What is a Commercial Vehicle?

Commercial vehicles come in many different shapes and sizes, each serving a different purpose. But exactly what is a commercial vehicle, and what makes it different from other types of vehicles?

Whether moving freight for large companies, transporting large groups of people, or carrying hazardous materials, commercial vehicles are designed for business purposes and follow specific regulations to keep our roads safer. If you’ve been in an accident and are uncertain if a commercial vehicle was involved, understanding what qualifies can help you make informed decisions about your next steps.

Commercial Vehicle Definition and Guidelines

Commercial vehicles play an integral role in the United States economy, from transporting goods to delivering everyday packages. Per the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) must meet one or more of the following guidelines:

A gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of over 10,000 pounds
Single or combination of vehicles with a GVWR of over 26,000 pounds
Intended to carry more than eight passengers, including the driver, if operating for compensation, or more than 15 passengers if not being compensated for transportation
Any vehicle that is used for transporting hazardous materials and is required to be placarded per 49 C.F.R. part 172, subpart F.

To differentiate between a commercial vehicle and a motor vehicle like a car or pickup truck, commercial vehicles are required to follow certain motor carrier safety regulations that are enacted by the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act (CMVSA), such as earning and holding no more than one commercial driver’s license (CDL). Any state that violates the rules outlined in this act is subject to civil and criminal penalties.

Types of Commercial Vehicles

From large trucks designed or used to transport materials around the country to school buses taking kids to and from school every day, you might see several types of commercial vehicles on the road. Some of the most common commercial vehicles that fit within the guidelines above are:

Single-unit trucks, including box trucks, flatbed truck, and dump trucks
Semi-trucks and truck tractors
Cargo tanks, like gasoline tankers or dry bulk tankers
Auto transporters, concrete mixers, and garbage trucks
Grain trucks, gravel trailers, and pole trailers
Log trucks and intermodal chassis
Construction machinery, heavy equipment vehicles, pickups, or cargo vans with hazmat placards
Step vans, cargo vans, and passenger vans
Transit buses, motorcoaches, and school buses

Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents

The U.S. Department of Transportation recently released its Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts 2021 report that provides insight into commercial vehicle crashes around the country. Common causes of accidents involving commercial vehicles include:

Speeding
Distracted driving (e.g., using a cell phone, eating while driving)
Fatigue
Alcohol or drug impairment
Careless driving or driving without due care
Improper lane usage
Reckless or negligent driving
Failure to obey traffic signs and signals
Bad weather conditions (e.g., ice, snow, rain)

CMV accidents may also be caused by inexperienced drivers, improper vehicle or truck maintenance, brake or tire problems, and driver error.

Injuries from Commercial Vehicle Accidents

In 2022, there were over 120,000 large trucks involved in accidents that led to injuries. This is an astounding 18% increase compared to 2016. Since commercial vehicles are often massive compared to a non-commercial vehicle, the injuries can be catastrophic. Common injuries include:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Spinal cord injuries
Broken bones or internal organ damage
Burns and/or lacerations
Whiplash

As of 2023, the Florida statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim following a commercial truck accident is two years from the date of injury.

What to do After a Commercial Vehicle Accident

Sharing the road with vehicles that are much larger than yours or are carrying large or hazardous materials can feel intimidating. However, getting into an accident with a commercial vehicle can be disastrous and, in some cases, traumatic depending on the circumstances of the crash. If you’ve been in a commercial vehicle collision, it’s important to follow the proper steps to ensure the safety of you and everyone involved and to get the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Report the Accident

Per Florida Statute 316.065, you must report a crash right away if it causes injury, death, or at least $500 in property damage. If the crash happens within city limits, contact the local police. If it’s outside city limits, report it to the county sheriff’s office or the nearest Florida Highway Patrol Station. In Alachua County, Florida, the nearest FHP location is in Gainesville at 6300 NW 13th St, and their phone number is 352-955-1960.

Seek Medical Attention

If you, your passengers, or anyone else is injured from the accident, call 911 and request emergency services for a medical evaluation. Even if you do not appear to be injured, it might still be a good idea to get checked out as the adrenaline from the crash can temporarily mask pain and symptoms. Leaving your injuries unchecked leaves room for them to become more severe, and it could prevent you from getting the compensation you deserve.

A medical evaluation will also create a paper trail with official documentation that can help you get compensated for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Your insurance company and truck accident lawyer will use this documentation to help substantiate your claims.

Document Evidence

Not only are medical records important for your case, but the details surrounding the accident are important, too. You’ll want to take pictures of the scene, including:

Exterior or interior damage to vehicles,
The position of the vehicles,
Any debris or objects involved in the accident,
Skid marks on the road,
And license plates.

You’ll also want to take note of the weather and road conditions at the time of the accident, the speed at which you were driving, events leading up to the accident, and witness contact information. It’s better to have pictures and notes taken from the accident rather than relying on your memory as:

Crashes involving commercial motor vehicles can be stressful, which can distort memories.
Insurance claims or legal claims can be delayed, causing you to forget certain details of the incident.
You might have physical or psychological injuries that can impact your memory.

Get a Crash Report

Once the police arrive at the scene of the accident, they are required by law to create a crash report. A crash report, or police report, is filed by the local police department and includes details of the accident, the people involved in the accident, injuries and damages sustained, and an initial assessment of the responsible party. This report is used by insurance companies and legal representatives to establish facts and who is responsible for the crash.

If the accident is minor, police did not respond to the scene, or you filed a crash report on your own, you may need to know how to obtain an accident report for your insurance company or lawyer. In Florida, you can get a copy of your crash report either in person, online, or by phone at the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol, the Gainesville Police Department if the crash happened within city limits, Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), or through LexisNexis® BuyCrash®.

What Not To Do

There are some things you should avoid to avoid complications with your claim. This includes but is not limited to:

Leaving the scene of the accident before police and/or first responders arrive.
Admitting fault, including apologizing for the accident.
Talking to your insurance company before an attorney, as you could accidentally say something that may undermine your case.
Posting on social media as your posts can be used against you in your case.

Get the Compensation You Deserve With Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A.

A collision with a commercial motor vehicle can be devastating, which is why it is imperative that you speak with a seasoned truck accident lawyer right away. Not only will this allow your lawyer to get started on your case as soon as possible, but it will also ensure that your case gets filed before the two year statute of limitations deadline. If you’ve been involved in a commercial vehicle accident, the attorneys at Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A. are here to help. Contact us today for your free consultation.