Commercial vehicles are some of the most important drivers of local economies because they transport raw materials to manufacturers, finished goods to suppliers and retailers, and purchased products to customers. The number of commercial vehicles on the roads has increased in recent years with the growth of ecommerce and the growing demand for last-mile deliveries.
Many of these commercial vehicles are trucks. More trucks on the road means a higher probability of truck accidents. Whether you are involved in a truck accident as a driver, passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, or motorcyclist, you should contact a truck accident injury lawyer immediately to start the process of getting compensated for damages. So, which types of commercial vehicles are you likely to encounter on the road?
Delivery Trucks
These are the most common types of commercial vehicles in the delivery industry. They are used to deliver products to customers and range from small vans to much larger box trucks. While they are a convenient option for their industry, they also present safety concerns.
Many of them have separate cargo and cab space, although they also come with walkthrough options that make it easier for drivers to grab items without leaving the vehicle.
Box Trucks
These consist of a chassis cab and an enclosed cargo area. Most have separate cabin and cargo areas, but some are fitted with a door between the cargo and cabin areas. The difference between box trucks and vans is that the latter have a unibody design, while the former have separate sections.
These trucks are between 10 and 26 feet long and weigh 12,500 to 33,000 pounds. They also have a roll-up rear door for easier loading and unloading. They are the typical commercial vehicle companies use or individuals hire when transporting furniture, home appliances, or moving.
Semi-trailer Trucks
These are very popular and diverse as they come in different shapes, sizes, and configurations. They include a tractor that attaches to the semi-trailer using a hitch (fifth-wheel coupling). The tractor bears most of the weight they carry. Because of their decoupled nature, they are very different from rigid trucks and trailers.
These trucks have two or three axles, although it is common to find ones with up to five if used to haul heavy machinery such as that used in the construction industry. Because of the weight they carry, these vehicles present a serious hazard to all other road users, so you should be careful around them.
They also have blind spots around them, meaning their drivers have limited visibility unless fitted with rear cameras. They are also more difficult to stop and require a much longer braking distance, especially if they are traveling at high speeds.
Their momentum leads to severe accidents when they strike other vehicles and road users, leading to serious accidents and even fatalities. Whether the driver, truck owner, business, or maintenance crew is at fault for an accident involving a commercial semi-truck, an experienced truck accident attorney can help you get compensated for economic and non-economic damages.
Buses
Many people do not think of buses as commercial vehicles, but they are. They are a very common form of transportation in many cities, and they include tour, school, public transit, and private charter buses.
Buses have an excellent accident record, but that does not mean they do not get into accidents. Minor accidents might lead to injuries like whiplash, pain, and bruises, while severe accidents might mean broken bones, brain and spinal injuries, and other types of trauma that a personal injury accident lawyer can help you get compensated for.
However, bus accidents are more devastating when you look past the individual level. Since they carry tens of passengers, they can cause catastrophic damage with multiple victims. This is one of the reasons the government has strict regulations and requirements for commercial bus drivers.
Car Haulers
Vehicles are transported from one point to another all the time. Since dealerships and manufacturers cannot drive tens or hundreds of vehicles to different destinations, they often hire car haulers.
These trucks are specially designed to accommodate multiple vehicles, ensuring they are safe as they are transported. They combine a tractor and trailer and can be in a single-level or double-decker configuration.
The two main issues to be concerned about are vehicle loading and stability. Accidents can occur if loaders do not secure the loaded vehicles properly before transportation. Since these vehicles are tall, their center of gravity is high, making them unstable. This issue becomes worse if they are speeding or going around a corner. They also have blind spots around them like semi-trucks do, meaning you must be careful when driving beside or behind them.
Refrigerated Trucks
These trucks are retrofitted with refrigerated units so businesses can use them to transport perishable goods. These trucks are different from ventilated and insulated vans that are not fitted with refrigeration units but are commonly used to transport fruit.
Refrigerated trucks typically have a diesel engine that provides enough power to keep the refrigerated unit running. Since they are smaller trucks and are used within a city’s limits, they are often involved in pedestrian accidents, although they do strike the occasional car, bicycle, or motorcycle.
You can sue the driver, their employee, or other parties if you are in an accident involving a refrigerated truck with the help of a truck accident lawyer. You will need to conduct thorough research to establish the accident’s facts and collect enough evidence to pinpoint the correct liable party and make your case as strong as possible.
Refuse or Garbage Trucks
As their name implies, these vehicles transport trash efficiently and safely to landfills. They are typically fitted with compacting machines that allow them to haul more garbage per trip. They can also be designed with arms that make lifting garbage bins easier and eliminate the need for the driver to get out during operation.
Since they operate in narrow streets, these vehicles often cause rear-end accidents, although they cause other types of accidents too.
Businesses rely on commercial vehicles for a variety of reasons and functions. They may need them to transport products to their customers or passengers from one place to another. These vehicles do get into accidents that cause severe injuries and fatalities. You can talk to our accident attorneys today for a free consultation and to discuss your accident and case. We have offices in California, Texas & Nevada.
