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What To Look For In A Commercial Trucking Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been in a truck accident, one of the first things to do is find an excellent commercial trucking accident lawyer.

Whether this is for truck drivers or a trucking company, having an experienced lawyer is essential. They will help make any truck accident cases far easier to manage, make dealing with a truck crash smoother, and ensure you get the best compensation after the accident.

However, finding a trusted semi-truck accident lawyer can be challenging. You must look for an experienced, specialized truck accident lawyer to handle your case.

Here are some of the most important things to look for when finding a lawyer for truck accident claims.

Truck Accident Specialization

It’s best to avoid working with a general lawyer when looking for truck accident attorneys. While they can still help you win your case, dealing with specialized truck accident attorneys can be far more worthwhile.

When seeking legal representation, it’s advisable to prioritize attorneys specializing in personal injury law, particularly those with experience with cases related to commercial trucking accidents. This specialization signifies their in-depth knowledge and expertise in this specific legal field.

For truck drivers, choosing such a lawyer has several advantages. It means the attorney possesses a deeper understanding of the intricacies involved in cases similar to yours, as well as a wealth of experience in handling them. This expertise enhances their ability to navigate your case and leads to a more efficient and effective legal process.

Experience in Truck Accidents

Choose a lawyer with a proven track record of handling trucking accident cases successfully. Ask about their past cases, settlements, and trials related to similar accidents.

Finding a truck accident law firm with as much relative experience with truck accidents can go a long way in making your claims process faster and more successful. If they’ve been able to help trucking companies and truck drivers like you in the past, there should be no reason why they can’t do it again.

Knowledge of Trucking Regulations

Truck accident lawyers need to be well-versed in federal and state laws. This is especially important if you have had a truck accident in a different state.

Commercial trucking accidents often involve federal and state regulations. So, ensure your lawyer is well-versed in these regulations, such as those set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Again, this is why working with a specialist truck accident lawyer is so valuable, as they will be prepared with this knowledge.

Investigative Skills

Part of dealing with a truck accident is gathering evidence and investigating the accident scene. If you cannot do this as a truck driver, you’ll want to work with a truck accident lawyer who can bring solid investigative skills.

A good lawyer should have a strong network of investigators and accident reconstruction experts who can help gather evidence and establish liability.

Truck accident lawyers should be able to gather as much evidence as possible, including witness statements and accounts of the accident. This is important for making truck drivers’ cases more compelling.

Resources

Trucking accident cases can be costly to litigate. Ensure your attorney has the financial resources to handle the case effectively, including covering upfront expenses for experts and court fees.

Communication Skills

Effective communication is essential. Your lawyer should be responsive, keep you informed about the progress of your case, and be available to answer your questions.

Truck accident attorneys have to deal with a lot during cases, so the lawyer must have a solid communication system to help keep you in the loop.

Trial Experience

While many cases settle out of court, it’s essential to hire an attorney who is prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.

Trial experience can be a valuable asset, and you should ask prospective truck accident lawyers about it before deciding to work with them.

Reputation

Looking into their reputation is arguably the most essential step when finding a truck accident lawyer.

Research the lawyer’s reputation within the legal community and among former clients. Online reviews, testimonials, and referrals can provide insights into their professionalism and effectiveness.

Understanding what the lawyer has been able to achieve with other clients and trucking companies is valuable knowledge. While finding an experienced truck accident attorney is essential, they must have a good reputation for their experience to be worthwhile.

Transparent Fee Structure

Unfortunately, making a truck accident claim can be an expensive process. Before you start working with any semi-truck accident lawyers, ensure you know how they plan to charge you.

Understand the lawyer’s fee structure upfront. Some work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. Ensure you’re clear on the terms and percentages involved.

Personal Connection

Trust your instincts. You should feel comfortable and confident in your lawyer’s abilities and personality. Building a good attorney-client relationship is vital.

Even if the lawyer has many successful truck accident cases under their belt, it’s worth looking for another truck accident attorney if you don’t gel well with them.

Use the Initial Consultation

Most lawyers offer a free initial consultation. Take advantage of this opportunity to discuss your case and evaluate whether you feel comfortable working with the attorney.

Feel free to ask for references from past clients with similar cases. Speaking with these clients can provide valuable insights into the lawyer’s performance.

Conclusion

Finding the right commercial trucking accident lawyer may take some time. Still, thorough research and consideration of these factors will help you choose an attorney who can effectively advocate for your rights and help you seek the compensation you deserve.

Anyone driving commercial vehicles should try to have a reputable lawyer. You never know when a truck crash might happen, leading to a truck accident case.

If you’re a commercial truck driver after an accident, you may also need to secure funding to purchase a new semi-truck. Get in touch with us at Mission Financial to discover how easy this process can be.

What Is Commercial Vehicle Insurance

What is commercial auto insurance, and how does it differ from personal auto insurance? Do you need commercial auto insurance, or is personal coverage sufficient?

We’ve created this concise guide to help you learn what you need to know about commercial vehicle insurance and its importance. You must understand commercial car insurance, especially if your business relies on vehicles.

Commercial vehicle insurance is designed to mitigate the risks associated with your company’s vehicles when used for business purposes. By having the right policy in place, you can ensure the security and growth of your business.

Adequate commercial vehicle insurance coverage can save your business thousands, if not millions, of dollars.

What Is Commercial Vehicle Insurance?

Commercial vehicle insurance is a specialized form of auto insurance tailored to meet the insurance coverage needs of vehicles used for business purposes. While it functions similarly to personal auto insurance, it provides higher coverage limits and a wider range of options to ensure comprehensive protection for business vehicles.

Depending on the type of commercial auto policy you purchase and the terms of the agreement, your insurance company can:
Pay for the medical expenses of victims injured in an auto accident caused by your insured business vehicle. Medical payments may also include any injuries you or your licensed employees incur in the accident.
Replace or pay for damage to your vehicle and other vehicles involved in an accident you or your employee caused. Compensation for property damage includes repairs to nearby damaged buildings.
Cover losses due to theft, vandalism, and harsh weather conditions.
Cover the settlement amount and any legal fees for lawsuits you may face after an auto accident.

Overall, commercial auto coverage cushions your business from significant financial losses. Without it, you may have to pay millions in medical payments, funeral expenses, settlement claims, and property damage repairs or replacements after an accident. Such losses can hinder your business’s growth.

Who Needs Commercial Vehicle Insurance?

You need commercial auto insurance if you:

Use your car to transport people or goods for a fee
Use your company car to provide services
Own, lease, or rent business vehicles like commercial trucks
Have employees who drive your company-owned, leased, or rented business vehicle
Have employees who use personal vehicles for your business operations
Your profession requires you to haul a trailer with large equipment or tools you need for work
You are legally required to purchase a commercial auto insurance policy in most states if your vehicles are registered under your company name. Or if they qualify as commercial vehicles.

Commercial vehicles include:

Commercial trucks.
Station wagons.
Pick-up trucks with a permanently attached camper.
Other vehicles with a minimum gross vehicle weight of about 10,001.

Check out the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) definition of commercial motor vehicles for a complete list of vehicles categorized as commercial. If your car fits FMCSA’s description, you most likely need a commercial auto insurance policy.

Different business vehicle types require different commercial insurance coverage depending on your state’s minimum requirements for commercial auto policies and your business’s needs.

Types Of Commercial Auto Insurance Coverage

Commercial auto insurance policies offer several insurance coverage options. They fall under the following four main categories:

Liability Protection

Liability protection offers financial compensation for victims’ injuries and physical property damage after an accident where you are the at-fault party.

Bodily Injury Liability Coverage

Bodily injury liability coverage pays the medical expenses of third parties injured in an accident you or any of your insured employees cause. Third parties may be occupants of other cars involved in an accident or road users like pedestrians and cyclists.

This type of coverage is compulsory in nearly all states. You must meet a minimum liability coverage limit for bodily injury compensation to operate in different states. The exact amount varies from state to state.

Property Damage Liability Coverage

Property damage liability insurance covers damages to third parties’ property if you or an employee listed under your commercial policy causes an accident. With this cover, your insurance company pays for repairs to vehicles or buildings damaged during the accident. For irreparable vehicle damage, insurance companies offer replacement cost settlements.

Like bodily injury compensation, property damage insurance coverage is mandatory, and states set a minimum coverage limit all commercial vehicle owners must adhere to. State minimum liability amounts often lack liability coverage for your company vehicles. Always consider higher limits for proper business insurance coverage.

Combined Single Limit Coverage

Instead of purchasing bodily injury and property damage liability insurance as separate coverage, you can combine the two into a single-limit coverage. You’ll enjoy protection from both commercial auto insurance coverage types at a lower commercial vehicle insurance cost. Still, ensure the combined single-limit coverage you get meets your state’s minimum requirements for each coverage.

Vehicle Protection

Vehicle protection protects your business against damage from collisions and other unpredictable events. There are two main vehicle protection coverage options.

Collision Coverage

Collision insurance covers your business vehicle after an accident with another car or if you hit an object like a wall or a pole. It’s optional coverage but worth considering since it pays for all repairs after a crash and might even replace your company vehicle if the damages are too severe.

Comprehensive Commercial Auto Insurance

Comprehensive coverage protects your company cars from non-collision losses. Your insurance company pays to replace your company vehicle or repair physical damages due to theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. It’s also optional but worthwhile because it secures your business against events beyond your control.

Driver Protection

This coverage option protects you and your passengers whether you are the at-fault party or not.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Commonly referred to as no-fault insurance, personal injury protection pays your and your passengers’ medical expenses after a crash, regardless of who is at fault. PIP also pays for other costs like lost wages and funeral costs. It’s a legal requirement in some states.

States requiring personal injury protection insurance are often called “no-fault” states. This means that an individual’s insurance provider makes compensation for injuries after an accident, no matter who the at-fault party is.Confirm if PIP is mandatory in your state when purchasing a commercial auto insurance policy.

Medical Payments Coverage

Medical payments insurance, or MedPay insurance, covers your medical bills and the bills of all other injured passengers in your vehicle after an accident. This cover protects you and those you care about, regardless of who caused the accident.

MedPay differs from PIP in that it does not cover lost wages. Coverage is compulsory in some states but unavailable in others.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage protects you and your passengers in an accident with an uninsured driver. It pays for your short and long-term medical expenses for injuries incurred during the accident, lost wages, pain, and suffering. Uninsured motorist coverage also protects you and all your passengers in the event of a hit-and-run incident.

Conversely, underinsured motorist coverage steps in when you are involved in an accident caused by someone whose insurance coverage falls short of covering all the injuries incurred.

There’s also the uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage, although it isn’t available in all states. It covers your vehicle if an uninsured driver damages it or if it gets damaged in a hit-and-run.
Depending on your state, UMPD may also pay for damage to your personal property.

Specialty Coverage

Specialty coverage provides additional protection for circumstances not covered in the above mentioned options.

Hired and Non-owned Auto Insurance

Hired and non-owned auto insurance is an extension of liability protection. It offers liability coverage to victims when a vehicle not registered to your business but conducting business operations causes an accident. Examples of situations covered by this policy include:

Employees using personal vehicles for business purposes
Driving a hired, leased, borrowed, or rented vehicle

Drive Other Car Coverage

Drive other car coverage protects your business’s executive members and spouses if they get into an accident when driving vehicles not listed under your commercial auto policy.

Rental Car Reimbursement

If a vehicle covered in your commercial auto insurance policy is in the repair shop for a problem covered in your policy, rental car reimbursement pays for a rental car you can use in the meantime.

The list of specialty coverage options is endless. There are tow-specific coverage options like on-hook towing and garage keepers’ insurance, GAP protection, and roadside assistance coverage. Go through Mission Financial’s add-on coverage options to learn more about this.

Final Thoughts

Whether you have one business vehicle or an entire fleet, getting commercial auto insurance is wise. Apart from minimizing financial losses, you maintain a steady cash flow and can plan for your business finances accordingly.

To get the best commercial auto policy, evaluate your business needs and consider the average commercial auto insurance cost for various coverage options. Then, compare quotes from multiple insurance providers. Our guide outlining the average insurance costs for different coverage options can help you with this.

If you are an owner-operator, use commercial auto insurance policies designed for commercial trucks. You’ll get adequate coverage at an affordable cost this way. Here’s everything you need to know about commercial truck insurance for businesses.

You might also want to find qualified commercial truck insurance brokers to help you choose coverage options fit for your business. Or reach out to us directly. We’re always ready to help.

High-Risk Commercial Truck Insurance Options

Getting proper commercial insurance coverage is one of the most essential steps in starting a trucking business. The trouble is that many truck drivers struggle to get good coverage due to having high-risk profiles.

If you fall into the high-risk category, don’t worry. You can still take various options to secure the right insurance coverage for your business. We’ll explore some of these options below.

What is High-Risk Commercial Truck Insurance?

High-risk commercial truck insurance is a type of insurance specifically designed for trucking companies or owner-operators who are considered to have a higher risk of accidents or insurance claims than the average in the industry.

This type of insurance is necessary because the nature of the trucking business, with large and heavy vehicles on the road, poses inherent risks.

Here are some of the main factors that contribute to giving truck drivers a high-risk status:

Driving History: Trucking companies or drivers with a history of accidents, traffic violations, or other driving-related issues may be considered high-risk.

Cargo: Transporting hazardous materials, highly valuable cargo, or other specialized freight can increase the risk associated with the operation and may require specialized coverage.

Operating in High-Risk Areas: Trucking in regions with challenging road conditions, severe weather, or high traffic congestion can increase the likelihood of accidents and insurance claims.

New Ventures: New trucking businesses without a proven track record may be categorized as high-risk until they establish a history of safe operations.

High Mileage: Companies or drivers covering a significant number of miles each year may face higher risks simply due to the increased exposure to potential accidents.

Vehicle Size and Type: Larger and heavier trucks pose a greater risk on the road, and their insurance costs can reflect that increased risk.

High-risk commercial truck insurance is tailored to address these elevated risks. It typically offers liability coverage (damage to others), physical damage to the truck and cargo, medical payments, and other potential liabilities arising from commercial truck accidents or incidents.

Premiums for high-risk truck insurance are often higher than for standard policies because insurers must account for the increased likelihood of claims.

High-Risk Commercial Truck Insurance Options

Getting the right high-risk commercial truck insurance policy can be tricky. Many insurers are wary of dealing with high-risk candidates. However, various high-risk insurance companies do exist and they offer various solutions to match the needs of drivers and trucking businesses.

Here are some high-risk insurance options to consider:

Specialized High-Risk Insurers

Some insurance companies specialize in providing coverage for high-risk commercial trucking operations. These insurers may be more willing to work with businesses or drivers with a history of accidents or violations.

Many well-known insurance providers offer specialized high-risk policies to ensure they can offer coverage to all truck drivers.

Non-standard Insurance Providers

Non-standard insurance providers are another option for high-risk trucking. They cater to drivers or companies with a challenging risk profile.

While premiums may be higher, they can offer coverage when traditional insurers decline. These policies are often best for high-risk candidates who want to ensure they still get maximum coverage.

Assigned Risk Pools

Some states have assigned risk pools or state-run insurance programs for high-risk commercial trucking.

These programs are designed to ensure that every trucking company has access to insurance coverage, even if they are deemed high-risk. If you’re a high-risk truck driver, then be sure to check to see if assigned risk pools are available in your state.

Increased Deductibles

Consider opting for higher deductibles on your policy. While this means you’ll pay more out of pocket in the event of a claim, it can help lower your premium costs.

This is not necessarily a high-risk insurance policy type. Still, it is an option for candidates with a more significant risk profile. Commercial trucking insurance companies will often be more willing to take on higher-risk candidates if they’re happy with increased deductibles.

Risk Management

Maybe you’re struggling to find an insurance provider willing to take you on. While you can’t necessarily reduce your risk profile or history, you can actively work on making yourself more appealing to insurers.

Implementing a robust risk management program can demonstrate to insurers that you are actively working to reduce risk. This may include driver safety training, regular vehicle maintenance, and other safety measures.

Cargo Insurance

If your high-risk status is related to the type of cargo you transport (e.g., hazardous materials), consider purchasing specialized cargo insurance to cover potential losses or accidents involving the load.

Fleet Safety Programs

Implementing a comprehensive safety program focusing on accident prevention can help improve your risk profile over time. Insurers may offer lower premiums to companies with strong safety records.

Telematics and Tracking

Installing telematics devices and vehicle tracking systems can help monitor driver behavior and vehicle performance, reducing the risk of accidents and insurance claims. In fact, many commercial insurance providers offer these devices to help make their policies more flexible.

Financial Responsibility Bonds

Sometimes, you may need to obtain a financial responsibility bond to meet minimum insurance requirements. This bond ensures that you can cover potential liabilities in case of an accident.

Consult with an Insurance Broker

An insurance broker with experience in commercial trucking can help you find suitable coverage options, even in high-risk situations. They can shop around and negotiate on your behalf to find the best rates.

Conclusion

Finding high-risk commercial truck insurance may be difficult, but it’s far from impossible. Ensure you understand your high-risk trucking insurance options before searching for the right insurance company and planning to meet your needs.

If you’re looking for trucking insurance to purchase a vehicle, you’ll likely need to secure the best commercial truck financing for your needs. Contact Mission Financial; we can help even high-risk candidates secure the funding they need to purchase a semi-truck.

Semi-Truck Christmas Decoration Ideas

The holidays are around the corner. The festive season is the busiest time for most truckers as retail and grocery deliveries increase nationwide. But just because you’ll likely be on the road during this season doesn’t mean you should miss the holiday fun.

You can participate in the holiday cheer by decorating your truck with various semi-truck Christmas decorations. Here are a few semi-truck Christmas decoration ideas to help you get into the festive spirit and bring the warmth of the holidays wherever you go.

Best Semi-Truck Christmas Decoration Ideas

First things first, you need to clean your semi-truck before you consider decorating it. This will give you an idea of how much space you have to work with. It will also improve the appearance of your semi-truck and make your Christmas decorations pop. The decorations will also hold up longer when placed on a clean surface.

To prep your truck, remove any leftover debris, like food wrappers and empty drink containers, before wiping or washing all interior and exterior surfaces. Once your vehicle is ready for a festive makeover, choose an idea below and give it a personal touch.

Decorating Inside

Pick a holiday theme for your truck’s interior and spruce up the entire place as you would your home. You can go with fresh greenery, hand-made décor, or an intricate combination of both. Generally, the more customized your decorations are, the more cheerful, relaxing, and closer to home they’ll feel. Here are a few fun ideas to inspire you.

Get Holiday-themed Mats and Seat Covers

Embrace the season by getting holiday-themed seat covers, mats, blankets, and pillows. Go for the regular red and white Santa colors, festive greens, or detailed plaid patterns. They’ll introduce the joy of the season into your semi-truck.

You can also hang Christmas stockings with ribbons on the sides of the bed in your sleeper area. Have them customized with your names or those of your loved ones to make your truck feel like an extension of your home.

Also, create extra sparkle on your stockings and make them unique with a few tassels and a tiny spiral evergreen shrub. These are easy to find at your local decor shop; setting them up takes a few minutes.

Most long-haul drivers prefer hanging customized stockings on the sides of their seats or the passenger’s seat. Usually, they’ll add candy cane posts with a twisted texture and small gifts in the stocking to delight in the giving nature of the season.

Light it Up

Nothing screams Christmas-is-here more than lights arranged in various shapes and patterns. There are two main ways to introduce the Christmas glow into your semi-truck:

Adding the traditional string lights: String lights bring your semi-truck from zero to festive within a few steps. They work well around the cab, windows, and the sleeper area. You’ll need a power inverter for them to work, though. So make sure you have everything set up correctly.

Adding LED light strips: If you don’t have a power inverter, use LED light strips instead. Most run on li-on batteries and don’t require an inverter. They also have adhesive backs and are easy to apply or set up. Removing them after the festive season is equally easy as you can peel them off without damaging your truck.

If you’re not a fan of string lights running through your cab, find glass lanterns and fill them with LED twinkle lights. Then, place them on a surface in your sleeper berth or hang them on the side “walls.” You’ll still experience the warm glow of the season this way.

Add Boughs of Holly

Bring the tranquility and freshness of nature into your truck with December’s birth flower – the evergreen holly plant. You can create boughs of holly in varying shapes and sizes, then place them on different surfaces in your truck. When doing this, let your imagination run wild.

Mix the holly with other flowers to create perfect floral arrangements running from one end of your surfaces to the other. It could be your dashboard or the kitchen section.

You can also make classic holiday wreath centerpieces with holly, golden-colored pine cones and well-tied ribbons. These look great on stand-out plain sections in your sleeper berth.

Mix Greens and Glitter

Combine your green holly decorations with shiny metallic garland. It adds a touch of glam to your space and makes it jolly.

If you prefer, switch things up and have fresh green garland mixed with holly berries running through your cab, window, or sleeper area. Some drivers use these as their surface for string lights. They wrap the lights around the garland before letting it run through the truck like a string moving from corner to corner.

You can also have the garland and lights around the door of the sleeper section or let them drape over a hanging gift basket in one or more corners of your truck. Just ensure they don’t block your view when driving.

Most drivers love the scent of fresh all-green garlands inside their trucks, but if you’d rather not have this, go for faux leaves or paper garlands. Fake garland leaves are easy to find in your local décor store or Amazon.

Take the DIY route for paper garlands to create the most unique designs. You’ll need paper, various watercolors, or paint and brushes, but the effort will be worth it. Make this a fun family activity to bond with your loved ones and create the perfect home-away-from-home environment with hand-made décor from the family.

Use Christmas Ornaments

Christmas ornaments are a staple semi-truck Christmas decoration for truckers. They are budget-friendly and can pass as great gifts to fellow truck drivers.

Most semi-truck ornaments are also a low-key way to create the holiday mood and often last for years. They are the go-to Christmas decorations for company drivers who can’t go all out on their truck Christmas décor due to restrictions from their employers.

Semi-truck ornaments include small tractor-trailer models you can place on your dashboard or hang on the roof of your cab. You could also get 3D images of your truck engraved in star-shaped porcelain and hang them visibly in the driver’s area.

There’s also the DIY option, where you can create several Christmas ornaments using materials available in your home and local art shops. You may, for instance, create snow globes using glass jars, bottle brushes, fake snow, and glitters. Or craft 3D felt ornaments using festive green, white, and splashes of red holiday colors.

Put Up A Christmas Tree

Yes, you can put up a Christmas tree inside your truck. It won’t be the same as the Christmas tree in your home, but it can still jazz up your space and complete your festive look.

Here are a few simple ideas to set up a tree with Christmas ornaments inside your truck:

Christmas card tree: Display your cards as a tree to form a Christmas card tree. It will look great on one of the walls in your sleeper berth (preferably the one closest to your bed). The size of your Christmas card tree will depend on the number of cards you get.

If you have too many cards, tie a few fresh green pine garlands to a wooden hanger and clip your extra cards on the greens to display them on a different wall. Ensure it’s within reach so you can continue adding more cards as they arrive throughout the season.

Dashboard Christmas tree: Get a dashboard Christmas tree to place on your dashboard. They resemble a tabletop tree but are way smaller. Alternatively, you can find a small twig tree and add hand-crafted décor to make it special.

Decorating Outside

On the outside, go all in on the trailer’s sides but easy on the front and back sides. Avoid placing bright lights or lights that can mess with your truck’s signal lights because it will confuse other drivers and may cause havoc. It could also be against the law in your state and might land you in trouble.

So make sure you check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles to confirm your city’s truck decorations rules before proceeding. You may also want to check with your insurance provider to ensure you are on the same page. Most insurers consider external truck Christmas décor a modification that invalidates your cover.

Large ribbons, floral wreaths, or simple holiday messages will do for the front (on the truck grill) and back parts.

But on the sides, free the creative artist in you and work with lights and evergreen garlands. The more the merrier, provided your truck can handle it. You don’t want to run down your battery’s power prematurely with too many lights. To save energy and avoid being on the wrong side of the law, consider having these lights on at strategic times only.

You can also put smiles on the faces of those who see you driving by telling a story with conspicuous Christmas figures like Santa, elves, and reindeer with glitter antlers or noses. Include cheerful holiday messages, too. This space is your canvas; use it to spread holiday love and joy throughout this wonderful time of the year.

Final Thoughts

Decorating your truck for Christmas is different from decorating for other holidays like Halloween. Halloween has an air of mystery, but Christmas is all about merry-making – the brighter, the better.

Even so, always put your safety and the safety of other road users first. Stay away from decorations that block your view when driving or stand in the way of other drivers. Also, steer clear of dangerous decorations like candles. They are a fire hazard in your truck.

If you’re looking for holiday gifts for friends and family who love trucking, go for Christmas ornaments with engraved personal messages. They’ll appreciate the gesture and can reuse the decorations year after year.

For more gift suggestions, check out our blog. We have several gift ideas for truckers to help you celebrate these unsung heroes who keep our country moving.

How To Avoid Commercial Truck Accidents

Commercial truck accidents are one of the biggest risks of running a trucking business. Even the most experienced commercial truck drivers can get caught up in an accident, so it’s essential to be alert at all times and aware of all possible accident causes.

While you never know what lies ahead when operating a truck, drivers must be prepared for all possible scenarios. To help you out, this guide explores some of the key causes of commercial truck accidents and how to avoid them.

How to Avoid Commercial Truck Accidents as a Driver

You can never predict when a commercial truck accident will take place. However, as a truck driver, you must do everything you can to prevent these accidents.

Here are some of the most important steps and considerations to avoid minor or fatal truck accidents.

Regular Maintenance

The most critical step in avoiding truck accidents is to make sure your vehicle is in good running condition. 10% of truck accidents result from vehicle errors, so ensuring your vehicle is taken care of will immediately reduce any risk of an accident.

Ensure that the commercial trucks are well-maintained. Regular inspections, maintenance, and repairs will help prevent mechanical failures that could lead to accidents.

Be sure to check all common issues before each truck journey. This includes looking for bad shocks, fuel filter issues, a bad starter, or faulty brakes. Keep your truck’s tire pressure at the right level, maintain correct oil levels, and pay attention to any strange noises or movements coming from the truck.

If you experience anything unusual, report this to a mechanic or take the truck in for maintenance. Not only will fixing issues early on help you avoid more significant accidents, but it can also be cheaper in the long-term maintenance of your vehicle.

Beyond the regular checks a truck driver should perform, you must never miss a service. Regularly servicing the truck will help you detect any possible issues that could result in accidents.

Secure Your Load

Truck accident statistics show that the cargo causes a large portion of accidents. Truck drivers must ensure their cargo is secured correctly and safely handled to avoid any cargo-related accidents.

Improperly secured cargo can shift, causing loss of control and accidents. The truck driver must understand the cargo they are transporting and how best to manage it. Some difficult types of cargo even require special licenses and training – ensure you are equipped with this if it applies.

When driving on multi-day trips, always check the cargo at the start and end of each day. Cargo can often shift around during long days on the road, so staying on top of it can play a significant role in avoiding truck crashes.

Driver Training

Of course, most truck accidents happen as a result of poor driving. You must have a good driver behind the wheel to avoid truck accidents.

Employ qualified and trained drivers who understand the unique challenges of driving commercial trucks. Provide ongoing training to keep their skills up-to-date.

The best way to minimize the risk of truck crashes is to use a driver with plenty of experience in the route, experience with the vehicle, and experience with the cargo they’re hauling. The longer the driver has had their commercial driver’s license (CDL), the better.

While gaining experience takes time, younger drivers can improve their odds against truck crashes with ongoing training. Consistently keeping up to date with best practices in truck driving safety is essential.

Drivers can also enroll in short courses to improve their truck driving skills and knowledge for different scenarios. For example, you could take a short course in driving in the snow or a course in driving vehicles that carry abnormal loads to better equip yourself with different types of commercial truck driving.

Vehicle Knowledge

Following on from the point above, many commercial truck accidents happen when the driver is unfamiliar with handling the vehicle.

A critical step in avoiding fatal crashes is gaining plenty of experience in the specific type of truck you’re driving. Understand the gross vehicle weight rating, know the total vehicle miles, and get accustomed to the tractor-trailer setup. The better truck operators know their vehicle and how to handle it, the easier it will be to avoid large truck crashes.

Hours of Service

Even the most knowledgeable and experienced truck operators can cause fatal crashes if they’re overly tired. Long-haul truck drivers need to get enough rest when driving their routes.

Always adhere to hours of service regulations to prevent driver fatigue. Make regular use of truck stops, and know when you need rest.

A significant number of commercial truck accident statistics result from fatigue. So, getting enough rest is essential if you’re driving a large truck. Not only does this protect the truck driver, but it protects any other passenger vehicles on the road. This is why national highway traffic safety places so much emphasis on truck drivers resting when necessary.

Avoid Distracted Driving

Drivers must stay focused on the road and avoid distractions like cell phones or other electronic devices. Fatal crashes can easily occur when the truck driver takes their eyes off the road for only a moment.

As a truck driver, you must always keep this in mind and practice absolute vigilance when driving.
Speed Management
This is another basic rule for truck driving, but it significantly reduces fatal crashes. fatal crashes.

Always follow speed limits and adjust speed based on road conditions, weather, and traffic. Speeding is a common cause of commercial truck accidents, but it’s an easy issue to avoid.

Even if you’re driving behind schedule, sticking to the speed limit can help you get your cargo to its destination safely – which is more important than getting there quickly.

Safe Following Distance

Always maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles. Commercial trucks require more time to stop due to their size and weight, so large trucks must keep their distance from other passenger vehicles.
Fatal truck crashes often result from drivers not having enough time to stop. So, keep your distance, and you’ll be a far safer driver.

Weather Awareness

While the weather is beyond your control, anyone driving a large truck needs to understand how to drive in different weather conditions.

Always check the weather report before taking to the road, and be prepared for different weather conditions. Slow down and exercise extra caution in adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, or fog.

Defensive Driving

Train drivers to anticipate the actions of other drivers and be prepared to react appropriately. This can help avoid collisions caused by other drivers’ mistakes.

The truck driver doesn’t always cause commercial truck accidents. Instead, negligence may be due to passenger vehicle drivers. However, when trucks get involved in fatal crashes, the situation becomes a lot worse.

Large truck occupants need to know how to react swiftly to other vehicles on the road. Taking a defensive driving course is always a good idea for commercial drivers.

Avoid Aggressive Driving

Being a truck driver can get frustrating, but drivers must always stay calm and collected on the road.

Avoid any aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating, road rage, and abrupt lane changes. Crashes involving large trucks are often caused by these brief moments of aggression – which can quickly turn into a fatal accident.

Use Mirrors

Any large truck occupants need to make the most out of their mirrors.

Make proper use of mirrors to be aware of the surroundings. Blind spots are larger for commercial trucks, so use mirrors to stay informed. Always double-check the mirror, even if you think the road is clear.

Observe Traffic Signs

Another obvious one is that road signs are there to keep truck drivers safe. As driving a large truck is a different experience, truck drivers must closely monitor road signs that relate to them.

Follow all traffic rules and signs, including weight limits, height restrictions, and other commercial vehicle-specific regulations. Of course, drivers also need to understand their truck’s height and weight before setting out on a journey.

Conclusion

Knowing how to avoid commercial truck accidents is essential to being a truck driver. Always be aware of the common accident causes and be alert about how to avoid them. This is one of the most critical functions of anyone operating a large truck.

Looking to purchase a semi-truck for your business? Get in touch with us at Mission Financial Services where we help all kinds of truck drivers acquire commercial vehicle financing, regardless of credit score.

All About Third-Party Commercial Vehicle Insurance

If you use vehicles to operate your business, one of the best things you can do to thrive is to get third-party commercial vehicle insurance.

Third-party commercial auto insurance policy offers excellent financial protection for your business. It minimizes significant financial losses due to unpredictable events when your business vehicles are on the road. This type of commercial vehicle insurance policy is also very affordable, so the costs of your business operations remain low.

Here is everything you need to know about third-party commercial auto insurance.

What Is Third-Party Commercial Vehicle Insurance?

Third-party business vehicle insurance is basic liability coverage for commercial motor vehicles. It covers losses, including property damage and bodily injury to third parties only (not you) if your business vehicles cause an accident.

It’s different from comprehensive insurance, which offers personal injury protection and collision coverage for your vehicles, even if you are the at-fault party in an accident.
‘Third party’ often refers to external entities involved in the accident and not associated with your company. This may be people or businesses.

How Does Third-Party Commercial Auto Insurance Policy Work?

Suppose you have third-party commercial auto insurance coverage for your business vehicles, and one of these vehicles is involved in an accident that causes harm to others and damage to their property. In that case, those affected individuals can take legal action to seek compensation for the injuries and property damage they’ve suffered.

In such a situation, your insurance provider will step in to cover the costs associated with the property damage and injuries sustained by the victims.

You won’t have to pay a dime out-of-pocket unless the claim made exceeds your business vehicle coverage limits. In such a scenario, you’ll pay for the amount above your commercial vehicle policy limit. Still, commercial vehicle insurance companies cover a chunk of the total cost needed to compensate victims of commercial vehicle accidents.

In addition to bodily injury and property damage compensation, your insurance provider covers your legal expenses throughout the lawsuit. A third-party commercial auto insurance cover ultimately saves your business from substantial financial losses in claim settlements and legal fees after an accident.

What Coverage Options Does Third-party Insurance Policy Provide?

Third-party commercial auto insurance policy offers two major types of liability coverage:

Bodily Injury Liability Coverage

Bodily injury commercial auto coverage includes medical payments coverage, where the insurance company covers the medical bills of third parties injured during the accident. These may be occupants of other vehicles involved in the accident or non-occupants like motorcyclists and pedestrians. Insurance providers also cover funeral expenses for third parties who lose their lives.

Property Damage Liability Coverage

Property damage liability insurance covers physical damages to others’ property in an accident. Third-party property damages extend beyond the damage to the injured victims’ cars and might include buildings nearby that get damaged as a result of your accident.

Insurance providers offer physical damage liability coverage through replacement costs settlements or actual cash value settlements.

Who Needs Third-Party Commercial Vehicle Insurance?

You need third-party commercial auto coverage if you own or lease vehicles and use them for business operations. It’s the basic business liability coverage legally required in most states. Most states set specific minimum liability coverage limits you must meet for bodily injury and property damage compensation, affecting your commercial auto insurance cost.

You are also required, by law, to get business auto insurance for your vehicles if you transport goods or people from state to state. You may need commercial truck insurance for larger commercial vehicles, like semi-trucks.

Accidents involving larger commercial vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, are often more severe than those involving other business autos. Regular commercial car insurance, therefore, may not provide adequate coverage for your large commercial vehicles.

Note that additional specialized coverage is mandatory if you use your business-owned vehicles for the following business purposes:

Transporting hazardous materials
Delivering food
Offering taxi services

Further, the law requires all vehicles registered as commercial vehicles and those with a commercial license tag to have a commercial auto insurance policy. These may include:

Hired passenger-type vehicles to transport people.
Pick-up trucks that have a permanently attached camper
Station wagons
Multipurpose vehicles

You may also benefit from a third-party business auto insurance policy if you use your private vehicle for work-related errands like shopping for office supplies. Most personal auto policies don’t cover bodily injury or property damage incurred when using your private vehicle for business purposes.

Should You Finance Your Truck and Get Insurance?

Insurance is mandatory. Business vehicle owners require the minimum third-party commercial car insurance to operate in all states except Virginia and New Hampshire. Yet, purchasing commercial auto insurance in these states is still advisable.

On the other hand, financing your truck is a personal preference. We recommend it because it’s an affordable way to start or grow your business. This is especially true if you partner with expert truck financing institutions like Mission Financial Services.

Typically, the two go hand in hand. Most commercial vehicle loan lenders require that you purchase commercial auto insurance if they finance your truck.

Other Reasons To Consider Getting Commercial Auto Insurance

A commercial auto insurance policy helps you run your business at ease. It reduces the uncertainty of dealing with the risks your business autos are exposed to.

Business insurance promotes a steady cash flow. You can write off the insurance as a business expense and plan for your finances accordingly.

Liability Insurance saves you money. You avoid hefty financial penalties by complying with all statutory and contractual requirements. You also save thousands to millions of dollars when commercial auto insurance covers medical payments, property damage, and legal expenses during a claim.

You get a no-claim bonus discount if you want to renew your vehicle insurance at the end of a policy period and are yet to face a claim. This reduces your business costs.

Commercial vehicle insurance also offers some relief to injured victims. Medical payments, in particular, lift the financial burden of medical expenses, allowing those injured to focus on getting better.

Final Thoughts

When purchasing a commercial auto policy for your business autos, compare commercial auto insurance quotes from multiple providers. You’ll find a good insurance company with the most competitive rates this way.

You should get help from a qualified insurance agent. They’ll evaluate your business’s needs, type of business autos, and frequency of use, among other factors, to help you to help you afford optimal coverage. The best agent can also guide you step-by-step through the claims process whenever an accident occurs.

For more information on commercial vehicle insurance coverage options and their costs, hop over to Mission Financial Services and read our blog.