What Is MCS-90?

If you’ve been involved in a crash with a commercial truck, you may come across the term “MCS-90” during the claims process. It’s a phrase many accident victims—and even many attorneys outside the trucking field—haven’t heard before.

Fortunately, you don’t need to know every regulation or federal rule to understand the basic purpose of MCS-90. Here’s a clear explanation of what it is, why it matters, and how it might affect a truck accident claim in Wisconsin.

What Is the MCS-90 Endorsement?

MCS-90 is a federal insurance endorsement required for many trucking companies and motor carriers. In simple terms, it is a guarantee that the trucking company has the financial ability to pay for injuries or damage caused by one of its vehicles.

Even if the trucking company’s insurance policy technically would not cover the crash, the MCS-90 ensures that injured victims aren’t left without compensation. In short, it acts as a safety net meant to protect the public.

Why Does MCS-90 Exist?

Semi-trucks travel across state lines every day. Because they pose a high risk of catastrophic harm, federal rules require additional financial protection.

MCS-90 was created to ensure the following:

Truck companies meet minimum financial responsibility requirements
Victims have a guaranteed source of compensation
Insurance companies cannot avoid liability due to technicalities

Together, these points demonstrate that MCS-90 prioritizes public protection and accountability.

When Does MCS-90 Apply?

The MCS-90 endorsement may apply when:

A for-hire commercial motor carrier is involved in a crash
The truck is operating in interstate commerce
The accident causes bodily injury, death, or property damage
The trucking company’s insurance policy would normally exclude or deny coverage

MCS-90 generally only applies when no other insurance is available to cover the loss. If a valid liability policy already covers the crash, the endorsement does not come into play.

What Does MCS-90 Not Do?

MCS-90 is widely misunderstood. It is important to know what it does not do:

It does not act like general insurance coverage
It does not guarantee payment for every type of claim
It does not eliminate the need to prove negligence

These limitations help clarify what role the endorsement plays in a claim.

Why MCS-90 Matters in a Truck Accident Case

If you were injured in a crash involving a commercial vehicle, MCS-90 can make a difference in several ways.

1. It Helps Ensure You Get Paid

If the trucking company’s insurance provider denies coverage, MCS-90 may require the insurer to pay your claim anyway.

2. It Applies Even When Rules Are Violated

If trucking companies fail to follow regulations or maintain proper insurance, the endorsement may still guarantee payment to victims.

3. It Creates Accountability

MCS-90 discourages companies from cutting corners because they may be required to reimburse the insurer later.

What Should Truck Accident Victims Know About MCS-90?

While you don’t need to understand every federal rule, there are a few key things to know:

You still must prove negligence
It may apply even when the insurer initially denies coverage
It can add complexity to the claims process
An attorney may need to review the trucking company’s insurance policy

These points highlight why legal guidance is often valuable in truck accident cases involving MCS-90.

Does Every Trucking Company Have an MCS-90 Endorsement?

Not all carriers are required to have an MCS-90 endorsement. It generally applies to:

Motor carriers operating in interstate commerce
Companies transporting goods across state lines
Carriers required to meet federal financial responsibility rules

These distinctions matter because MCS-90 applies to carriers engaged in certain types of interstate or hazardous-material transport.

How MCS-90 Can Affect Your Wisconsin Truck Accident Case

In Wisconsin, truck accident claims can involve multiple insurance policies, corporate defendants, and federal trucking regulations. If MCS-90 applies, it can provide an added layer of protection for the injured victim, but it may also introduce additional complexity into the insurance coverage analysis. Understanding how the endorsement works can help victims pursue the compensation they deserve.

Contact Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C. for a Free Consultation With a Madison Truck Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in a truck accident in Wisconsin and believe MCS-90 may affect your claim, Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C., in Madison, WI, can help. Our experienced attorneys understand how trucking insurance works and will evaluate your case, determine whether MCS-90 applies, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

We proudly serve Dane County, Jefferson County, Sauk County, Rock County, Columbia County, and their surrounding areas.

Eisenberg Law Offices S.C. – Madison
308 E Washington Ave
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 256-8356

Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Madison, WI
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