Were You Hit by A Commercial Vehicle?

What is defined as a commercial vehicle?

As a driver, it is essential to know what types of vehicles are considered commercial vehicles. Commercial vehicles are vehicles used for business or commercial purposes. In this article, we will discuss the different types of vehicles that are considered commercial vehicles, the regulations surrounding them, and why it is important to understand their definition.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. What is a commercial vehicle?

   • Definition of commercial vehicle

   • Different types of commercial vehicles

   • Examples of commercial vehicles

3. Regulations surrounding commercial vehicles

   • Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations

   • State regulations

4. Importance of understanding commercial vehicle definition

   • Liability issues

   • Insurance requirements

   • Traffic laws

5. Conclusion

6. FAQs

What is a commercial vehicle?

Definition of commercial vehicle

A commercial vehicle is any type of vehicle that is used for business or commercial purposes. This includes vehicles used to transport goods, equipment, or people for hire or compensation. Commercial vehicles are also used for the transportation of hazardous materials.

Different types of commercial vehicles

There are various types of commercial vehicles, including:

• Trucks and vans

• Buses and coaches

• Semi-trucks and tractor-trailers

• Taxis and limousines

• Delivery vans and trucks

• Food trucks and trailers

• Construction vehicles, such as cranes and bulldozers

Examples of commercial vehicles

Examples of commercial vehicles include:

• FedEx or UPS delivery trucks

• School buses

• 18-wheelers and Semi-trucks hauling cargo

• Taxi cabs or ride-sharing vehicles, such as Uber or Lyft

• Dump trucks used in construction

• Food trucks or catering vans

• Limousines used for special events or transportation services

Regulations surrounding commercial vehicles

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations

The FMCSA sets regulations for commercial vehicles that travel across state lines. These regulations include rules regarding driver qualifications, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and safety requirements. The FMCSA also requires commercial vehicles to display their USDOT number on the side of the vehicle.

State regulations

States may also have their own regulations regarding commercial vehicles, such as weight restrictions, permits, and licensing requirements. It is important to check state regulations before operating a commercial vehicle within the state.

Importance of understanding commercial vehicle definition

Liability issues

Understanding the definition of a commercial vehicle is essential for liability issues. If an accident occurs involving a commercial vehicle, liability may depend on whether the vehicle was being used for commercial purposes at the time of the accident.

Insurance requirements

Commercial vehicles may require specific insurance coverage that differs from personal auto insurance. Understanding the definition of a commercial vehicle can help ensure that the appropriate insurance coverage is obtained.

Traffic laws

Commercial vehicles may be subject to different traffic laws than personal vehicles. For example, commercial vehicles may have weight or size restrictions on certain roads. Understanding the definition of a commercial vehicle can help ensure that traffic laws are followed.

Conclusion

A commercial vehicle is any type of vehicle that is used for business or commercial purposes. Understanding the definition of a commercial vehicle is important for liability issues, insurance requirements, and following traffic laws. Commercial vehicles may be subject to federal and state regulations, and it is essential to check these regulations before operating a commercial vehicle.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between a personal and commercial vehicle?

   • A personal vehicle is used for personal transportation, while a commercial vehicle is used for business or commercial purposes.

2. Do I need a special license to drive a commercial vehicle?

   • Yes, the FMCSA, a federal government agency, as well as most states require drivers of vehicles weighing 26,001 pounds or more to hold a commercial drivers license.

3. Do I need a special license to drive a commercial vehicle?

   • Depending on the type of commercial vehicle, you may need a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or other specific licenses or endorsements.

4. Are all trucks considered commercial vehicles?

   • Not all trucks are considered commercial vehicles. If the truck is used for business or commercial purposes, such as delivering goods, it may be considered a commercial vehicle.

5. Can I use my personal auto insurance for my commercial vehicle?

   • No, personal auto insurance typically does not cover commercial vehicles. You will need to obtain commercial auto insurance for your commercial vehicle.

6. Are there weight or size restrictions for commercial vehicles on all roads?

   • No, weight or size restrictions may vary by state and by road. It is important to check state and local regulations before operating a commercial vehicle on a specific road. Generally speaking, the company of the driver responsible will be liable for the actions of their employees, so long as the employee is acting as an "agent" for the company at the time in the course and scope of employment. In certain cases, the driver and company may be held accountable if they were driving while texting, distracted behind the wheel, or negligent in any way.

Employers may also be held liable for negligence, such as:

• Lack of employee supervision

• Poor hiring practices

• Failing to verify an employee's license

• Failing to thoroughly train drivers

• Lack of company vehicle maintenance

Contact The Cedrick D. Forrest Law Firm for a Personal Injury Lawyer Free Consult

If you were hit by a fleet vehicle, delivery truck, utility company truck, delivery van, city bus, garbage truck, corporate automobile, box trailer, or any other kind of company or commercial vehicle, talk to our team at The Cedrick D. Forrest Law Firm today and request a personal injury lawyer free consult.

When a driver is using a company vehicle, whether for work-related trips, deliveries, or anything in between, the driver's company may be held liable for any accident or damage that is caused by them if it can be shown that the company OR the driver was negligent.

Many injuries are due to distracted driving such as texting while driving, being distracted behind the wheel, and other negligent behaviors behind the wheel.

These can be extremely complicated and heavily litigated cases because companies often have teams of lawyers at their disposal and many companies have employees that begin investigating and protecting the company from the moment a company vehicle wreck occurs. That is why you need a skilled motor vehicle accident attorney with experience investigating and winning company vehicle accident claims on your side. The team at The Cedrick D. Forrest Law firm stands ready to guide you through this time.