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Trucking accidents can cause devastating injuries and property damage and are often the result of driver negligence, poor truck maintenance, or dangerous trucking company policies. Truck drivers must, by law, carry a minimum amount of liability insurance to cover any damages caused.
At Eltringham Law Group, our truck accident attorneys in Fort Lauderdale help individuals and families affected by trucking accidents through every step of the claim filing process. Knowing how much compensation you can receive in a trucking accident starts with understanding Florida commercial truck insurance requirements, so call us today and learn more about how we can help you achieve a favorable outcome.
Florida Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements
A commercial truck driver operating solely on Florida roads must follow state-level insurance regulations. Commercial truck insurance in Florida varies based on the type of cargo the driver is hauling but can be as high as $5,000,000 for the most dangerous loads.
Florida commercial truck insurance minimums for different cargo types are:
- $300,000 minimum liability insurance coverage when carrying household items
- $750,000 minimum liability insurance coverage when carrying general freight
- $1,000,000 minimum liability insurance coverage when transporting oil
- $5,000,000 minimum liability insurance coverage when transporting hazardous materials
These insurance coverage amounts serve to cover the costs of any property damage, severe injury, or death that occurs as a result of an accident. Under Florida commercial truck insurance requirements, the insurer pays for these expenses up to the policy limit.
Out-of-State Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements in Florida
Commercial truck drivers must follow federal-level insurance requirements if they cross state lines during work. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration implements semi-truck insurance requirements for cross-state drivers.
Federal commercial truck insurance minimums for different cargo types are:
- $300,000 when carrying non-hazardous freight under 10,001 pounds
- $750,000 when carrying non-hazardous freight over 10,001 pounds
- $1,000,000 when transporting oil as a for-hire or private carrier
- $5,000,000 when transporting other hazardous materials
The critical distinction between Florida commercial truck insurance requirements and those at the federal level is the weight threshold for non-hazardous freight. At the federal level, even drivers only carrying household goods must adhere to the $750,000 minimum liability insurance requirement if the load weight exceeds 10,001 pounds.
Additional Insurance Coverage for Commercial Trucks in FL
In addition to minimum liability coverage, Florida truck drivers must maintain personal injury protection, property damage liability, and bodily injury liability policies. These coverage types are often part of an existing insurance plan or will be available as part of the trucking company’s offerings. For independent truck drivers and freelancers, ensuring that all necessary coverage is always in place proactively is essential.
Additional types of coverage beyond Florida commercial truck insurance requirements that companies and individual drivers might choose to carry include:
- Medical: Covers medical expenses resulting from a commercial trucking accident, typically up to $10,000
- Collision: Covers damage to the truck that might occur during a collision
- Towing: Covers the cost of towing a truck and any associated labor or services
- Hired truck: Covers damage when the person driving a truck is not the owner or a driver registered to it
- Uninsured motorist: Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages when an at-fault driver does not have sufficient insurance to pay for those expenses
- Comprehensive: Covers damages to the truck caused by theft, vandalism, or collision with an animal on the road
While these additional types of insurance coverage are not necessary under Florida or federal law, truck drivers can benefit by adding them to their policy and reducing their out-of-pocket expenses in the event of an accident.
Contact a Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident Lawyer
If you experience a catastrophic trucking accident, filing a claim is the first step toward getting the compensation you deserve. Our team at Eltringham Law Group can help you navigate the complexities of Florida commercial truck insurance requirements to get the best settlement possible from the insurance company. Call us today at 561-338-0420, or use our online contact form for a free consultation.
