A commercial vehicle is any vehicle used primarily for business purposes rather than personal travel, including delivery vans, box trucks, tractor-trailers, buses, rideshare vehicles, and company cars.
Because commercial vehicles spend significantly more time on the road — often carrying heavy cargo, hazardous materials, or passengers—they are subject to federal and state safety regulations that do not apply to most passenger vehicles. Unfortunately, companies all too often ignore or violate these stricter safety requirements, including commercial registration, higher insurance coverage, routine inspections, and, in many cases, commercial driver’s license (CDL) requirements, when profits take priority over public safety.
With Billions won, including some of the largest truck, bus, and commercial motor vehicle verdicts and settlements in Texas and U.S. history, the undefeated trial attorneys at Zehl & Associates have the experience, resources, and track record to stand up to the world’s largest companies. We don’t just win cases. We secure record-setting results that help our clients rebuild their lives.
Understanding what qualifies as a commercial vehicle can help business owners, drivers, and accident victims know which laws and insurance rules may apply. Keep reading to learn what commercial vehicles are, how they are classified, and why the distinction matters.
How Does Texas Define Commercial Vehicle?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has a definition for “commercial vehicle,” but each state also has its own rules about what constitutes one.
In Texas, the definition of a commercial vehicle is very similar to that provided by the FMCSA, which includes:
- A single or combined vehicle with a gross weight rating of more than 26,000 pounds
- A vehicle that is used or designed to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver
- A vehicle used to transport hazardous materials
Commercial vehicles are typically owned and registered by business entities rather than individuals.
Common Examples of Commercial Vehicles
There are many different types of commercial vehicles that you are likely to encounter on the road almost every day.
Some of the most common examples of commercial vehicles are:
- 18-wheelers and semi-trucks
- Box trucks
- Delivery trucks and vans
- Dump trucks
- Tankers and flatbed trucks
- Buses
- Tow trucks
Remember that whether or not a vehicle is considered a commercial vehicle in Texas mostly depends on its weight and passenger capacity.
What Rules Do Commercial Vehicles Need to Follow?
The Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles maintain strict commercial vehicle enforcement in the state.
Some of the most important requirements cover things like:
- Weight limits
- Special vehicle registration procedures
- Compliance with federal regulations when traveling interstate
- Inspection and maintenance schedules
- Insurance coverage
- Commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs)
These strict regulations are in place for public safety. Following these rules can help reduce the risk of a truck accident, and commercial vehicle owners can face serious liability if they fail to comply with regulations and cause an accident.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Commercial Vehicle Accident?
Liability for a commercial vehicle accident depends on the cause of the crash and who was involved. In many cases, more than one party may share responsibility.
The commercial driver may be liable if they caused the accident by speeding, driving while distracted, failing to yield, driving under the influence, or violating traffic laws. However, if the driver was working at the time of the crash, their employer may also be responsible.
A company may be held liable for an accident involving its commercial vehicle if it failed to hire qualified drivers, provide proper training, maintain the vehicle, or follow applicable safety rules. For example, a delivery company could be responsible if one of its drivers caused a crash while making deliveries for the business.
Other parties may also be liable, including:
- A vehicle maintenance company that failed to repair a known problem
- A cargo loading company that improperly loaded or secured freight
- A vehicle or parts manufacturer that produced a defective component
- Another driver whose negligence contributed to the accident
Determining liability can be more complicated in commercial vehicle accidents than in typical car crashes. These cases may involve employment records, vehicle maintenance logs, insurance policies, driver qualification files, and other evidence that can help show who was responsible.
Contact the Texas Truck Accident Lawyers at Zehl & Associates to Schedule a Free Consultation
If you have been hurt in an accident involving a commercial vehicle, the claims process can get complex. Your claim may involve multiple defendants, and taking on a commercial defendant can seem overwhelming. Since these claims are complex and often involve serious injuries, you should always consult an experienced personal injury lawyer for help.
For more information, contact the experienced Texas truck accident lawyers at Zehl & Associates to schedule a free consultation.
We proudly serve Harris County, Midland County, and throughout the state of Texas. We are located in Houston and Midland and throughout the state of Texas:
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Houston
2700 Post Oak Blvd #1000, Houston, TX 77056
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Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Midland
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