Commercial truck wrecks are one of the leading causes of serious injuries in Georgia.
Due to their incredible size, crashes with large trucks tend to be especially severe.
To account for this, insurance carriers hold trucking companies to different requirements.
State and federal regulations require that trucking companies carry a significant amount of liability insurance. This protects members of the public.
After a collision with a truck, you need to know how to get your bills paid as soon as possible. Here, our Georgia commercial truck accident lawyers provide an explanation of what you need to know about insurance claims after a truck collision[.
Coverage Through Your Own Insurance Policy
Generally, the first place to look for immediate coverage for medical bills and vehicle repairs is through your own insurance policy.
Even if you have a valid truck accident claim — meaning you have a case that you are certain you are going to win — it will still take some time to be fully resolved.
Depending on your coverage, your own insurance policy may fill that gap while your claim is processing.
As an example, many motorists in Georgia have a type of insurance coverage called ‘Medpay’. Georgia law (Ga. Code Ann. Sec. 33-34-2) mandates that all auto insurers operating in the state must offer optional Medpay coverage.
Essentially, Medpay is a form of no-fault medical coverage. Your initial medical bills will be covered, up to a certain amount, regardless of how the truck crash occurred.
Insurance Requirements for Commercial Trucks
Of course, if a negligent trucking company caused your wreck, they should be held legally liable for the complete value of your losses. In Georgia, injured motor vehicle crash victims can pursue a legal claim against the at-fault party.
All commercial trucks are legally required to carry liability insurance coverage that will be effective in the event a crash occurs. As explained by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT), commercial trucks must carry the following minimum liability coverage:
- 10,000 pounds or less: $300,000 of liability insurance.
- 10,001 pounds or more: $750,000 of liability insurance.
It should also be noted that trucks transporting toxic or hazardous materials may also be required to obtain additional insurance coverage.
How to Make a Truck Accident Insurance Claim
After a wreck with a commercial truck, you may receive a call from their insurance company. Do not give a recorded statement to an opposing insurer. No matter how friendly and disarming the representative sounds on the phone, they are simply not on your side. They want to reduce your settlement or reject your claim.
Your next call should be to an experienced Georgia truck crash attorney. Your attorney will review your case, gather records and evidence, and craft a ‘demand letter’. The letter will do the following:
- Explain your case
- Describe the Company’s Liability
- Demand a financial settlement
- Reserve your right to file a lawsuit
Discuss Your Case with Our Georgia Truck Crash Attorney Today
At Blasingame, Burch, Garrard & Ashley, P.C., our Georgia semi-truck accident lawyers are aggressive advocates for injured victims. Our law firm knows how to hold negligent trucking companies and their insurance carriers accountable.
For a free, no obligation personal injury consultation, please contact our legal team today. From our law office locations in Athens, Greensboro, and Atlanta, we handle personal injury cases throughout the state of Georgia.
Loading...