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Roads and highways in Texas are filled with many different types of vehicles. There are cars, trucks, and motorcycles of all types and sizes. Some are personal vehicles, and others are commercial vehicles. Personal vehicles are owned by people, like a father driving his son to school. But, what is a commercial vehicle in Texas?
Commercial vehicles are those seen on the roadway owned and operated by businesses instead of individuals.
Drivers of these vehicles must follow specific state and federal laws. Examples are semi-trucks, garbage trucks, and buses.
If you think you have been involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle, our attorneys at The Zimmerman Law Firm, P.C. can examine your case and determine the best course of action. Contact us today.
Key Takeaways
What Is A Commercial Vehicle? The Short Answer For Texas Drivers
Whether a vehicle counts as commercial comes down to how it is used, not just how big it looks. That single classification can reshape an accident claim, because it changes which rules applied and who can be held responsible.
- Business use is the dividing line. A commercial vehicle is owned or operated by a business to move property, cargo, passengers, or hazardous materials on public roads. A personal vehicle serves private use, such as a parent driving a child to school.
- Two definitions apply, and they are not identical. Texas law reaches vehicles used to transport property or make deliveries, carry more than 15 passengers including the driver, or haul hazardous materials. Federal rules reach vehicles over 10,000 pounds and those carrying more than eight passengers for compensation.
- Size alone does not decide it. Semi-trucks, box trucks, buses, and garbage trucks are the obvious examples, but a much smaller vehicle can still qualify when it is used to transport people for compensation or to perform delivery work.
- The classification changes who can be held responsible. Once a vehicle is commercial, the driver, the employing company, a maintenance provider, a manufacturer, or a government entity may each enter the liability analysis, along with the records each one is expected to keep.
Commercial vs. Non-Commercial Vehicle?
Commercial vehicles are registered for business use, while noncommercial vehicles are for personal use and typically don’t need DMV registration. Key differences include usage, insurance, and regulatory requirements.
Examples of commercial vehicles include big trucks, like an 18-wheeler, and box trucks.
Certain types of smaller vehicles classified as commercial include ones used for transporting people for compensation.
What Is a Non-Commercial Vehicle?
Alternatively, non-commercial vehicles are ones used for personal purposes. Common examples include cars and motorcycles.
Serving Injured Texans Since 1962
You Should Not Have To Figure This Out On Your Own
Most people walk away from a crash knowing only that a truck or a work van hit them. Whether that vehicle was being used for business, who actually employed the driver, and which company is on the hook are not questions you are expected to answer while you are hurt.
Tell us what you remember. We will look at the vehicle, the driver, and the company behind both, and give you a straight answer about the kind of case you really have.
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What Is the Commercial Motor Vehicle Definition in Texas?
A commercial vehicle transports goods or passengers and has a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, including a towed unit exceeding 10,000 pounds.
Texas law provides a broader definition of a commercial vehicle, including:
- A vehicle other than a motorcycle used for the transportation of property or delivery purposes;
- A self-propelled or towed vehicle used to transport passengers or cargo on a public highway;
- A vehicle used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver; and
- A vehicle used to transport hazardous materials.
The federal government also has its definition of a commercial motor vehicle.
Under federal regulations, a commercial motor vehicle is any self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used on a highway to transport property or passengers when the vehicle meets one of the following:
- A gross vehicle weight, gross combination weight rating, or the combination of both exceeding 10,000 pounds;
- Designed or operated to transport more than eight passengers, including the driver, for compensation;
- Designed or operated to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, not for compensation; or
- Used in transporting hazardous material as defined by the Secretary of Transportation.
A commercial motor vehicle has various rules and regulations to comply with.
Do Commercial Motor Vehicles Have Special Laws to Follow?
Under Texas law, drivers of commercial motor vehicles must obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). To get a CDL for interstate travel, the driver must meet specific requirements, including the following:
- Be a Texas resident,
- Be 21 years old,
- Satisfy medical requirements,
- No drug addiction, and
- No alcohol addiction.
The age requirement for commercial motor vehicle drivers who travel only within Texas is 18 years old.
Drivers must also take a skills and knowledge test to obtain their CDL.
Once licensed, commercial truck drivers must follow federal regulations, such as restricting the hours a commercial motor vehicle driver works.
Consequences of a Breach of These Laws
A breach of these duties, or general traffic violations, can result in liability. Like any vehicle accident, commercial motor vehicle accidents are based on the doctrine of negligence.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident with a commercial motor vehicle, you must provide evidence to prove the following four elements:
- Duty. A driver has a duty to drive safely and obey all laws that apply to them.
- Breach of duty. If the driver fails to drive safely or conform to the law, they breach this duty.
- Causation. To prove negligence, the breach of duty must have directly caused the damages.
- Damages. You must provide proof of your injuries and other damages.
If your negligence claim is successful, you may be able to recover compensation from the negligent party.
Who Is Liable in a Commercial Motor Vehicle Accident?
Many parties may be involved besides the commercial vehicle’s driver in an accident. A skilled attorney must explore all these avenues to determine responsibility. Liable parties may include:
- Driver. The commercial truck driver may be responsible for the accident if they ran a red light or fell asleep at the wheel. However, many of these drivers are employees of a larger company, making it more practical to initiate a lawsuit against the company.
- Company. Businesses may also be liable for negligence, such as failing to run background checks on employees or not providing proper job training.
- Maintenance and Manufacturers. Truck maintenance and manufacturing companies can be liable for failing to service or build the truck properly.
- Government. Municipalities have liability for accidents if they, for example, fail to maintain the road or fix broken street lights.
An experienced attorney can help you identify and hold the appropriate parties liable for an accident.
Before You Talk To The Insurer
The First Call You Get Will Not Be On Your Side
When a business vehicle is involved, the company’s insurer usually moves first. An early call, a recorded statement, or a quick offer can close the door on a claim before anyone has looked at maintenance records, driver files, or who else may share responsibility.
At The Zimmerman Law Firm, you meet an attorney, not a staff member, and that same attorney stays with your case throughout. If you only want to know whether you should be talking to them yet, ask us first. The answer costs nothing.
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Do Cases Involving Commercial Motor Vehicles Need an Attorney?
Yes. While not required, having an attorney in commercial motor vehicles cases is critical. These cases are complicated.
An attorney can help you determine the facts and obtain the evidence necessary to support your claim. Additionally, attorneys have the resources to hire specialists to reconstruct the accident and identify witnesses to testify.
There are also insurance companies that will want to settle your case. Never speak with them without an attorney. Insurance companies are notorious for offering low settlements, hoping to quickly and quietly eliminate the case.
You don’t have to deal with this alone. At The Zimmerman Law Firm, our commercial truck accident attorneys have the experience and resources to handle all the complexities of these cases and get you the justice you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Commercial Vehicle Questions Texas Drivers Ask Most
Common questions about what is a commercial vehicle in Texas, how the classification works, and why it changes an accident claim. Select a question to read the answer.
What is considered a commercial vehicle in Texas?
In Texas, a commercial vehicle is generally a vehicle used for business purposes rather than personal use. That often includes vehicles used to transport property, cargo, passengers, or hazardous materials on public highways.
What is the difference between a commercial and non-commercial vehicle?
A commercial vehicle is used for business activity, while a non-commercial vehicle is used for personal purposes. The difference affects registration, insurance, and the rules the driver and vehicle must follow.
Are semi-trucks and box trucks considered commercial vehicles in Texas?
Yes. Vehicles such as 18-wheelers and box trucks are standard examples of commercial vehicles because they are commonly used to transport goods for business purposes.
Can smaller vehicles still qualify as commercial vehicles in Texas?
Yes. A vehicle does not have to be a massive truck to count as commercial. Smaller vehicles can also qualify when they are used to transport people for compensation or to perform delivery or property-related business functions.
What is the commercial motor vehicle definition in Texas?
Under Texas law, a commercial motor vehicle can include a vehicle used to transport property or deliver goods, a self-propelled or towed vehicle used to move passengers or cargo on a public highway, a vehicle transporting more than 15 passengers including the driver, or a vehicle used to transport hazardous materials.
Do commercial vehicle drivers have special rules to follow in Texas?
Yes. Commercial vehicle drivers often need a commercial driver’s license, must satisfy certain age and medical requirements, and may also be subject to federal work-hour and safety rules.
Do commercial vehicle accidents involve different legal issues than regular car accidents?
Often, yes. Commercial vehicle cases can be more complex because they may involve extra safety rules, company policies, maintenance records, licensing issues, and more than one potentially responsible party.
Who can be liable in a Texas commercial vehicle accident?
Liability may fall on the driver, the company employing the driver, a maintenance provider, a manufacturer, or even a government entity depending on what caused the crash.
Why does it matter whether a vehicle is classified as commercial after a crash?
The classification matters because it can affect what rules applied to the driver, what evidence should exist, who may be responsible, and what insurance and business-related issues may be involved in the case.
When should I talk to a Texas lawyer after a commercial vehicle accident?
If you believe a business-owned or work-related vehicle caused the crash, it is worth getting legal guidance early. Commercial vehicle cases often involve multiple parties and more complicated evidence than ordinary accident claims.
Get Expert Legal Help for Your Commercial Vehicle Accident—Schedule Your 100% Free Consultation Today
Cases involving commercial trucks can get tricky. You need a skilled law firm to handle your case. Look no further than The Zimmerman Law Firm.
Our attorneys give every client an individualized strategy for their case. You’ll always meet with an attorney, not a staff member. And you’ll have the same attorney throughout your whole case.
We get nothing unless we secure a settlement or verdict for you. So there’s no risk. Contact our attorneys now by calling (254) 752-9688 for a free case evaluation.
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Michael Zimmerman
Michael was born in Houston, Texas. His education at Baylor and Texas State Universities earned him a Bachelor of Science degree in 1987. His major was in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry. He finished his legal education at Texas Southern University in 1990, earning a Juris Doctorate from Thurgood Marshall School of Law. He was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1990.