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What Is a Commercial Vehicle?

Home   /   Personal Injury Blog   /   What Is a Commercial Vehicle?

January 3, 2024 | By Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
What Is a Commercial Vehicle?

A total of 1,366 crashes involving commercial motor vehicles happened in Pinellas County in 2021, a 17% increase from the 1,161 accidents that occurred in 2020. More concerningly, nine people died in commercial motor vehicle wrecks, and 308 people were hurt. This is contrasted against 2020, which saw only 276 injuries and one fatality.

A commercial vehicle crash presents unique challenges to injury victims seeking compensation. These challenges include not only state traffic laws but also federal rules and regulations that apply to commercial vehicles and their operators. There are other ways that your claim can be impacted if the vehicle that struck you was a commercial motor vehicle.

To know whether these additional considerations apply in your case, you must first find out for certain whether you collided with a commercial motor vehicle. This determination can present its own difficulties.

“Commercial Motor Vehicle” Has a Specific Definition

When you hear the term “commercial motor vehicle,” you might immediately think of tractor-trailers or a similar vehicle with more than two pairs of wheels. While eighteen-wheelers and big rigs meet the definition of a commercial motor vehicle, other vehicle types meet it, too.

The official definition of a commercial vehicle is found in the Federal Motor Carrier Regulations. 

According to these rules, a commercial motor vehicle, or simply a “commercial vehicle,” is any type of vehicle that’s:

  • Self-propelled or towed
  • Driven on a highway
  • Used for interstate commerce
  • Able to transport passengers or property

In addition, the vehicle must have one of the following characteristics:

It Weighs More Than 10,000 Pounds

First, the car can qualify as a commercial vehicle if it has a gross weight of 10,001 pounds or more. If it weighs less than this, but the manufacturer assigns a maximum operating weight of more than 10,000 pounds, it is considered to be a commercial vehicle.

It Is Transporting a Certain Number of People

Buses will usually qualify as commercial vehicles because they meet this characteristic. Any vehicle will be viewed as a commercial one if it is transporting at least nine people for a commercial purpose. This means that the driver or company operating the vehicle makes money from transporting the passengers. 

If no money is being exchanged, the vehicle will nonetheless be treated as a commercial vehicle if it is transporting 15 or more passengers. If it crosses this threshold, the reason the passengers are being transported does not matter. For instance, a church bus transporting a group of parishioners to a conference would be a commercial vehicle so long as it is carrying at least 15 people.

It Is Carrying Hazardous Materials

Federal regulations define materials that are considered hazardous when transported in specific quantities. Legally transporting these materials requires the vehicle to display a special placard and the driver to have specialized training. A car that is transporting any hazardous material will be thought of as a commercial vehicle if all other required components of the definition are met.

When To Determine If You Have Been Injured By a Commercial Vehicle

Following a crash with any large vehicle, one of the first determinations you and your attorney should make is whether it qualifies as a commercial vehicle. This impacts the laws and rules the vehicle’s driver must follow. 

In turn, it can also affect whether a court will find that driver to be negligent. Beyond this, a collision with a commercial motor vehicle can also result in other entities, such as the vehicle’s driver’s employer, being responsible for compensation.

While this determination is crucial, it is not difficult to make. A close examination of the other vehicle can reveal whether it meets the definition of a “commercial vehicle.” Once made, the remainder of the steps your case should follow will become clearer.

Contact the Clearwater Wrongful Death Law Firm of Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

Contact the Clearwater Wrongful Death Law Firm of Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

For more information, please contact the legal team of Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Clearwater. We have convenient locations in Florida: St. Petersburg, Safety Harbor, Clearwater, New Port Richey, and Tampa.

We serve throughout Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and its surrounding areas:

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Clearwater Office
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Clearwater, FL 33765

(727) 787-2500

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Clearwater, FL 33763

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Tampa, FL 33615

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New Port Richey, FL, 34655

(727) 815-8442

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St. Petersburg, FL 33701

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Safety Harbor, FL 34695

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I have worked closely with Miles Hickman of Roman Austin and he combines a rare blend of fierce trial capabilities with the kind of bedside manners that clients greatly appreciate. This is a standout office of trial attorneys that we feel confident referring clients to get a great resolution.

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They did a great job and even advised what to do if there was no insurance for the at-fault driver and I had to self represent. Ended up being able to get me the fullest...
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They did a great job and even advised what to do if there was no insurance for the at-fault driver and I had to self represent. Ended up being able to get me the fullest payout possible, team was easy to keep in touch with, and Miles was clear in his explanations and helpful with his advice. I still use some of the doctors I connected with through their firm. Would recommend Roman Austin and would use them again.

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I cannot say enough incredible things about Roman Austin Law Firm. John Austin is a phenomenal lawyer. I was in a bad crash that involved a truck totaling my vehicle and sustaining neck and back...
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I cannot say enough incredible things about Roman Austin Law Firm. John Austin is a phenomenal lawyer. I was in a bad crash that involved a truck totaling my vehicle and sustaining neck and back injuries.Going into this process, I was honestly apprehensive about even hiring a lawyer. I was especially wary of those large, commercial firms that just want to move cases quickly. I had heard some great things about Roman Austin, but did my own extensive research and now know why they are a five star firm. What could have easily been a stressful and overwhelming experience turned into something completely different because of John Austin and his team. Choosing them was one of the best decisions I have ever made.John is truly exceptional. He is incredibly detailed, meticulous, and completely devoted to his work. He worked tirelessly on my case, going above and beyond anything I could have ever expected. He spent countless hours (even on weekends), and was always available whenever I needed him. His level of dedication, care, and precision is something you rarely find.Beyond that, he is patient, kind, and deeply compassionate. You never feel like just another case. He genuinely cares about you as a person and wants the absolute best for you. He made what could have been a difficult process feel manageable and supported every step of the way.His entire team was phenomenal. They were responsive, professional, and just as committed. Every interaction felt thoughtful and intentional.The outcome we achieved was fantastic, and I am beyond grateful. I couldn't be more pleased with my experience.If you are considering legal representation, I wholeheartedly recommend John at Roman Austin Law Firm. They are professional, dedicated, and truly invested in their clients.Choosing John Austin made all the difference. He fought tirelessly to ensure that everything I endured was recognized and fairly compensated, and that level of dedication is something I will never forget. I am profoundly grateful not only for the outcome, but for the care, integrity, and unwavering commitment shown every step of the way. Forever thankful I chose them, and truly forever grateful.

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After my accident, I didn't know where to start. Roman Austin made the whole process feel manageable and honestly took a huge weight off my shoulders. The team was kind, responsive, and truly cared about what I was going through. I always felt heard and supported. I'm so thankful I found them and would absolutely recommend them to anyone who needs help.

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Once again Roman & Austin and their team has been a helping hand through hard times after being rear ended by a driver not paying attention. The same day I was set up with community care to make sure I had to physical and emotional support I needed and they checked on me with updates every week. They got me the full compensation I deserved for my injuries and are the best at what they do.

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Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers

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At Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we practice across the entire state of Florida. We primarily serve the following localities: Clearwater, Countryside, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, East Lake, Safety Harbor, Oldsmar, Largo, Seminole, Pinellas Park, St. Petersburg, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Hudson, Holiday, Tarpon Springs, Trinity, Westchase, Tampa, Town N Country, Egypt Lake Leto, Citrus Park, Wesley Chapel, Lutz, Starkey Ranch, and all surrounding communities in Pinellas, Pasco, and Hillsborough Counties.

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