​​How Insurance Affects California Truck Accident Claims

When a truck accident occurs in California, one of the most important factors is determining how insurance coverage applies. Lawyers know that there are different California truck accident laws and that working with insurance correctly is crucial. Since truck accidents can result in severe injuries, extensive property damage, and sometimes fatalities, insurance plays a significant role in compensation. Several different insurance policies may come into play after a truck accident, and understanding how they interact can be crucial to receiving fair compensation.

Truck Driver Insurance Coverage

In California, all truck drivers are required to carry liability insurance that covers bodily injury and property damage caused by accidents. The amount of coverage depends on the size and type of truck, as well as the cargo it’s hauling. For example, a truck transporting hazardous materials will likely require a higher level of insurance. However, even with mandatory insurance, the driver’s policy may not fully cover the damages if the accident results in serious injuries or substantial property damage.

If the truck driver is an independent contractor, they may carry their own insurance. In contrast, if the driver works for a trucking company, the company’s insurance might provide additional coverage. In either case, knowing how much insurance is available and what it covers is key to getting the compensation we’re entitled to.

Trucking Company Insurance

Trucking companies are usually required to carry significant insurance policies due to the potential for large-scale accidents. These policies typically have higher limits than a personal auto insurance policy, which is why trucking companies often provide a primary source of compensation for victims. If the truck driver was working within the scope of their employment at the time of the accident, the company’s insurance policy can be held liable for damages.

In addition to liability coverage, some trucking companies also carry policies that cover cargo damage or theft, which could impact the total recovery available to victims depending on the circumstances of the accident.

Uninsured Or Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Truck accidents sometimes involve drivers who don’t have adequate insurance to cover the damages, or in rare cases, have no insurance at all. In California, our own uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may apply in these situations. This type of insurance is designed to cover the gap when the at-fault party lacks sufficient coverage to pay for the full extent of injuries or damage. If a truck driver or company’s insurance falls short, this policy can provide additional compensation.

What To Do After A California Truck Accident

If you’re involved in a truck accident in California, it’s essential to contact your insurance provider right away and begin the claims process. At the same time, gathering evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records, will help to strengthen your case. Truck accidents often involve more than one party and can get complicated, so it’s important to stay informed about all the insurance policies that may be relevant to your situation.

The teams at Truck Law can help determine the role of insurance and how it applies to your claim. Whether it’s the truck driver’s insurance, the trucking company’s policy, or even your own uninsured motorist coverage, we’ll work together to ensure all coverage is pursued. Contact a lawyer you can rely on today to discuss your options and how we can assist you in securing the compensation you deserve.