What is a Commercial Vehicle?

When most people think of commercial vehicles, they often first imagine transport trucks that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when they are fully loaded. Vehicles such as 18-wheelers can certainly cause catastrophic damage when they are involved in a crash, but they are just one type of commercial vehicle. They are also not the only kinds of commercial vehicles that can cause serious injuries during a crash. Buses and small vans are also considered commercial vehicles, as are sedans in some cases.

Due to the fact that commercial vehicles are owned and insured by corporations and not individuals, they are subject to different standards when they are involved in an accident. It is important to understand when you are hurt by a commercial vehicle so you know the steps to take afterward and how to handle your personal injury claim. Below, our attorney outlines how commercial vehicles are defined.

A Weight Greater than 10,000 Pounds

Commercial vehicles are defined by the Federal Motor Carrier Regulations. The first part of the definition is that a commercial vehicle is more than 10,000 pounds in weight. While this may seem like a straightforward definition, it can quickly become confusing, as the weight of a vehicle is determined in two different ways. The first is the gross weight of the vehicle, which is how much the vehicle actually weighs. On the other hand, the gross vehicle rating is the maximum operating weight. This weight is determined by the manufacturer of the vehicle. In most cases, this information is found on a sticker inside the door of the vehicle.

The greater of the two weights determines if the vehicle is considered commercial. For example, while a vehicle may only weigh 8,000 pounds, if the manufacturer has set the gross vehicle weight rating at 10,500 pounds, it is a commercial vehicle.

It Transports Nine or More Individuals for Commercial Purposes

If a vehicle transports nine or more people for commercial purposes, it is considered a commercial vehicle. It is important to note that the driver is included in this count. The most common types of these vehicles are shuttle vans and public transport buses. These vehicles are also known as common carriers because they transport people for commercial purposes. Common carrier companies and drivers are held to a higher standard of care than other drivers, and this fact can help when you are filing a claim against either party.

The Vehicle Transports More than 15 People

Even if no one is receiving money for transporting passengers, a vehicle is considered commercial if it transports more than 15 people. This also includes the driver. Vehicles used for private events, such as church outings, are common examples of commercial vehicles that carry more than 15 people.

It is Carrying Dangerous Materials

Any time a vehicle, regardless of its size or weight, transports dangerous materials, it is considered a commercial vehicle. The quantity of the dangerous goods must be enough to warrant a special placard being displayed on the vehicle. Still, even in these instances, the smallest of vehicles can be considered commercial if they carry dangerous substances such as radioactive material or compressed gas.

How Does a Commercial Vehicle Affect a Personal Injury Claim?

It is critical to know if you were involved in a crash with a commercial vehicle, as it will greatly affect your claim. Accidents involving commercial vehicles are investigated differently than other types of crashes. For example, when a commercial vehicle is in an accident, the black box may have to be located to determine the vehicle’s location, speed, and other important factors, such as braking. Other important evidence, including driving logs, must also be collected.

Determining liability is also more challenging when a commercial vehicle is involved in an accident. The driver of the commercial vehicle may be at fault, the company they work for, any party that loaded the vehicle, or even the manufacturer of the vehicle if they released defective parts. It is always important to work with a lawyer who can determine who is liable for paying damages for your injuries.

Our Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer in Baton Rouge Protects Your Rights After a Crash

If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash, our Baton Rouge commercial vehicle accident lawyer will inform you of your rights and advise you on how to exercise them. At Big River Trial Attorneys, we are dedicated to helping accident victims claim the compensation they deserve, and we can put our expertise to work for you, too. Call us now at (225) 963-9638 or fill out our online form to request a free consultation.