The risks associated with commercial trucks and tractor-trailers are well known. These massive machines can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, are slow to stop and difficult to maneuver, and can cause serious and even fatal injuries when they’re involved in crashes with passenger vehicles.

Victims and families affected by truck accidents often have a lot of expenses - from extensive medical bills to lost wages and emotional damages. To make sure victims have the opportunity to recover the damages they need and deserve, the federal government is currently considering an increase in the minimum insurance limits for commercial truck drivers and trucking companies.

According to officials and safety advocates across the nation, the commercial trucking insurance increase is much needed and long overdue. Here are a few details about the effort:

• The current minimum insurance limit of $75,000 has not changed in three decades. Many advocates want to increase to at least a $1 million limit.
• Although the limit has remained the same, health care costs have risen dramatically. Because the limit hasn’t caught up to inflation, victims and families are at risk of not receiving the medical care they need.
• In many cases where victims are killed in trucking accidents (wrongful death), damages can often exceed the current limit.
• Lawmakers who originally passed laws for minimum insurance limits called for regular and periodic increases, though they have never happened.

At The Daspit Law Firm, our personal injury lawyers regularly work with injured victims and families who have been involved in accidents with commercial trucks. We know first-hand that the toll can be extreme, and we firmly believe in raising minimum insurance limits throughout the commercial trucking industry. In addition to ensuring victims have the chance to secure full and fair compensation, the increase may also promote safer driving practices, safer trucking companies, and ultimately safer roads.

If you have questions about pursuing a personal injury claim after a truck accident or any other type of auto accident, The Daspit Law Firm is here to help. Contact our legal team today to discuss your case during a FREE consultation.