Truck Accident Lawyer Truck Accident Law Knowledge 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum liability insurance generally required for most interstate carriers hauling non-hazardous freight?
- $100,000
- $300,000
- $750,000 (Correct answer)
- $5,000,000
Correct answer: $750,000
FMCSA generally requires a minimum of $750,000 in liability coverage for general freight carriers.
Question 2: Which party may be liable when defective brakes from a manufacturer cause a truck crash?
- Only the driver
- The brake manufacturer under product liability (Correct answer)
- Only the shipper
- No one
Correct answer: The brake manufacturer under product liability
A parts manufacturer can be liable under product liability for defective components that cause a crash.
Question 3: A theory holding a company liable for hiring a driver with a known dangerous record is called what?
- Negligent hiring (Correct answer)
- Strict liability
- Contributory fault
- Indemnification
Correct answer: Negligent hiring
Negligent hiring (and negligent retention) holds a carrier liable for employing an unfit or dangerous driver.
Question 4: What is 'cargo shift' as a cause of truck accidents?
- Improperly secured load moving during transit (Correct answer)
- A change in shipping company
- A type of insurance
- Driver shift change
Correct answer: Improperly secured load moving during transit
An improperly loaded or secured cargo can shift, causing loss of control or rollover.
Question 5: Who is typically responsible for ensuring cargo is properly loaded and secured?
- Only the pedestrian
- The carrier, driver, and sometimes the shipper/loader (Correct answer)
- The DMV
- The insurance adjuster
Correct answer: The carrier, driver, and sometimes the shipper/loader
Liability for improper loading can fall on the carrier, driver, or the shipper/loading company depending on who handled it.
Question 6: What does an 'underride' truck accident refer to?
- A car sliding under a truck's trailer (Correct answer)
- A truck driving under a bridge
- Underpaid drivers
- A type of underinsurance
Correct answer: A car sliding under a truck's trailer
An underride occurs when a smaller vehicle slides beneath a truck's trailer, often causing severe injuries.
Question 7: Federal rules require rear underride guards on trailers primarily to do what?
- Reduce drag
- Prevent cars from sliding under the trailer (Correct answer)
- Improve fuel economy
- Hold cargo straps
Correct answer: Prevent cars from sliding under the trailer
Rear impact (underride) guards are designed to prevent passenger vehicles from sliding beneath a trailer in a rear collision.
Truck Accident Lawyer Truck Accident Law Knowledge 3
What is the minimum liability insurance generally required for most interstate carriers hauling non-hazardous freight?