Missouri law requires that all drivers carry liability insurance. Trucking companies and big, commercial trucks are no exception. In addition to liability insurance, many trucking companies must also have the MCS-90 endorsement.
The MCS-90 endorsement is a special add-on to commercial truck liability insurance that guarantees financial responsibility after certain types of accidents. Keep reading below to learn more about the MCS-90 endorsement, including what it is and how it works in Missouri.
The Basics of the MCS-90 Endorsement
Trucking companies must carry minimum levels of liability insurance to cover damages in any accidents they may cause. Liability requirements for trucks in Missouri vary from $300,000 to $5 million, depending on the type of cargo the truck is carrying. However, a truck’s liability policy may not cover all situations. Some specific types of events may be excluded from coverage.
The MCS-90 endorsement guarantees coverage in the event the standard liability insurance policy does not cover the accident. Imagine that you are injured in a big truck accident. You file a claim with the truck’s insurance company, but they deny your claim due to a policy exclusion. The MCS-90 endorsement would kick in and pay for your losses.
What Is Covered By the MCS-90 Endorsement?
Victims who are injured in truck accidents may experience many types of losses.
This includes both economic damages and non-economic damages, such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages and benefits
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent scarring
- Permanent disability
- PTSD
- Depression
- Anxiety
The MCS-90 endorsement helps ensure that nearly all damages resulting from the trucking company’s negligence are covered. Not only does this include damages you may have suffered, but it will also cover environmental cleanup and restoration.
If the MCS-90 endorsement applies, the insurance company may later seek reimbursement from the trucking company. This means that the trucking company might have to repay the insurance company for any losses it covered under the endorsement.
Is the MCS-90 Endorsement Required in Missouri?
The MCS-90 endorsement is not required for all trucks in Missouri. If a truck operates solely within the state of Missouri and does not transport hazardous materials, the MCS-90 will not be required.
However, the endorsement is required for all for-hire trucking companies operating in interstate commerce. Additionally, trucks that carry hazardous materials must have the MCS-90 endorsement.
Note that the MCS-90 endorsement is not mandated by Missouri state law—it is a federal requirement. The MCS-90 requirement is governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
What to Do After a Truck Accident
If you are hurt in a truck accident, take these steps to protect your rights and preserve your claim:
- Seek immediate medical treatment: Delaying care can worsen injuries and reduce the value of your claim.
- Collect evidence from the scene: Take photos and videos of the vehicles, damage, and surrounding area.
- Call the police to report the accident: A police report provides an official record that may help your case.
- Exchange information with the truck driver: Get their name, contact details, and insurance information.
- Avoid giving a statement to the insurance company: Speak to a personal injury lawyer first to avoid saying something that could harm your case.
- Talk to a lawyer about your insurance options: An attorney can review all applicable coverages, including whether the MCS-90 endorsement applies.
These steps can help you recover the full compensation you deserve after a truck accident in Missouri.
Contact the St. Louis Truck Accident Attorneys at Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in St. Louis, MO, Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help. Our St. Louis truck accident lawyers will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
For more information, please contact Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer in St. Louis, MO, today. We have two convenient locations in Missouri, including St. Louis and Richmond Heights.
We proudly serve St. Louis County and its surrounding areas.
Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Louis Office
10 S Broadway #560
St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 932-1066
Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Richmond Heights Office
1034 S Brentwood Blvd Penthouse 1-C
Richmond Heights, MO 63117
(314) 463-4173