Story perspectives

FMCSA Orders $750K Truck Liability Amid 500K Annual Crashes

7/20/2026

Summary

FMCSA Mandates Coverage

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires commercial trucks to carry at least $750,000 in liability coverage.
Federal data show large trucks cause more than 500,000 police-reported crashes each year.
Victims are advised to seek medical care, move to safety, photograph damage, and collect witness information.
Carriers must retain driver logs for six months and may face court sanctions if a spoliation letter is ignored.

Summary

Large-Truck Crashes Surge

In 2024, fatal large-truck crashes fell 3% to 5,218 while injury crashes rose 5.4% to 120,724, an 18% increase since 2016.
Speeding led fatal crashes, driver distraction was second, and alcohol or drugs were involved in under 0.5%.
Texas recorded 18,834 large-truck crashes in 2024, including 645 fatalities, with I-35, I-10, I-20 and I-45 as high-risk corridors.

History

Historical Context

The 1966 Highway Safety Act gave the federal government authority to set vehicle standards, and the 1970 Highway Safety Act—signed by President Richard Nixon—created the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to oversee truck safety. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration now enforces those rules; Texas Department of Transportation recorded 18,834 large-truck crashes on I-35, I-10, I-20 and I-45 in 2024, underscoring the act’s relevance.

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FMCSA Mandates Coverage

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires commercial trucks to carry at least $750,000 in liability coverage.
Federal data show large trucks cause more than 500,000 police-reported crashes each year.
Victims are advised to seek medical care, move to safety, photograph damage, and collect witness information.
Carriers must retain driver logs for six months and may face court sanctions if a spoliation letter is ignored.

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