What Massachusetts Drivers Don't Know About Truck Accident Insurance Coverage Could Cost Them Millions

If you've been injured in a truck accident on a major highway in Massachusetts, such as the MassPike I-90, I-95, I-495, or I-93, understanding commercial truck insurance could mean the difference between a small settlement and receiving full compensation for your injuries.

When a massive 18-wheeler collides with your passenger vehicle on the Mass Pike or Route 128, the aftermath is devastating. Unlike typical car accidents in Boston, Framingham, Worcester, or anywhere across Massachusetts, truck accident insurance claims involve complex federal regulations and multi-million dollar policies that most Bay State drivers never see coming.

Don't let insurance companies take advantage of what you don't know. Here's what every Massachusetts driver needs to understand about commercial truck insurance coverage before it's too late.

Why Massachusetts Truck Accident Insurance Claims Are Worth Millions More Than Car Accidents

Federal Law Requires Massive Insurance Policies

While your Honda Civic carries Massachusetts' minimum $20,000 liability coverage, that 80,000-pound tractor-trailer that just crashed into you on I-495 near Marlborough is required by federal law to carry at minimum $750,000 in liability insurance. Most major trucking companies operating on Massachusetts highways carry policies worth $1 million to $10 million or more.

Why the difference? Because when an 18-wheeler loses control on I-93 through Boston or jackknifes on the Mass Pike near Springfield, the resulting injuries are catastrophic. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and wrongful death are common outcomes that warrant substantial compensation.

Layered Insurance Policies Mean Multiple Sources of Recovery

Unlike personal auto insurance, Massachusetts truck accident cases often involve:

• Primary liability coverage (typically $1 million)
• Excess insurance policies (additional millions in coverage)
• Umbrella policies (even more coverage on top)
• Cargo insurance (if improper loading contributed to the crash)

Each layer represents another opportunity to maximize your compensation—but only if you know they exist.

The "Independent Contractor" Scam Massachusetts Trucking Companies Use

Here's a dirty secret: Many trucking companies operating on I-90, I-95, and Massachusetts highways try to escape liability by claiming their drivers are "independent contractors" instead of employees.

Their argument: "Our insurance doesn't cover this accident because we don't employ the driver who hit you."

The truth: Experienced Massachusetts truck accident attorneys know how to challenge this argument and hold trucking companies accountable under both federal and Massachusetts state law.

Why Insurance Companies Fight Harder Against Massachusetts Truck Accident Victims

When millions of dollars are at stake, insurance companies don't play nice. Here's what happens within hours of a serious truck accident on Massachusetts highways:

Immediate Evidence Destruction

• Trucking companies dispatch teams to accident scenes on I-93, Route 128, and the Mass Pike
• Damaged trucks are immediately transported out of Massachusetts to corporate facilities
• Electronic logging devices and black box data disappear
• Driver logs and maintenance records vanish

Aggressive Settlement Tactics

Insurance adjusters will contact you while you're still in Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's, or UMass Memorial, offering quick settlements that represent pennies on the dollar of what your case is truly worth.

Federal and Massachusetts Laws Create Complex Coverage Requirements

Massachusetts truck accident insurance operates under a dual regulatory system:

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Requirements

• Minimum coverage amounts for interstate trucking
• Safety equipment standards
• Driver qualification requirements

Massachusetts State Insurance Laws

• Additional coverage requirements for trucks operating in the Commonwealth
• No-fault insurance interactions
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

This complexity works in your favor – if you have the right legal team.

Why Location Matters: Massachusetts Truck Accident Hotspots

Certain Massachusetts locations see higher rates of serious truck accidents:

I-90 (Massachusetts Turnpike)

From Boston to the New York border, the Mass Pike carries thousands of commercial trucks daily. Construction zones near Framingham and Newton create particularly dangerous conditions.

I-95/Route 128

Heavy truck traffic through Boston's suburbs, including Newton, Wellesley, Waltham and Burlington, leads to frequent accidents during rush hour.

I-495 (Outer Belt)

This major commercial corridor covering over 121 miles makes it the second-longest auxiliary route in the Interstate Highway System running from Haverhill to Cape Cod sees numerous truck accidents, particularly near the intersections with I-90 and I-95.

I-93

From Boston through New Hampshire, I-93 truck accidents often occur in construction zones and during heavy traffic periods.

Local Hotspots

• Boston: Tunnel approaches and downtown delivery zones
• Worcester: I-290/I-495 interchange areas
• Framingham: Route 9 and Mass Pike intersection zones

Time Is Running Out: Why You Need to Act Now

Every day you wait after your Massachusetts truck accident:

• Critical evidence disappears from the crash scene
• Witness memories fade
• Electronic data gets overwritten
• Insurance companies build stronger defenses

Massachusetts law gives you only three years to file a truck accident lawsuit, but the real work must begin immediately. Because commercial truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, a more thorough investigation is sometimes necessary to prove negligence and recover damages. Police investigations, while important, are not always enough to establish liability in a personal injury case. Victims may need additional evidence showing how the truck driver or trucking company’s carelessness caused the crash. An experienced Massachusetts trucking accident attorney can step in to conduct a detailed investigation, preserve critical evidence, and build the strongest case possible to help victims and their families secure the financial recovery they deserve.

Your Next Step: Protecting Your Rights After a Massachusetts Truck Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident on Massachusetts highways—whether on the Mass Pike near Framingham, I-95 through Boston, I-495 around Worcester, or any other Bay State roadway—don't let insurance companies minimize your claim.

The difference between settling for thousands versus recovering millions often comes down to one factor: having legal representation that understands the complex world of commercial truck insurance.

Don't wait. Evidence is disappearing right now. Insurance companies are already building their defense strategy against you.

Contact Mahaney Pappas, LLP today by calling (508) 879-3500 or contact us online for your free consultation. We've helped Massachusetts truck accident victims recover millions in compensation, and we know how to navigate the complex insurance landscape that could make or break your case.