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What Types of Trucks are Considered Commercial Vehicles | Hobbs Attorney

Most people think truck accidents in Hobbs, Texas only involve semi-trucks or big rigs, but there are a wide variety of commercial, private, and service vehicles besides 18 wheelers. Dump trucks, school buses, flatbed trucks, and even recreational vehicles can qualify as commercial vehicles.

If you’ve been in any kind of accident involving a privately operated or commercial truck, you should talk to a Hobbs, Texas truck accident lawyer. They can tell you what types of trucks are considered commercial vehicles, which could greatly impact both the value of your case and how best to pursue it. Hobbs attorney James Shaw has been managing partner at Carabin Shaw for nearly 30 years, and he has the experience you need to make sure you get what you deserve after a commercial vehicle accident.

The Definition of a Commercial Vehicle

Commercial vehicles are not limited to only big rigs and 18 wheelers. They come in all shapes and sizes. Automobiles like vans, small trucks, and even your average pickup truck towing a trailer may qualify as a commercial vehicle depending on a few factors including its weight.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a commercial vehicle is defined by the following characteristics:

  • A towed or self-propelled vehicle that transports either passengers or goods, with
  • Seats used to transport over eight passengers for money, or
  • Seats used to transport over 15 passengers not for money, or
  • A combination weight or gross vehicle weight rating that equals or exceeds 26,001 points, or
  • A trailer or truck bed that is used to transport a substantial load of hazardous or toxic material.

The owners and/or operators of commercial vehicles must comply with different laws and regulations than drivers of passenger vehicles, which is why it’s important to understand what constitutes a commercial vehicle. To determine whether the vehicle involved in your truck accident qualifies as a commercial vehicle, talk to a Hobbs, Texas injury attorney.

Commercial Vehicle Classifications

The way commercial trucks are classified corresponds with their Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). A vehicle’s GVWR is calculated by combining the weight of its cargo with the vehicle’s total weight, including fuels and other fluids. Vehicles are broken down by their GVWR into 8 distinct classes:

  • Class 1: 0-6,000 lbs
  • Class 2: 6,001-10,000 lbs
  • Class 3: 10,001-14,000 lbs
  • Class 4: 14,001-16,000 lbs
  • Class 5: 16,001-19,500 lbs
  • Class 6: 19,501-26,000 lbs
  • Class 7: 26,001-33,000 lbs
  • Class 8: 33,000+ lbs

Light trucks fall into classes 1 and 2. Classes 3 through 6 are considered medium trucks. Everything beyond 6 is classified as a heavy truck, with trucks in category 8 known as extra-heavy vehicles.

To learn more about how truck classes may affect your case, talk to a Hobbs, Texas truck accident lawyer.

Examples of Commercial Vehicles

Commercial vehicles come in a number of configurations including vans, buses, taxis, and more. Even personal vehicles used for ridesharing such as Uber can be considered a commercial vehicle. Below are some common examples of commercial vehicles broken down by class:

1. Light-duty trucks

  • Pickup trucks
  • Cargo vans
  • SUVs
  • Minivans
  • Box trucks
  • City delivery trucks
  • Taxis

2. Medium-duty trucks

  • Beverage trucks
  • School buses
  • Single-axles
  • Large walk-ins
  • Rack trucks

3. Heavy-duty trucks

  • Cement trucks
  • City transit buses
  • Dump trucks
  • Truck tractors
  • Sleeper cabs

If you have questions about what types of trucks are considered commercial vehicles, be sure to consult an experienced attorney.

You Need The Right Lawyer On Your Side

After a wreck with a commercial vehicle, you want the right lawyer standing beside you. An experienced Hobbs, Texas injury attorney will know what to do to help you win your case. Hobbs attorney James Shaw knows how to win damages for victims involved in commercial vehicle accidents. Call today for a free consultation at 1-800-862-1260.


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