Louisiana requires commercial trucks to carry liability insurance ranging from $300,000 to $5,000,000, depending on the vehicle’s weight and cargo type. If you have been injured in a Louisiana truck accident, you may be eligible to pursue a claim against the insurance policy held by the truck driver or their employer.
Louisiana’s Insurance Requirements for Commercial Trucks
Commercial trucking is held to a much higher standard than personal driving, and for good reason. The size and weight of these vehicles mean accidents often result in devastating injuries and significant property damage. As a result, these trucks are subject to stricter state and federal insurance requirements before they are allowed to operate on public roads.
The minimum liability insurance coverage depends on the truck’s weight and what the vehicle is hauling:
- Trucks under 10,000 pounds carrying standard, non-hazardous freight must carry at least $300,000 in liability insurance.
- Once a truck weighs 10,000 pounds or more, that minimum jumps to $750,000 for regular cargo.
- If that same truck is transporting oil, the required coverage increases to $1,000,000.
- For trucks carrying certain hazardous materials, the minimum climbs to $5,000,000.
What Does Commercial Truck Insurance Cover After an Accident?
Primary liability coverage, commonly called commercial truck insurance, is required by law for every trucking company and independent operator. This policy covers property damage and bodily injury when a truck driver is at fault in a collision.
After a truck accident, the expenses can add up quickly. By filing an insurance claim, you can receive compensation to help pay for the financial, physical, and emotional damages that you have sustained:
- Economic damages cover your measurable financial losses, including medical bills, future medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage, and legal fees.
- Non-economic damages address the personal toll the accident takes on your life. These include permanent disability, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and the loss of companionship or support.
No Fees Unless We Recover25+ Years Experience$100+ Million Recovered for Clients
Truck Insurance Requirements in Louisiana
Key coverage limits that protect victims after serious accidents.
Additional Coverage Recommended for Commercial Trucks in Louisiana
Beyond primary liability coverage, trucking companies are strongly encouraged to carry additional policies. For example, collision and comprehensive insurance coverage pays for the repair or replacement of the truck itself. Motor truck cargo insurance safeguards the freight being hauled, reimbursing the carrier if goods are damaged, lost, or stolen during transit. Workers’ compensation coverage in Louisiana helps pay for injuries sustained by the trucking company’s employees while they are on the job.
What to Expect When Filing an Insurance Claim After a Truck Accident
Filing an insurance claim after a truck accident is rarely straightforward. Trucking companies and their insurers often have experienced legal teams working to minimize what they pay to victims. You may face delays, accusations of fault, or pressure to accept less than your claim is worth.
This is where a Louisiana truck accident attorney can make a real difference. At Babcock Injury Lawyers, an attorney can investigate the accident, identify all available insurance coverage, gather the documentation needed to support your claim, and negotiate with insurers on your behalf. If a fair settlement is not offered, your attorney can take the case to court to fight for the full compensation you are owed.
You don’t have to handle this process alone. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation about your case.