Although the focus of this Texas truck accident lawyer blog has been semi truck accidents there are a number of different types of commercial vehicles.
There are dump trucks, eighteen wheelers, flatbed and garbage trucks, panel and tanker trucks. Let us consider the uses of each. Dump trucks are used for transporting material and are typically equipped with hydraulically controlled open-box bed hinged at the rear. The front of a dump truck lifts to deposit its materials at the site of delivery.
A flatbed often is usually entirely flat with absolutely no sides or roof. They are used to transport heavy goods that are not vulnerable to the elements. A waste collection vehicle picks up waste and hauls it to landfills or other recycling facilities.
Heavy trucks are the largest trucks allowed on the road and used most commonly for hauling. A panel truck is a windowless cargo van built on to a truck chassis. They are usually used for delivery.
When accident statistics are considered commercial vehicle numbers are figured separately from semi truck accidents. As recently as 2007 there were approximately 4300 deaths from large truck crashes and 77,000 injuries.
As we have cautioned readers in their driving behavior when near a semi truck on the highway - these recommendations hold equally true for all commercial vehicles. Keep a safe distance when on the highway and be sure the truck driver sees you when you pass.
In fact, give commercial vehicles and semi trucks wide berth on the highway - it's the safest response.
