The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act defines commercial vehicle as:
Motor vehicle used in commerce to transport passengers or property that:
Has a gross vehicle weight/gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or greater;
Is designated to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver; or
Is used to transport certain quantities of “hazardous materials” as defined in 49 CFR 383.5.
The Texas Motor Carrier Safety Act defines a commercial vehicle very similarly except the Act exempts farm vehicles operated intrastate when the vehicle has a gross weight of less than 48,000 lbs, self-propelled oil and water well servicing and drilling equipment, mobiles cranes, cotton seed modules or concrete pumps.
Put more simply, a commercial vehicle is any kind of vehicle that is used solely for the benefit of a business. It could be a truck, van, car, taxi or bus and will generally be registered and insured under the company’s name. Who is Liable When a Commercial Vehicle Gets in an Accident?
If a commercial vehicle is responsible for causing your car accident in DFW, the company or business who owns the vehicle will be liable for your injuries. The company’s insurance policy will be the one to cover your medical bills and lost wages, even if their driver was negligent in causing your car accident. For commercial vehicle accident victims, this is good news because the business who owned the vehicle, bus or truck will generally have a larger insurance policy than an individual car driver.
If you have been hurt in a commercial vehicle accident in Texas, contact the Anderson Law Firm for help with your legal questions. Our attorneys have years of experience with commercial vehicle accident claims and trials and can help you get on the path to recovery after your accident. Call our Fort Worth injury lawyers at 817-294-1900 to schedule a free case consultation.
As a complimentary service to Tarrant County accident victims, the Anderson Law Firm will send you the police report concerning your Tarrant County wreck free of charge with absolutely no strings attached. If you have been injured in a car, motorcycle or truck accident in Tarrant County that you believe wasn’t your fault, contact us today to receive your free police report. All you need to do is call 817-294-1900, give us some basic information about your accident and we’ll take care of the rest. You won’t have to pay six dollars or go to the police station and wait in line to get your crash report – we’ll do it for you at absolutely no charge to you. If you’re interested in receiving your free police report, contact the Anderson Law Firm today.
