What Is MCS 90?

If you’ve been in a truck accident, you may come across the term MCS 90 during the claims process. This endorsement is part of a federal insurance requirement that applies to trucking companies operating across state lines. It helps ensure that victims of truck accidents receive compensation after a crash that wasn’t their fault.  Learning about how MCS 90 works can help injured victims navigate their legal options after a truck crash.

How Does MCS 90 Work?

The MCS 90 endorsement is required under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations for interstate trucks. This endorsement is added to a trucking company’s insurance policy to guarantee payment in case of an accident. Here’s what the MCS 90 endorsement does:

• Ensures that trucking companies cover damages caused by their drivers, even if the policy excludes the specific incident.
• Provides a minimum of $750,000 in liability coverage for general freight carriers.
• Covers third-party victims who were injured or suffered property damage in a truck accident.

Essentially, the MCS 90 endorsement helps ensure that an injured party can recover compensation following an accident.

When Does MCS 90 Apply?

MCS 90 applies when a trucking company’s regular insurance policy does not cover the accident.  Some common scenarios include:

• The truck was operating outside of policy limits – If a driver is using a truck for an unauthorized purpose, the insurance company may deny coverage. MCS 90 ensures the victim still gets paid.
• The trucking company’s insurance excludes the accident – Some policies contain exclusions for certain types of cargo, routes, or situations. MCS 90 overrides these exclusions to protect victims.
• The trucking company goes bankrupt – If the trucking company cannot pay, MCS 90 ensures that accident victims are not left without compensation.

However, MCS 90 does not apply to every truck accident. If the trucking company’s standard insurance policy covers the claim, the endorsement will not be used.

Who Pays for a Claim Under MCS 90?

If a truck accident claim falls under MCS 90, the insurance company must initially pay the victim. However, the insurance provider can then seek reimbursement from the trucking company. This means that even though the insurer covers the injured party’s damages, the trucking company might still be financially responsible in the end. Because of this, trucking companies often try to dispute liability to avoid MCS 90 payouts. If you’ve been in a truck accident, an experienced attorney can help protect your rights and fight back against wrongful denials.

How MCS 90 Affects Truck Accident Victims

If you were injured in a truck accident, MCS 90 may provide an extra layer of protection to ensure you receive compensation. Even if the trucking company’s insurance policy has exclusions or coverage limits, this endorsement maintains that a valid claim will be paid. However, it’s important to understand that MCS 90 only applies to third-party victims—meaning injured drivers, passengers, or pedestrians. It does not protect the truck driver or the trucking company.

Contact an Experienced Seattle Truck Accident Attorney For Help With Your Claim

If you were injured in a truck accident, MCS 90 could play a role in your case. However, navigating truck accident claims and insurance policies can be complicated. A skilled Washington truck accident lawyer can review your case, determine whether MCS 90 applies, and help you fight for the full compensation you need and deserve.

Contact Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer today. We proudly serve King County in Washington and it’s surrounding areas. Visit our law office at:

Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
2101 4th Ave 1030 Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 727 4000
Hours: Open 24/7