider is available in all 50 states and offers free state and federal insurance filings. Progressive also offers a wide variety of commercial truck insurance discounts to drivers.

Another one of the main reasons why Progressive is so popular is because their commercial trucking insurance is available to cover a large variety of truck types. No matter what kind of semi-truck business you run, there will be a suitable commercial auto insurance plan available from Progressive.

Sentry

If you’re looking for a commercial truck insurance company that focuses on single truck drivers, then Sentry is one of the best options. Unlike other truck insurance companies that focus on coverage for larger businesses and fleets, Sentry’s main focus is on individual trucks and drivers.

Their commercial insurance coverage is flexible depending on your vehicle and situation. Sentry is also available in all 50 states and offers more personalized insurance coverage for owner-operators in the trucking industry.

Hartford Trucking Insurance

Hartford is another one of the most popular commercial truck insurance companies available across all 50 states. Whether you’re an owner-operator or manage a large fleet, Hartford offers relevant insurance coverage for your needs.

Compared to other commercial truck insurance providers, Hartford offers some of the best discounts and complimentary coverages. They also provide special risk engineering services for fleets, which is a useful option for any larger trucking company.

While owner-operators can use Hartford, the company’s multi-vehicle truck insurance policies are the most popular.

State Farm

State Farm is consistently recognized as one of the top 10 commercial truck insurance companies thanks to its high level of customer service.

The company’s commercial truck insurance premiums are reasonable, and they offer various packages for individual owner-operators or fleet vehicles. State Farm’s commercial truck insurance is also available in all 50 states.

While State Farm offers good coverage to commercial truck drivers, their main differentiator is their consistently strong consumer satisfaction ratings.

CoverWallet

Technically, CoverWallet is not one of the top 10 commercial truck insurance companies because it’s an aggregator. However, if you’re looking for the best commercial truck insurance deal, then CoverWallet is one of the best places to find it.

You can use CoverWallet to compare commercial truck insurance costs, features, and coverage options across multiple premiums with instant quotes. The platform also offers comprehensive coverage options for owner-operators with bad credit history.

If you’re looking to purchase commercial truck insurance for any type of vehicle or business, then CoverWallet is a great place to start your journey.

Chubb

When it comes to commercial truck insurance in the US, Chubb is a market-leading name.

Chubb offers business insurance to all kinds of industries and business sizes, including a range of commercial trucking insurance policies. This includes truck insurance, motor truck cargo insurance, non-trucking liability coverage, and more.

Chubb has a large network of offices across the US, and its commercial truck insurance protects anyone from individual owner-operators to large fleets. Their flexible policies and premiums can be tailored to any trucking business.

Nationwide Insurance

As their name suggests, Nationwide Insurance is a top choice if you want comprehensive coverage across all 50 states.

Nationwide is one of the most popular commercial truck insurance companies thanks to being one of the most well-known personal and business insurance providers in the US. Unfortunately, this does mean that their commercial trucking insurance prices can be on the higher side.

However. Nationwide offers a wide range of policies for owner-operators and large fleets. You can access motor truck cargo insurance, commercial auto insurance, and semi-truck insurance for vehicles of all types and sizes. Coverage options are flexible and can include various discounts.

Berkshire Hathaway

Berkshire Hathaway offers truck insurance coverage through GEICO, biBERK, and THREE. These insurance companies are not as large as others, but they all offer a good range of commercial truck insurance and business insurance for companies of all sizes and types.

Berkshire Hathaway’s various insurance companies offer good policies for specific types of trucking businesses. This ranges from low-cost auto insurance to commercial insurance for businesses with specific needs.

Whether you’re looking for rental reimbursement policies, motor truck cargo insurance, non-trucking liability coverage, insurance that offers medical payments, or just straightforward coverage for commercial vehicles, BH’s subsidiaries will have a solution for you.

Farmers Insurance

Farmers Insurance does not offer the most extensive policies compared to other trucking insurance companies. However, the company is straightforward and transparent with its policies and offers good value for money.

Farmers Insurance is also known for its fast claims settlement process and attractive discounts for responsible drivers.

Allstate

If you’re after affordable insurance policies, then Allstate is certainly one of the top 10 commercial truck insurance companies out there. The company offers a wide range of commercial truck insurance policies and is known for its excellent customer service and claims processes.

Allstate also offers flexible commercial insurance coverage to match the specific needs of owner-operators or large fleets of commercial trucks.

Conclusion

We chose this list of the top 10 commercial truck insurance companies based on their variety of policies and coverage options available.

Whether you’re an individual with a semi-truck or operate a large commercial fleet, these truck insurance companies will offer a policy that works for your scenario.

Always compare quotes and shop around when choosing commercial truck insurance. This will help you get the best policy, premiums, and coverage for your trucking business needs.

If you’re looking to purchase a commercial truck, then you’ll also need to work with the right truck financing provider. At Mission Financial, we help everyone gain financing to match their needs – regardless of whether you have bad credit. Get in touch if you’re ready to buy your dream truck.

semi truck driver salary

Semi-Truck Driver Salary | How To Get Paid What You Deserve

semi truck driver salary

Are you considering a career as a semi-truck driver, or are you already in the field? Understanding how to maximize your earning potential is crucial to a financially rewarding experience.
In this article, we explore the factors that’ll influence your semi-truck driver salary. We will also give you tips to ensure that you are compensated appropriately for your skills and experience.

Let’s guide you through strategies to help you secure a salary reflecting your dedication and hard work. If you’re interested in a higher salary, read on!

How To Get A Good Salary As A Truck Driver

The main influences that affect your salary are your experience and the industry you choose. Luckily, you can take extra measures to ensure well-paid compensation. Let’s take a look at a few tips to help you reach your semi-truck driver salary goals.

  • Research the job market: Different regions and industries may offer varying salary levels for truck drivers. Currently, the highest-paying states for truck drivers are Delaware and Rhode Island.
  • Find reputable and competitive employers: Look for companies with a reputation for offering competitive salaries and benefits to their drivers. When evaluating potential employers, compare pay scales, bonus structures, and other perks.
  • Network and stay updated: Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and network with other truck drivers. Staying connected and informed can help you learn about new opportunities and industry trends that may lead to higher salaries.

  • Specialize or get additional training: Certain truck driving jobs, such as hauling specialized cargo or operating oversized vehicles, often pay higher salaries. Consider getting specialized training to increase your marketability and earning potential.

Salary negotiation skills and personal factors such as willingness to work long hours or travel extensively can also influence your salary. Finding the right balance between financial goals and personal preferences is essential when pursuing a good salary as a truck driver.

How Much Can You Expect To Be Paid As A Truck Driver?

When it comes to a truck driver’s salary, experience, and specialization play a crucial role. In a nutshell, here’s an average of what you can expect to get for your semi-truck driver salary:

  • Entry-level truck drivers: Beginner truck drivers earn a national average of $41,160 annually.
  • Experienced truck drivers: As you gain experience and maintain a clean driving record, the average pay is $90,000.
  • Specialized truck drivers: Specialists, such as ice truckers, and those transporting demanding types of cargo, can expect to be paid anything from $70,000 per year.

Remember, your semi-truck driver salary can differ depending on your location and the company you work for. A more reputable company will often pay more than the average salary compared to a startup business.

Perks Of Being A Truck Driver

You can enjoy a variety of perks. Below, we’ve listed only a few of the top benefits you can expect as a small-scale semi-truck driver.

Benefits and Perks From Employers

Many trucking companies will offer you various benefits in addition to your semi-truck driver salary. Let’s take a look at some of them below:

  • Health insurance: Some companies will provide health insurance coverage. What the health insurance plan offers varies between companies. So, it’s always important to review the details to understand the extent of coverage.
  • Retirement plans: Your trucking company may offer retirement plans, such as a 401(k). These plans allow drivers to contribute a portion of their earnings towards retirement, often with the added benefit of employer matching contributions.
  • Paid time off: Paid time off (PTO) is a common perk provided by trucking companies. You can take time off when needed and still receive compensation for those days.
  • Driver lounges and amenities: Many trucking companies provide designated driver lounges at their facilities or offer access to amenities at truck stops. These lounges are often equipped with the necessary amenities to help you relax during breaks.
  • Performance bonuses: Trucking companies may have bonus programs based on driver performance, safety records, or meeting specific targets.

It’s important to note that the availability and extent of benefits and perks can vary between trucking companies. When considering employment opportunities, we recommend thoroughly reviewing the benefits package offered by each company to assess the overall compensation and value provided.

Job Security And Demand

Job security is a notable aspect of the truck driving profession due to the constant demand in the transportation industry. Many industries rely heavily on the transportation of goods.

So, truck drivers have a crucial impact on the economy by delivering goods across the country.

E-commerce and online shopping continue to see rapid growth. It means the need to deliver goods to customers quickly grows with it. Because of this demand, the dependence on the trucking industry is unlikely to diminish in the foreseeable future. This sustained demand ensures truck drivers a relatively stable and secure job outlook.

The trucking industry also faces a shortage of qualified drivers, further enhancing job security. As a result, there’s an ongoing need for new drivers to fill these vacancies, which leads to a relatively stable job market and increased job security for individuals entering the profession.

Constant Learning And Skill Development

Constant learning and skill development are valuable perks of being a truck driver. It’ll help increase your marketability and your semi-truck driver salary. Here’s what else it can do for you:

  • Evolving industry: Technological advancements and regulations constantly change the trucking industry. You’ll have the chance to learn and stay updated on industry changes continuously. It keeps your skills relevant and valuable in the ever-evolving world of trucking.
  • Training programs: Many trucking companies offer training programs that cover safety protocols, new technologies, and compliance with regulations. These programs help you enhance your skills and stay informed about the latest industry practices.
  • Professional certifications: Pursuing certifications, like an ice road trucker, showcases your expertise and commitment to your profession. These certifications can lead to more job opportunities and higher pay.
  • Technology adoption: The trucking industry is embracing technology rapidly. Learning and utilizing tools like GPS navigation, electronic logging devices (ELDs), and fleet management software improves your efficiency and job performance.
  • Personal growth and adaptability: Being a truck driver exposes you to diverse experiences, people, and situations. In return, it promotes personal growth, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.

Constant learning and skill development as a truck driver contributes to your professional growth, job satisfaction, and marketability within the industry. Embracing these opportunities allows you to thrive in the ever-changing trucking landscape and build a successful and fulfilling career.

Independence And Freedom

Being a truck driver offers several perks, including independence and freedom. One of the advantages is having a flexible schedule. Unlike traditional office jobs, you can often choose routes and plan your travel stops. This flexibility provides you with more control over your working hours.

Even though you are responsible for meeting deadlines and adhering to safety regulations, you’ll have a certain level of independence. It means you can make your own decisions on your own and manage your own time.

As a bonus, you’ll have the opportunity to explore new places. You’ll experience the open road, witness diverse landscapes, and visit different cities, towns, and regions nationwide. It gives a sense of adventure.

Tax Deductions

Tax deductions can be advantageous for truck drivers as they can help reduce the overall tax liability. Here are some standard tax deductions that you may be eligible for:

  • Meal allowance: When you’re on the road, you can deduct a portion of your meal expenses. The IRS allows truck drivers to claim between 50% and 80% back for meal allowances.

  • Travel expenses: Travel expenses, such as overnight lodging, fuel, and maintenance costs, can also be deducted. However, long-distance drivers are more likely to benefit from these deductions than regional drivers.
  • Communication equipment: Any devices, such as cell phones and laptops, that you use exclusively for work are 100% deductible. It also includes any office supplies that you make use of.
  • Insurance: Owner-operators can deduct insurance used to cover their ½ semi-trucks. It also includes removing cargo insurance and other necessary small business commercial vehicle insurance.
  • Tools and equipment: Any tools needed to complete job contracts can be deducted from your tax obligations.

It’s essential to keep accurate records of your yearly expenses to support your deductions. Consider consulting with a tax professional or using tax software designed for truck drivers to ensure you take full advantage of all eligible deductions and comply with IRS regulations.

Final Thoughts

A truck driving career offers the potential for a rewarding career and a competitive semi-truck driver salary.

By knowing and understanding the factors that influence commercial truck driver salaries, you can take steps to maximize your earnings.

With experience, professionalism, and a commitment to ongoing growth, you can carve out a successful career and secure a semi-truck driver salary that reflects your dedication and expertise.

If you’re ready to start your truck driving journey, we can help. Mission Financial Services offers loans to new and existing truck drivers. Even if you have a low credit score, we’d like to hear from you!

how much is insurance on a semi truck

How Much Is Insurance On A Semi-Truck? (+ FAQs)

how much is insurance on a semi truck

There’s a rise in trucking insurance costs. However, it’s crucial for protecting your truck, business, and you from potential risks and liabilities. If you’re wondering how much insurance is on a semi-truck, it can be complex due to various factors.

However, we’ve got the breakdown for you. With this article, you can view the estimate of what to expect when paying your commercial truck insurance cost. We’ve also added the primary benefits to help you understand how crucial it is to have semi-truck insurance.

If you’re an experienced trucker or new to the industry, we’ll help you understand the intricacies of semi-truck insurance rates. It’ll help empower you to make informed decisions and safeguard your investment.

How Much Is Insurance On A Semi-Truck?

How much is insurance on a semi-truck? It depends on several factors, such as the truck’s value, its intended use, and your driving experience. On average, you can expect to pay anything between $3000 to $18000 per year. However, here’s a more detailed breakdown:

  • Owner-operators that lease on to a motor carrier can expect to pay between $3000 and $5000 per year.
  • Owner-operators with their authority can spend an average of $9000 to $15000 per year.
  • For new authorities, you can pay between $12000 and $18000 per year.

When you apply, your trucking insurance company will also consider the type of cargo you’ll be transporting. The higher risk your shipment is to theft and damage, the more you expect to pay in commercial truck insurance costs.

To find the rate for your commercial trucking business, we recommend approaching multiple insurance companies to get a quote. Take care to make sure that the quotes offer the required coverage you need in case of accidents.

Why Should You Have Insurance?

Besides being a legal obligation in some jurisdictions, insurance protects your business from unforeseen accidents. Having commercial truck insurance can mean the difference between you having to find the finances for accident repairs or not.

Let’s dive into the benefits of semi-truck insurance.

Financial Protection

Your semi-truck and business are valuable assets that you need to protect. Financial protection is the key benefit of having semi-truck insurance. Accidents happen, and your insurance company is prepared to handle it.

In an accident, how much insurance on a semi-truck is minor to what damages can cost. Your insurance will cover the costs of repairing or replacing your semi-truck.

Insurance ensures your business won’t bear the financial burden, whether a collision with another vehicle or damage from non-collision incidents like theft or fire.

Insurance coverage for your semi-truck ensures that you have the financial resources to recover from unexpected events and continue operating your business smoothly.

It reduces the risk of significant financial losses that could otherwise impact your business’s survivability.

Liability Coverage

Primary liability coverage is a crucial part of semi-truck insurance. It protects you from potential legal claims and financial liabilities if your truck is involved in an accident or causes damage.

It ensures you’ve got the necessary finances to support these individuals and fulfill your legal obligations. Let’s take a look at two examples.

In the first example, your semi-truck causes bodily injury to someone else in an accident. That’s where your liability coverage steps in. It’ll cover all the necessary medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and potentially lost wages for the injured person.

Let’s say your semi-truck damages someone else’s property. Liability coverage will help cover repairing or replacing the damaged property. It helps protect your business from potentially significant financial liabilities and ensures that the affected parties can recover their losses.

Legal Compliance

Legal compliance is crucial in commercial trucking; proper insurance coverage is vital in meeting those requirements.

Complying with insurance regulations protects you, other road users, and your business from legal repercussions and financial risks.

Legal compliance involves meeting insurance requirements and complying with regulations set by governing authorities. It’s not just about having insurance but also the necessary coverage, such as liability insurance, to operate legally.

Every jurisdiction will have different laws and requirements about what’s needed to be considered legal. It’s crucial to consult these laws and find out precisely what is required to give yourself peace of mind.

Contractual Obligations

Contractual obligations are an essential part of the commercial trucking industry, and commercial vehicle insurance is often one of the top requirements. By having insurance, you can quickly seal the deal on incoming contracts.

As a commercial trucking business, your contracts often involve transporting valuable goods and services. Clients asking for proof of insurance is a common practice to reduce the risk of accidents, thefts, or damage to the cargo.

With proper insurance coverage, you show that you’re responsible and committed to minimizing financial risks for everyone involved.

Fulfilling these obligations through insurance assures your clients and partners that you prioritize their protection and the smooth execution of contracts.

Peace Of Mind

Once you’ve taken all the necessary steps to insure your semi-truck, you can rest easy knowing you’re prepared for any potential accidents. Your business will also be protected, and you won’t have to splurge any unnecessary expenses.

Semi-truck insurance policies offer financial security, liability protection, compliance with legal requirements, and peace of mind. It’s a critical investment for truckers and fleet owners, safeguarding your assets and helping you navigate the challenges of the industry.

However, as truck drivers, don’t settle for cheap truck insurance. The chances are great they won’t cover everything you need to be legally compliant or keep safe from liability claims.

Final Thoughts

While semi-truck insurance costs are an extra expense, they provide crucial financial protection against potential risks and liabilities. Investing in the right insurance coverage can safeguard your business from unforeseen events and ensure its continuity.

Understanding the semi-truck insurance cost is vital for trucking businesses and individuals in the industry. How much insurance on a semi-truck is based on factors like coverage type, fleet size, and driving records.

It’s crucial to request quotes from reputable providers.

To begin securing your semi-truck and starting your commercial trucking service, contact Mission Financial Services. We’re professionals in the auto financing industry. Whether you’re a first time-driver or have less than perfect credit, we can help.

 

top 10 commercial truck insurance companies

Commercial Vehicle Insurance Tips You Should Know

top 10 commercial truck insurance companies

When you purchase a commercial vehicle, one of the first things you need to do is get the right commercial vehicle insurance policy in place.

You need to make sure that your insurance policy offers the best value and coverage for your business, while still being as affordable as possible. Some commercial vehicle policies can add up, so you must be careful when choosing one.

To help you get this right, this guide offers some of the best commercial vehicle insurance tips you should know.

Top Commercial Vehicle Insurance Questions

There’s a lot to consider when taking out a commercial auto insurance policy. To help you get started, here are some of the most common commercial auto insurance FAQs.

Do I Need Commercial Vehicle Insurance?

Any kind of vehicle used for commercial purposes needs to have commercial auto insurance coverage.

Whenever you drive a vehicle for work, you are responsible for any incidents that happen with the vehicle. So if you get in an accident and don’t have proper insurance coverage, your company may have to pay for the damages.

You will also need to have the right business auto insurance policy in place for financing a commercial vehicle – such as financing a semi-truck.

How Many Cars Does Fleet Insurance Cover?

A commercial vehicle fleet typically refers to five or more vehicles. You need commercial auto insurance for each vehicle, which is why taking a single fleet insurance policy is often easiest.

Fleet insurance can cover multiple vehicles, even if the vehicles are of different types, models, and sizes.

Does Business Insurance Cover Commercial Auto Insurance?

Business insurance and commercial auto insurance are two separate things. Business insurance covers your business for liability and covers things like your building, products, and employees.

However, you will need a separate commercial auto policy in place to cover your vehicles.

What Does Commercial Vehicle Insurance Cover?

Commercial auto insurance policies differ, with different policies offering different levels of coverage.

Commercial auto insurance covers your company, vehicles, and employees. It also offers protection to the public. This means these policies cover the costs of business vehicles, as well as additional costs your business, clients, or community might face.

The right liability coverage also ensures your company is protected from lawsuits and liability for damages. Some commercial auto insurance covers any costly interruptions that your business might face due to an accident, including legal expenses and medical expenses.

What Affects Your Commercial Auto Insurance Rate?

Just like personal auto insurance, your commercial auto coverage rate will be better if you have a clean driving record. Your commercial auto insurance cost will be most affected by having a claims-free policy.

Depending on your commercial auto insurance policy, you might also get a better rate by bundling more vehicles onto the same policy, as opposed to getting separate policies for each vehicle.

Of course, the type of vehicle, the type of business you run, and how long you have had your commercial driving license are all factors that can influence your business auto insurance rates.

How Do You Find the Best Commercial Auto Insurance Cover?

There are hundreds of businesses that offer commercial auto coverage, so it’s important to reach out to a number of them to compare quotes.

Be sure to ask each insurance provider the same questions, and understand the specific terms of the commercial auto coverage.

Before you purchase commercial auto insurance, be sure to understand exactly what the policy covers. The cheapest policies aren’t always the best. Instead, the policy that offers the best value should be based on your specific business requirements.

7 Commercial Vehicle Insurance Tips to Get the Best Deal

Your commercial auto insurance policy can be a big commitment. It’s also essential that you have a policy that covers you properly in case of an emergency.

As with personal auto insurance, there are a few things you can do to help you get the best deal. Let’s break these down.

Don’t Over-Insure Yourself

A common mistake that businesses make in their commercial auto policy is estimating more miles than they will cover. This could result in paying extra for a commercial auto policy that you don’t need.

Consider Annual Payments

If you pay annually, you can often get a cheaper commercial auto insurance quote than making monthly payments. Of course, this is an expensive investment, but it could save your business a significant amount of money in the long run.

Increase Your Voluntary Excess

As with personal auto insurance policies, increasing your voluntary excess amount will reduce your premium. Of course, the amount of voluntary excess you choose to pay will depend on your specific business situation.

Don’t Pay for Extras You Don’t Need

Business vehicle insurance policies often include various add-ons that you won’t need. Make sure you understand what all of your different insurance policies include, and know what coverage you need and what coverage is unnecessary.

Install a Dashboard Camera

Some commercial automobile insurance companies offer a better rate if you have a dash cam installed. This isn’t always the case, but installing a dashboard camera can still be useful to your business’s vehicle.

Consider an ‘Any Driver’ Policy

‘Any driver’ policies are useful for businesses that have a large pool of drivers. However, these types of policies are also more expensive.

Understand who will be driving the vehicle and make sure your insurance policy covers all possible drivers.

Employ Experienced Drivers

You can typically get better insurance rates if your drivers are more experienced and have a clean record. Hiring younger drivers, or drivers with a claim or accident history, could push up your premiums.

Conclusion

Take time shopping around for your commercial vehicle insurance, and consider a range of different policies. Most importantly, understand exactly what type of coverage your business needs, and what coverage each policy offers.

Without the right commercial insurance, your business won’t be able to operate safely, or possibly even legally. So, make sure you know what you’re getting into before committing to an insurance provider.

If you’re looking to finance a semi-truck, Mission Financial Services is the way to go. Contact us today!

 

commercial truck accident attorney

What To Look For In A Commercial Truck Accident Attorney

commercial truck accident attorney

Looking for a commercial truck accident attorney? Overwhelmed by the many options available online and offline? Perhaps the legal jargon most truck accident lawyers use is making it difficult for you to settle on the right one. Don’t worry!

We’ve prepared this easy-to-digest guide to show you what you need to look for in a truck accident attorney.

You can find the best representation if you or your loved ones were injured in a truck accident. You might want to seek legal compensation for all the pain and injuries sustained during and after the accident.

Why hire a truck accident attorney? Why not get a regular car accident or personal injury lawyer? Let’s discuss this in greater detail.

Why You Should Get A Commercial Truck Accident Attorney

You may be tempted to hire a regular car accident or personal injury lawyer instead of one specializing in truck accident cases. Steer clear of doing this. Commercial truck accidents are more complex than typical car accidents.

Let’s say a semi-truck veered off its lane and crashed into a personal car. What caused this?

Did the truck driver fall asleep behind the wheel, or did the steering fail? If the truck driver fell asleep, was it because they were intoxicated, or were they required to pull several extra shifts?

And if the steering wheel failed, was it due to a manufacturing defect, poor maintenance, or lack thereof?

All these causes of truck accidents mean different parties can be liable for your compensation. It could be the truck driver, trucking company, or truck manufacturer. It also means you might be owed settlement from multiple sources.

A typical car accident lawyer may find it difficult to determine all the liable parties and sources of compensation. But, a semi-truck accident lawyer can.

So you have higher chances of getting what you deserve by hiring a semi-truck accident attorney than any other lawyer.

Still, you must find the best truck accident attorneys to maximize your compensation. To do this, here are a few factors to consider.

What To Look For In A Commercial Truck Accident Attorney

There are five factors to look for when searching for a trucking accident lawyer. Let’s discuss these.

Expertise

You want to find a lawyer who can more accurately calculate the expenses of all current injuries and future pain and suffering. The keyword here is accurate.

Different commercial truck accident attorneys approach their practices differently, and some may not be very accurate when calculating your compensation.

Almost all truck accident attorneys know injured truck accident victims are entitled to compensation for economic and non-economic damages. It’s relatively easy for most truck accident lawyers to calculate truck accident victims’ economic or monetary damages since it depends on the injuries sustained.

Recalling the commercial motor vehicle crash example we used earlier, let’s say the truck crash victim sustained spinal cord injuries.

Any good semi-truck accident lawyer can work out the victim’s current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity to determine compensation.

However, figuring out their non-economic damages, including their current plus future pain and suffering or mental anguish, may not be easy.

It takes a highly skilled semi-truck accident lawyer to estimate and evaluate the extent of such intangible damages accurately. In this case, you can receive the maximum settlement possible.

Determining Truck Accident Lawyers’ Expertise

To assess the expertise of potential truck accident attorneys, ask for their background in handling commercial truck accident cases. An experienced truck accident attorney should be able to demonstrate their expertise, citing cases they’ve handled that are similar to yours.

Also, confirm if they’ve successfully taken on seemingly tough truck accident cases from fatal truck crashes. A good example of this may be pursuing a settlement for pain and suffering due to wrongful death.

In wrongful death cases, families seek compensation on behalf of their loved ones who didn’t make it in a commercial vehicle crash.

Truck accident attorneys have to help the family prove similar facts as though their loved one had survived and pursued the claim on their own. Winning such cases may be a solid indicator of the lawyer’s expertise.

You can also check the lawyers’ reviews on popular platforms like Google Reviews. Most clients will explain their experience with a law firm and may even mention a specific truck accident lawyer they worked with. This may help you decide who to hire.

Resources

The best truck accident attorneys should have the expertise and resources to pursue various truck accident cases.

Car accidents involving commercial vehicles like semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, or tanker trucks are sensitive. They fetch a higher total value of truck accident settlement from insurance companies compared to accidents involving regular cars. This can be millions of dollars.

That’s because the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires commercial vehicles to meet a financial responsibility of up to $5,000,000. You can also get compensation from several insurance companies.

As a result, trucking and insurance companies often fight hard to show they were not liable for the accident. Trucking companies may try to destroy evidence following a truck accident. At the same time, insurance companies may bring commercial vehicle insurance adjusters to employ underhand tactics. So you settle for way less than what you deserve. You need to hire a law firm with enough resources to fight back.

Often, these resources extend beyond the truck accident lawyers to include a team of trucking industry investigators and expert witnesses. Expert witnesses here refer to economists, medical professionals, engineers, and truck accident reconstructionists. All these experts may have to work with an experienced truck accident lawyer to help you build a strong case against multiple insurance companies.

Evaluating Whether A Law Firm Has Adequate Resources

To determine whether a law firm has enough resources and can handle your case effectively, check how long they’ve been in operation.

Usually, a law firm that has been working on commercial vehicle accident cases for years has long-lasting relationships with the trucking industry’s top experts.

Also, ask how the firm approaches evidence collection and protection for commercial truck crashes and evaluate their response.

Do they have an on-staff team of investigators who visit the accident scene as soon as possible to collect evidence first-hand? Do they send demand letters, including spoliation letters, to legally prevent trucking companies from destroying evidence? If yes, that’s a good sign of adequate resource availability and efficiency in handling trucking accident cases.

Trial Experience

The compensation process following a truck accident begins with negotiations. But what happens if the truck accident claim negotiations fail and the parties involved don’t reach a settlement?

If this occurs, the proper action would be filing a truck accident lawsuit to ensure you get a fair trial. Truck accident lawyers can pursue a wrongful death or personal injury lawsuit, depending on the nature of the case.

However, not all lawyers are willing to go this extra mile into trial and help you get the settlement you deserve. Some truck accident lawyers prefer settling fast because pursuing a truck-accident lawsuit can be tedious.

You want to find a lawyer who’s not only willing to go to trial but capable of winning the personal injury case.

Assessing Truck Accident Lawyers’ Trial Experience

You can tell the trial experience of a commercial truck accident lawyer by looking at the history of their practice.

Have they been to trial for cases involving large commercial vehicles, e.g., semi-truck accident cases? How many such cases have they won?

Reviews can also come in handy here. Some clients may mention going to trial and whether their personal injury case was successful in their reviews.

Fees

Most accident lawyers in the trucking industry work based on a contingency fee. Meaning they’ll take a percentage of the total amount you get in a truck accident claim settlement or at trial.

For most lawyers, you won’t have to pay a dime out-of-pocket if they lose the case and fail to recover any compensation. But, depending on the case, others might require you to pay, even if you lose.

Some commercial truck accident attorneys may also charge copying costs, court filing, and expert witness fees separately. They’ll often deduct these fees at the end from the reward you receive in addition to the percentage contingency fee.

Nearly all truck accident attorneys offer a free no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation. Always ask them to explain their entire fee structure during the consultation to know how much you’ll pay. Be keen to ask questions and ensure there are no hidden or surprise costs.

Final Thoughts

Pursuing compensation following a truck accident is your legal right. It shouldn’t be a hassle. The right truck accident lawyers can help you get the maximum settlement smoothly. We hope this article helps you find the best lawyer to fight for you from the start to the end of your case.

Remember to protect your rights to compensation in the unfortunate event you get involved in tractor-trailer accidents. Don’t speak to any insurance company at the accident scene or anywhere else until you first talk to an experienced truck accident attorney.

If you want to stay updated with the latest news in the commercial trucking industry, check out our blog!

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