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Semi Truck Accident (What To Do)

There are roughly 388,000 semi-truck accidents each year in the US.

Semi-truck accidents are the last thing you want to experience as a professional truck driver. However, you can’t always avoid them.

You need to know how to deal with an accident swiftly and professionally. If you ever find yourself in a truck accident, make sure you follow these steps.

How To Handle a Semi-Truck Accident

1. Ensure Safety First

First and foremost, check yourself and others involved in the accident for injuries. Call 911 immediately if anyone is seriously injured.

While there’s a lot to do after a commercial truck accident, the first priority should always be making sure everyone is safe.

Even if the accident seemed minor and no real injuries seem present, you should still consider seeing a doctor after the incident just to make sure you’re safe. In many cases, injuries after an accident won’t show themselves immediately.

Once you’ve assessed the damage and have made any necessary calls to medics and emergency services, it’s time to start clearing the accident and gathering the necessary information for insurance companies.

2. Check Your Cargo

Semi-trucks could haul just about anything. After a semi-truck accident, you’ll want to make sure that your cargo is safe before moving the vehicle. In many cases, cargo can come loose, causing an even greater accident when you try to move the truck.

Of course, if you’re hauling dangerous cargo or if you crashed a tanker truck, then you’ll need to alert emergency services about this. Certain cargo could result in greater dangers, like the risk of fires or explosions, after the crash.

Once all people involved in the truck accident have been accounted for, and the cargo has been safely dealt with, then the next steps are all about dealing with the aftermath of the crash.

3. Move to a Safe Location

This might not always be possible, as vehicles are often damaged beyond use in truck accidents. But, if it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle(s) out of the flow of traffic to prevent further accidents or hazards.

If your truck is obstructing the road, try to just pull over to the side. You do not want to drive away or get too far from the accident scene, but you should try to clear up the road and any traffic if it’s possible.

If you are not able to clear any vehicles, make sure that local traffic services have been alerted so that they can redirect traffic.

4. Call the Police

Now that the immediate safety actions are out of the way, you’ll need to notify local police services about the accident.

Report the accident to the police, even if it seems minor. A police report can be crucial for insurance claims and legal purposes. As mentioned above, you might also need the police to help clear the road.

Even if you don’t think it’s necessary at the moment, having an official police report of the incident will make dealing with the semi-truck accident far easier.

5. Exchange Information With the Driver

Now that the immediate actions after the semi-truck accident have been taken care of, it’s time to start gathering evidence of the event. The first step here is to exchange contact details with the owner of the other vehicle involved.

Exchange contact and insurance information with any other involved parties. Be sure to collect their:

Name, address, and phone number
Driver’s license number
License plate number
Insurance information

This information is essential for making your insurance claim or helping you negotiate a settlement with the driver.

When doing this, try your best not to get emotional or into an argument with the driver. Simply gather as many details as you can and start processing the post-accident activities.

6. Document the Scene

You’ll need to have a clear picture of the accident scene with as much relevant evidence as possible. The more you can document the accident scene, the easier it will be to make an insurance claim and potentially offer evidence against the other driver.

Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any relevant road signs or signals. This can be valuable evidence later. Always try to gather photo or video evidence first.

Accidents can happen very fast and the small details are often forgotten. So, before leaving the scene of the accident, ensure you recollect exactly what happened. It could be worth writing this down straight away so that you have a consistent and accurate story about how the accident took place.

7. Identify Witnesses

This isn’t always possible, but if there are witnesses to the accident, collect their contact information. They may be able to provide statements to support your case. They could also help supply you with a more accurate account of how the accident happened.

Simply gather their contact details and their perspective on the accident. The more accounts and evidence you have around the accident, the easier your claims process will be.

8. Get Your Truck Safely Removed From the Site

One of the most important parts of dealing with a truck accident is clearing the site of the accident.

This is much easier to do for regular cars, as tow trucks can simply pull them away. However, with a semi-truck, this gets more complicated.

Even if you think your truck is in good condition, it’s important that you thoroughly inspect it before driving away. A small issue with the truck could turn out to be a far bigger problem later on if you keep driving with it.

So, if you’re unsure about the state of your vehicle, then it would be best to have the truck professionally towed to a mechanic. They can give the semi-truck a detailed inspection before letting you drive off again with it.

You’ll also need to have the truck assessed by a recognized mechanic in order for you to get a cost of damage quote to show the insurance company.

Remember, your semi-truck is an incredibly valuable and important part of your trucking business. Spending a bit extra to have it carefully towed and assessed can end up saving you money in the long run.

9. Seek Medical Attention

If you’ve just been involved in a semi-truck accident, then you’ll want to seek medical attention.

Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, it’s advisable to seek medical attention. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a medical evaluation can document your condition.

And if you do have any medical issues that resulted from the accident, you’ll need to have a proper doctor’s account of your condition if you’re going to make any kind of medical claims.

10. Notify Your Insurance Company

Most of the hard work of “cleaning up” the accident is now behind you. However, one of the biggest steps in dealing with an accident is contacting your insurance provider and making an insurance claim.

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. The sooner they hear about the accident, the faster and easier your claims process will be.

Provide them with all the information you collected at the scene of the accident, including the pictures, witness statements, and your own account of the accident.

This is why it’s so important that you understand your commercial truck insurance broker’s claims process early on, as this will help you make swift and efficient claims if and when you need to.

11. Avoid Discussing Fault

Do not admit fault or apologize for the accident, even if you believe you may have contributed to it. Fault can be determined by a thorough investigation.

You can leave issues like this up to attorneys – it’s not something you should argue over.

12. Consult an Attorney

If you’re injured or if the accident involves complex legal issues, consider consulting an attorney who specializes in personal injury or accident cases. Finding the right attorney for commercial truck accidents is an important step for anyone who runs a trucking business, as they will help to make any disputes or claims a far easier process.

13. Preserve Evidence

Make sure that you keep all documents related to the accident, including medical records, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurance companies and legal counsel. You will need these documents for any claims or legal proceedings, and you never know when they might be requested.

14. Follow Through

Cooperate with law enforcement, your insurance company, and any legal representatives you hire.

Stay informed about the progress of your case and make sure you know what’s going on, but remember to be patient too. Unfortunately, delays with a semi-truck accident can take time.

Conclusion

While semi-truck accidents can’t always be avoided, the way you deal with them determines how quickly you’ll be able to get past the accident and back on the road. Following the steps above should help you achieve this.

If you need to replace your semi-truck after an accident, then you’ll need to find the right funding. Get in touch with us at Mission Financial to see just how easy accessing semi-truck financing can be.

Commercial Dump Truck Insurance: What To Know

Unlike most commercial vehicles, dump trucks operate off the road and in construction zones. Because of this, their unique design, and massive size – they require a specific type of commercial auto insurance known as dump truck insurance coverage.

The best dump truck insurance policy can protect your trucking business from losses when your truck is on the road and at work on various sites.

Whether you’re the owner-operator of one dump truck or a manager of several, here’s everything you need to know about dump truck insurance to secure your business and thrive.

What Is Commercial Dump Truck Insurance?

Commercial dump truck insurance is a legal agreement between a dump truck business owner and an insurance company.

The agreement covers vehicles that transport dirt, sand, asphalt, rock, gravel, and other loose materials required in road work, quarries, building construction sites, and many other locations.

Often, the vehicles covered are heavy-duty vehicles with a back part or bed that tilts sideways or backward to dump the loose material.

Some types of dump trucks include:

Standard tandem dump trucks
Transfer dump trucks
Side dump trucks
End dump trucks
Super dump trucks
Semi-trailer bottom dump trucks

With a dump truck insurance policy, you don’t have to worry about the risks associated with running your dump truck business. The policy eases the financial burden of dealing with accidents involving your trucks and other unforeseen events related to your business operations.

Like most commercial truck insurance, dump truck insurance coverage works on a risk-sharing principle. As the policyholder, you pay your insurance company a reasonable monthly or annual premium. In exchange, the company takes financial responsibility for various liabilities or damages, including

Paying for the medical treatment of victims if your insured vehicle gets involved in an accident.
Providing compensation for property damage as a result of the accident.
Covering losses due to unexpected events like fire, theft, vandalism, and bad weather.
Paying settlement claims and legal costs for lawsuits you may face after an accident.

Some dump truck insurance policies also offer workers compensation for dump truck operators, such as drivers and mechanics. It all depends on the dump truck insurance coverage options you go for (more about this below).

Who Needs Dump Truck Commercial Auto Insurance?

is necessary for all businesses that rely on dump trucks to operate. These include motor carriers who employ dump truck operators and owner-operators in various industries such as construction, landscaping, waste disposal, and mining.

What Does Dump Truck Insurance Cover?

Trucking insurance coverage differs from one insurance provider to another. However, most dump truck insurance policies offer standard categories of coverage:

1. Liability Coverage

Liability coverage compensates third parties for any injuries or property damage after an accident where you are the at-fault party. There are two main types of dump truck liability insurance coverage: primary and general coverage.

Primary Liability Coverage

Primary liability insurance is mandatory coverage required by state law. It offers two types of trucking insurance as a package: Bodily injury and property damage liability.

Dump truck businesses whose operations cross state lines must have their insurance provider file their liability insurance with FMCSA. In standard terms, this is known as BMC-91X filing or federal liability filing. Here’s a quick overview of insuring filing requirements to help you understand more about these compulsory state filings.

General Liability Insurance Coverage

Although optional, motor carrier general liability insurance is critical because dump truck businesses are generally high-risk. This coverage pays for bodily injuries and damages involving your business, but unrelated to your trucks. Examples of situations covered under this coverage option include slip and fall accidents on your business premises.

2. Physical Damage Coverage

Physical damage coverage protects your commercial vehicle against damages from collisions and other unpredictable circumstances like bad weather. It’s offered in two forms, collision and comprehensive insurance coverage.

3. Workers Compensation

Workers’ compensation insurance covers employees for work-related injuries. It’s essential if you use your trucks for construction purposes and employ several dump truck operators. Your employees may get cuts, burns, back pains, and other repetitive motion injuries from handling heavy machinery daily.

4. Additional Coverage

Besides liability, physical damage, and workers’ compensation coverage, some insurance companies offer specialty insurance coverage for more protection in various situations.

A few additional coverage options truckers find useful include truck rental reimbursement, downtime coverage, roadside assistance coverage, and GAP protection. Check out the add-on coverage options offered by Mission Financial Services to learn more about this.

How Much Does Dump Truck Insurance Cost?

On average, expect to pay approximately $4,000 to $14,000 per year per truck to insure your dump trucking business. This cost might be lower or higher, depending on several factors. Some of these include:

Credit history: Trucking businesses with a good credit history qualify for affordable dump truck insurance rates.
Driving records: Owner-operator truckers with clean driving records often pay less to insure their trucks.
Usage: A trucking company using dump trucks for construction purposes will likely pay more than another using dump trucks for waste disposal because of the risk involved in their operations.
Coverage options: Each type of coverage has its cost. The more coverage options added to an insurance policy, the higher the premium.
The type and number of dump trucks insured: This affects the insurance rates offered and the premiums you’ll pay.

You may also want to check for any further discounts to reduce your dump truck insurance cost. Or, see if usage-based insurance can work for your type of business. It’s relatively more affordable than most trucking insurance packages.

Final Thoughts

Dump truck commercial auto insurance is a long-term investment. It minimizes financial losses and can help you maintain a steady cash flow so your business flourishes.

When looking for dump truck insurance, focus on finding coverage that will help you meet FMCSA’s mandatory coverage requirements. Large construction companies and quarries often require a high primary liability limit ($1M or more).

Make sure to apply for adequate coverage, especially if you’re a single dump truck owner-operator. For more information about the best coverage for truckers, check out our blog.

You can also reach out to us if you have any questions. We’re always ready to help!

What to Look for in Commercial Truck Cargo Insurance

The right commercial truck cargo insurance policy is essential for many truck drivers. These policies ensure any cargo you carry is covered in the event of an accident or theft – something that could otherwise cost trucking companies a great deal.

When searching for commercial truck cargo insurance, finding coverage that adequately protects your business and cargo is crucial. With so many different commercial truck insurance brokers out there, finding the best solution can be tricky.

To help you out, here are some of the top considerations to make when looking for commercial truck cargo insurance.

Coverage Types

Motor truck cargo insurance can include various types of coverage and policies. Each insurance provider will have their coverage options. The one you choose depends on what kind of trucking business you operate and how extensive your truck cargo coverage needs to be.

There are two main coverage options for motor truck cargo insurance. These are:

Basic Cargo Coverage: Where your truck’s cargo is covered for the most common scenarios. Ensure the policy covers cargo loss or damage during transit. This is the core component of cargo insurance. These policies are the most affordable.
Additional Coverages: This gives you greater cargo coverage to help you stay protected in a broader range of scenarios. Look for options like theft, fire, vandalism, and spoilage coverage, depending on the nature of your cargo.
Look for options like theft, fire, vandalism, and spoilage coverage, depending on the nature of your cargo.

The best commercial truck insurance carriers should offer flexible coverage options to help you find a policy that perfectly aligns with your trucking business.

Coverage Limits

Motor truck cargo insurance can have some very strict coverage limits.

The greater your insurance premiums are, the more your coverage limit will be. Ultimately, the coverage limit you choose should make sense for the type of cargo you’re carrying, the nature of your trucking business, and how risky your routes are.

When looking into this, determine the maximum coverage amount per shipment. It should be sufficient to cover the total value of your cargo. Getting this right will help you choose an insurance company that offers adequate cargo coverage.

Verify if there are sub-limits for specific types of cargo, such as hazardous materials. This could impact how much coverage you have available.

Deductibles

Motor carriers need a clear idea of how deductibles work in their insurance policies, which is significant in how premiums are structured.

Understand the deductible amount you’ll be responsible for in case of a claim. Higher deductibles often mean lower premiums. This is usually something you can negotiate with your insurance agent.

Consider your financial capacity to handle deductibles when choosing a policy.

Premium Costs

Of course, a significant factor when choosing motor truck cargo insurance is the cost of the premiums.

Compare premiums from multiple insurers to find a competitive rate. Be cautious of excessively low premiums, which may indicate insufficient coverage or hidden costs. Always understand what your premiums cover and how the pricing has been calculated.

Cargo Types

Not all cargo insurance plans cover the same cargo. So, ensure the insurance policy covers the specific types of cargo you transport. Some policies may exclude certain goods.

If you carry specialized or high-value cargo, verify that it’s adequately covered. The cargo coverage should also align with the type of trucking business you operate. For example, for-hire truckers, passenger vans, freight forwarders, auto haulers, and box trucks may all require different cargo insurance options.

Geographic Coverage

If your trucking business operates across different states and countries, you’ll need to make sure your cargo insurance always offers enough coverage.

Confirm that the insurance policy covers your trucks’ regions and routes. The last thing you want is damaged cargo in an area that your insurance provider doesn’t cover.

Carrier Liability

Understand how the cargo insurance complements your carrier liability coverage. Cargo insurance often covers more than carrier liability alone.

Always determine how the two policies interact in case of a claim.

Claim Process

An essential part of choosing motor truck cargo insurance is understanding the claims process.

Familiarize yourself with the claims process, including reporting requirements, documentation, and timeframes. Choose an insurer with a reputation for efficient and fair claims processing.

Reputation and Financial Stability

Always research the insurer’s reputation and financial stability through customer reviews and ratings. A financially stable insurer is more likely to fulfill its obligations in case of a claim.

Bad reviews could signal motor carriers to avoid the insurance company.

Policy Exclusions and Conditions

Carefully read and understand the policy’s exclusions and conditions to avoid surprises during a claim. You might need to extend coverage options if the policy does not offer enough.

Seek clarification from the insurer on any ambiguous terms or clauses. If you aren’t fully aware of what the policy covers, then it’s not a good idea to sign into the insurance policy.

Customization Options

It’s always best to look for insurers that offer customizable policies to tailor coverage to your specific needs. Flexibility can help you adapt your coverage as your business grows or changes.

There’s a good chance your cargo coverage requirements will change over time. Truck drivers may suddenly start hauling high-value freight, which could require a policy change. Working with a flexible insurance provider will help you stay adequately covered.

Conclusion

Before finalizing your choice, consult with insurance professionals or brokers specializing in commercial truck cargo insurance. They can help you navigate the complexities of insurance policies and ensure you get the coverage that best suits your business’s needs. Take your time to find the right policy, as this is a crucial step in setting up your trucking business.

If you’re purchasing a new semi-truck, you’ll need to find the best possible deal for truck financing. Get in touch with us at Mission Financial, where we can help you secure funding for your ideal truck – even if you have a bad credit history.

Best Tips For Semi-Truck Owner Operators

Want to become an owner-operator but wondering where to start? We’re here to help.

Whether you’re a company truck driver looking to switch to owner-operator trucking or a newbie thinking about starting your career in the trucking industry, there are several factors to consider.

We’ve outlined everything you need to know and explained the steps to become a successful owner-operator. We’ve also provided a few essential tips to help you run your trucking business smoothly.

What Does an Owner-Operator Do?

Understanding owner-operators’ duties is crucial if you’re thinking of becoming one.

Unlike company drivers, owner-operators have autonomy over their day-to-day operations. You can avoid forced dispatch and are free only to take work you prefer, but this freedom comes with more responsibility.

Finding Clients

For company drivers, regular work is guaranteed. But as a semi-truck owner-operator, you must constantly search for work to stay in business, especially at the beginning.

Carrying Out Administrative Tasks

An independent owner-operator has to perform all administrative duties – from planning routes to preparing and maintaining shipping documents. In contrast, company drivers follow instructions from their trucking company.

Maintaining Your Semi-truck and Equipment

Becoming an owner-operator requires you to have your rig and stay on top of all truck maintenance activities. It’s different from being a company truck driver, where the trucks you drive belong to the trucking company you work for.

Managing Operating Expenses and Regulation Compliance

Unlike company drivers, owner-operators deal with operating costs. They also have to ensure all the legally required documents are up-to-date. You have to pay for insurance and maintain your DOT records.

Keeping Accurate Financial Records

Handling your business finances well is the foundation of being a successful owner-operator. Company drivers don’t have this headache.

Overall, being an owner-operator truck driver requires effort and dedication. If we include the long hours and weeks spent away from family, you’ll notice owner-operator trucking is a lifestyle (not just a career). Consider your situation and family dynamics to see if becoming an owner-operator is right for you. If it is, here are seven steps to launch your trucking business successfully.

Steps To Becoming an Owner-Operator

Step 1: Understand The Requirements

The first step to becoming an owner-operator is familiarizing yourself with all the federal requirements for truck owner-operators. You cannot conduct your business operations without approval from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

To become an owner-operator, FMCSA requires the following:

U.S DOT and MC Numbers

A USDOT number is mandatory if you plan to haul interstate freight or transport hazardous material.

A USDOT number is a unique ID assigned by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to commercial vehicles and their operators. This number tracks and regulates the safety and operations of commercial trucks and buses on US highways.

If you plan to transport regulated commodities like vegetables and fruits, you’ll need a motor carrier (MC) number. In most cases, a U.S. dot and an MC number are necessary.

Heavy Vehicle Use Tax

Owner-operators using heavy vehicles on public highways must pay the annual vehicle use tax (HVUT). Heavy vehicles are commercial motor vehicles equal to or more than 55,000 in total weight. Check out this official guide on HVUT to learn more.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) And Additional Licensing

The law requires you to have a CDL to work as a driver in the trucking industry. If you’re a company driver, you probably already have a CDL. If not, make getting one a priority. There are several types of commercial driver’s licenses.

Get a CDL that won’t limit you to driving specific types of commercial vehicles. This way, you keep your options open and can expand your business operations as you wish. We’ve prepared a quick guide on obtaining your CDL to help you.

Other than a CDL, you will require additional FMCSA permits, like a Hazmat safety permit, if transporting hazardous material. Or certification through your State Driver Licensing Agency (SDLA) if you plan to use your semi-truck for specific business purposes, including:

Trading interstate

Trading within a state but a portion of your trip crosses state lines
Transporting cargo within a state but the goods come from or end up outside the state.

Step 2: Assess Your Finances

Once you know essential owner-operator requirements, assess your financial situation to ensure you have enough start-up capital.

Apart from the enormous financial investment needed for the semi-truck, there are several hidden costs you need to plan for. Some of these include the mentioned tax and licensing fees, plus truck maintenance costs.

On average, licensing fees range from $100 to $1,500 at the start, and semi-truck maintenance costs around $15,000 annually. You have to budget appropriately to keep your truck on the road.

Step 3: Form a Business

The next step is to register your business. This step is crucial because you’ll need your business information to apply for a USDOT number and other necessary documents.

Creating a legitimate business also helps you consider how to conduct your business operations. First, pick a business name and search through the database of your state’s secretary of state site to confirm availability, then select a business structure.

Register your new owner-operator business as a sole proprietorship, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation. Depending on your state, each business structure has different liability levels and taxation rates.

A sole proprietorship structure is your best option if you’re working alone. You’ll make more money even though all the financial and legal aspects of the business will be tied to you.

Step 4: Get Your Semi-truck

Purchasing your semi-truck is the best option if you want to become a successful owner-operator and are ready to commit long-term. You may need to make a down payment to get a loan for a new or used truck.

You can partner with an expert truck financing institution like Mission Financial Services and get the financial help you need to get your business running.

Mission Financial Services offers commercial vehicle loans customized to your situation to help you purchase your truck without hassle. Whether you’re a first-time buyer with limited experience in the trucking industry or have bad credit, there is a suitable loan option for you.

You can also lease a truck instead of buying a new one. You won’t have to make a down payment upfront for this, and it seems cheaper. But you almost always end up paying more eventually.

Consider getting an experienced mechanic if scouting for a used truck to buy. They’ll help you assess the big rig for longevity and reliability, helping you determine whether it’s right for your business.

Step 5: File for USDOT Number and Get Trucking Authority

This step should be straightforward if you gathered enough information during step 1. All you have to do is choose what type of owner-operator truck driver you want to be. Then, visit FMCSA’s portal to file for the USDOT number and other necessary licenses or permits.

There are two options:

Operating your business on your authority requires an active USDOT number and a motor carrier (MC) number identifying you as a “for-hire” truck driver transporting goods on contract-by-contract.
Leasing to other motor carriers as a leased owner-operator, you work on your motor carrier’s MC number.

Step 6: Purchase Insurance Coverage

Owner-operators with their own authority must purchase enough bodily injury and physical damage coverage to operate. FMCSA requires $750,000 minimum liability insurance for hauling freight, but nearly all shipping companies ask for $1 million minimum coverage.

Getting additional coverage to protect your business from unexpected events is also a good idea. Additional insurance coverage options to consider include:

Motor truck cargo coverage
Non-trucking liability insurance
Lease gap coverage, and so on.

Step 7: Find Your First Load and Start Your Journey

The last step to becoming a successful owner-operator is to find freight and get going. One of the simplest ways to find your first load is to use digital load boards or freight marketplaces.

A digital load board is a public website where reputable shippers post jobs and owner ops can bid for them. You browse through several positions and choose those you wish to work on.

You can also work directly with freight brokers. It’s a surefire way to get jobs consistently, but it will eat your profits because the broker must take their cut. To find the best digital load boards or freight brokers, search on Google using specific terms related to your trucking business, e.g., ‘best load boards for x.’

Final Thoughts

Starting your own business as an owner-operator is rewarding and challenging. You set your rates and earn more than other drivers. On average, owner-operators make over $250,000 annually, whereas company drivers make around $65,000.

Also, you can minimize your challenges and experience a smooth business journey if you work with a caring lending partner like Mission Financial Services. Besides offering loans for purchasing your truck, we provide semi-truck repair loans to help you keep your truck working so you can maximize your profit.

In other words, we’ve got your back financially throughout your owner-operator trucking journey to ensure you succeed. Call us to get started today.

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.