On April 10, 2026, Reps. Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) and Derek Tran (CA-45) introduced the Fair Compensation for Truck Crash Victims Act in Washington, DC. The legislation aims to update federal insurance requirements for interstate motor carriers and improve financial protection for individuals affected by catastrophic truck crashes.
The bill focuses on addressing gaps in current insurance standards, which lawmakers say no longer reflect today’s economic conditions or the true cost of crash-related damages.
Key Provisions of the Proposed Legislation
The Fair Compensation for Truck Crash Victims Act includes two primary changes to existing insurance requirements:
- Increase the minimum insurance requirement for interstate motor carriers from $750,000 to $5,000,000. Lawmakers state this adjustment reflects inflation and the rising cost of medical care and related expenses.
- Index the new minimum insurance requirement to inflation. This provision would ensure that coverage levels continue to align with future increases in health care and other costs.
Background on Current Insurance Requirements
The current $750,000 minimum insurance requirement for interstate motor carriers was established in 1980. Since then, medical costs have risen significantly. In addition, increases in truck size and weight have contributed to higher crash rates and fatalities.
As Congress continues to evaluate road safety legislation, supporters of the bill argue that updated insurance requirements would help ensure victims receive adequate compensation after serious accidents.
Lawmaker Statements on the Bill
Rep. García emphasized the need to modernize insurance standards.
“It is unacceptable that outdated minimum insurance requirements continue to leave victims without the support they need to cover medical care and losses. The Fair Compensation for Truck Crash Victims Act would help address this by ensuring trucking companies carry adequate insurance to cover the high costs of the devastating accidents their trucks can cause,” García said.
Rep. Tran highlighted the financial impact on workers and families.
“Before I was elected to Congress, I fought for workers standing up to big corporations in the courtroom. Outdated minimum insurance requirements leave workers and their families buried by medical bills and without a steady income. The Fair Compensation for Truck Crash Victims Act ensures that the trucking industry guarantees full and fair compensation for every worker and family hurt on the job. No family should have to choose between paying their rent and getting the medical treatment they need after a devastating crash,” Tran said.
Perspectives From Advocacy Groups and Individuals
Supporters of the legislation include individuals and organizations focused on truck safety and victim advocacy.
Kate Brown, a board member for the Institute for Safer Trucking (IST), shared her personal experience. Her son, Graham, was severely injured in a truck crash in 2005, and the trucking company carried only a $750,000 policy.
“After my son Graham was seriously injured in a truck crash, my family saw firsthand how devastating the financial aftermath can be. Even with support and resources, the medical costs were overwhelming. Reintroducing the Fair Compensation for Truck Crash Victims Act is about making sure no family is left to shoulder those costs alone. It’s time our laws reflect the true impact of these crashes and ensure victims receive fair, just compensation,” Brown said.
John Lannen, principal and co-founder of IST, also supported the bill.
“The Fair Compensation for Truck Crash Victims Act is a long-overdue step toward promoting responsibility and ensuring that the true costs of truck crashes are realized. It has been 45 years since it was set, and both inflation and the weight and speed of trucks has significantly changed since then. We need a system that incents stronger oversight and drives meaningful safety improvements across the trucking industry,” Lannen said.
Anna Guardipee, chair of Citizens for Reliable and Safe Highways and a Truck Safety Coalition board member, spoke as a crash survivor.
“The Fair Compensation for Truck Crash Victims Act just makes sense. It is un-American to force truck crash victims to bear the consequences for unsafe motor carriers. As a crash survivor who suffered and continues to suffer from a minimally insured trucking company, I could not be more grateful to Representative García for introducing this bill,” Guardipee said.
Co-Sponsors and Endorsements
The legislation is co-sponsored by Reps. Steve Cohen (TN-09), John Garamendi (CA-08), Jared Huffman (CA-02), and Hank Johnson (GA-04).
Several organizations have endorsed the bill, including:
- Institute for Safer Trucking
- American Association for Justice
- Truck Safety Coalition
- Citizens for Reliable and Safe Highways
- Parents Against Tired Truckers
- Road Safe America
Focus on Financial Protection for Crash Victims
The Fair Compensation for Truck Crash Victims Act centers on improving financial outcomes for individuals and families affected by truck crashes. By increasing and adjusting insurance requirements, the legislation seeks to align coverage levels with current economic conditions and the actual costs associated with serious accidents.
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