You likely already know that liability insurance is required on your vehicle when you drive on Florida’s roads. Similarly, big trucks and commercial vehicles must also carry liability insurance. The MCS-90 endorsement is a special add-on or amendment to a commercial truck’s liability insurance coverage.
This endorsement guarantees financial responsibility for public liability. Keep reading for all the details below and learn more about the MCS-90 endorsement in Florida.
How Does the MCS-90 Endorsement Work?
Commercial trucks and trucking companies must carry certain minimum levels of liability insurance. This coverage helps pay for any damages arising from an accident that they caused. However, a standard liability insurance policy may exclude certain situations. The MCS-90 endorsement overrides the standard policy details and guarantees financial responsibility.
For instance, imagine that you are injured in an 18-wheeler accident and file a claim with the trucking company’s insurance. If they won’t pay for your damages because their insurance policy did not cover the incident, the MCS-90 can provide a safety net for your claim. It typically guarantees that the insurance company will pay for your losses.
What Does the MCS-90 Endorsement Cover?
A victim who is injured in a truck accident often sustains many types of losses. They could be left in a dire financial situation if the trucking company’s insurance denies their claim.
Thankfully, the MCS-90 endorsement covers nearly all the losses a victim may suffer, such as:
- Property damage
- Bodily injury
- Pain and suffering
- Environment restoration
The MCS-90 endorsement covers nearly all public claims for damages resulting from the trucking company’s negligence. This includes both economic damages and non-economic damages suffered by an accident victim.
If the accident was the result of the negligent operation, maintenance, or use, the resulting damages should be covered. This is true even if the underlying insurance policy would not cover the losses.
However, it is also important to note that the insurance company might seek reimbursement from the trucking company. The trucking company may have to repay the insurance for any claims paid under the endorsement.
Is the MCS-90 Endorsement Required in Florida?
Yes, the MCS-90 endorsement is required in Florida for all interstate carriers.
You must have this endorsement if your vehicle or company is transporting goods that move across state lines. However, Florida does not require the MCS-90 endorsement for intrastate commerce (transport within Florida). It does require proof of financial responsibility through a surety or bond for intrastate carriers.
The minimum requirements for the MCS-90 endorsement must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules. If you plan to operate a commercial vehicle involved in interstate commerce in Florida, you must have the MCS-90 endorsement on your insurance policy.
What to Do if You Are Hurt in a Truck Accident
If you are hurt in a truck accident, the MCS-90 endorsement can help ensure you are compensated for your damages. First, make sure you get immediate medical treatment for any injuries. Notify the police of the crash so that they can respond to the scene and create an accident report.
If you can, gather as much evidence from the scene as possible. Take photos of all the vehicles involved, and obtain contact information from any witnesses. Exchange information with the truck driver. Obtain their name, address, trucking company name, and insurance information.
Finally, talk to an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. You should avoid making any statements to the trucking company’s insurance before speaking to a lawyer. The insurance company will look for any way to use your words against you and deny your claim.
Contact Our Florida Truck Accident Lawyers at Shaked Law Firm, P.A. for a Free Consultation
Finding a lawyer experienced with the MCS-90 endorsement is important. The insurance company might initially deny your claim. However, this endorsement may still allow you to recover compensation for your injuries.
If you’ve been injured in a truck collision in Florida and need legal help, contact a Florida 18-wheelers attorney at Shaked Law Firm, P.A.
Shaked Law Firm, P.A.
20900 NE 30th Ave STE 705, Aventura, FL 33180
(305) 937-0191
*Relocated across the street from Aventura Hospital.
Available 24/7
Sagi Shaked is the founding attorney of Shaked Law Firm, P.A., a Florida-based practice focused on serious truck accident cases. As a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, Sagi is nationally recognized for his legal advocacy, having recovered multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for injured victims and their families. He is known for his relentless pursuit of justice on behalf of those harmed by negligence. Click here to view some of the notable case results Sagi has achieved for his clients.
Location: Aventura, Florida, serving statewide.
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