In an EARLIER POST, we told our readers that we would briefly discuss some of the major laws that impact a victim’s suit against negligent truck drivers. Today, we highlight the minimum insurance coverage truck drivers must maintain to protect victims of truck accidents in Maryland. The Code of Federal Regulations requires motor carriers hauling different substances to maintain different levels of insurance to protect people injured in accidents.
In Maryland, drivers of passenger cars and trucks must have automobile insurance to protect other drivers in the event of an accident. Commercial truck drivers are no different. Motor carriers in Maryland must maintain insurance coverage to repay drivers injured in accidents.
The table below highlights the lowest levels of insurance that each type of motor carrier must have in order to travel in Maryland and to comply with Federal law.
| Type of carrier | What the carrier is transporting | Coverage limit |
|---|---|---|
| For hire carrier with a gross weight of 10,000 pounds or more | Non hazardous property | $750,000 |
| For hire and private; with a gross weight of 10,000 pounds or more | Hazardous material (e.g. radioactive material) | $5,000,000 |
| For hire and private; with a gross weight of 10,000 pounds or more | Oil Products | $1,000,000 |
| For hire and private; with a gross weight of 10,000 pounds or more | Hazardous material (e.g. radioactive material) | $5,000,000 |