What is considered a commercial vehicle?

A commercial vehicle is generally any vehicle used for business purposes, such as transporting goods, equipment, or passengers for compensation. This can include trucks, vans, buses, and even passenger vehicles when used for work-related activities.

Is a company car considered a commercial vehicle?

Yes, a company-owned vehicle can be considered a commercial vehicle if it is used primarily for business purposes, even if it is a standard car, SUV, or pickup truck.

What weight qualifies a vehicle as commercial?

Under federal guidelines, vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more are often classified as commercial, especially when used for business operations.

Why does commercial vehicle classification matter after an accident?

Commercial vehicle classification matters because it can affect liability, insurance coverage, and who may be held responsible for damages. Employers or businesses may be liable when a driver is operating a commercial vehicle within the scope of their job.

Who can be held liable in a commercial vehicle accident?

Liability in a commercial vehicle accident may extend beyond the driver to include an employer, business owner, vehicle maintenance company, or manufacturer, depending on the circumstances of the crash.

Go back

October 26th, 2017 by Thomas J. Henry

What Is a Commercial Vehicle?

In the United States, “commercial vehicle” is a pretty broad term. Many times, when a laymen thinks of a commercial vehicle, they thing of a delivery truck or an 18-wheeler; however, in the United States, commercial vehicles can also include fleet vehicles, passenger transports, company cars, and other vehicles used for business.

Commercial Vehicle Definition in Law

In legal terms, a commercial vehicle is generally defined as a vehicle used primarily for business or work-related purposes rather than personal use. This definition can vary slightly depending on federal regulations, state laws, and insurance policies, but it typically focuses on how the vehicle is used, not just who owns it.

In the United States, a vehicle may be considered a commercial vehicle if:

It is titled or registered to a company or a corporation.
Is used for business, but is under the name of a sole proprietor for that business.
Is a leased vehicle and in the name of the financial institution that owns it.
Exceeds a certain weight or class, even if it is not used commercially or company owned. Generally, any vehicle with a weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more is considered a commercial vehicle, regardless of use or ownership.
Is used in the transportation of hazardous materials.

Many states also classify vehicles as commercial when they are part of a company fleet, even if the vehicle resembles a standard passenger car or pickup truck. This means sedans, vans, and SUVs can qualify as commercial vehicles if they are used in the course of business.

Because definitions can differ across laws and insurance policies, determining whether a vehicle is legally “commercial” often requires a closer look at the facts of the situation—especially after an accident.

What Are Some Common Examples of Commercial Vehicles?

Among the commercial vehicles that most occupy public roadways are:

Large trucks
Box trucks
Delivery trucks
Semi trucks
Tractor-trailers
Travel trailers exceeding 10,000 pounds
Large vans (intended to carry more than 15 passengers)
Taxicabs
Coaches
Buses
Heavy equipment (backhoes, bulldozers, large farm equipment, etc.)

How Are Commercial Trucks Classified?

Commercial trucks are further classified by their gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). In the United States, the commercial truck classifications are as follows:

Class 1- GVWR ranges from 0 to 6,000 pounds
Class 2- GVWR ranges from 6,001 to 10,000 pounds
Class 3- GVWR ranges from 10,001 to 14,000 pounds
Class 4- GVWR ranges from 14,001 to 16,000 pounds
Class 5- GVWR ranges from 16,001 to 19,500 pounds
Class 6- GVWR ranges from 19,501 to 26,000 pounds
Class 7- GVWR ranges from 26,001 to 33,000 pounds
Class 8- GVWR is anything above 33,000 pounds

Commercial Vehicle Liability in Accidents

Commercial vehicle accidents often involve more complex liability issues than typical car crashes. Unlike personal vehicle accidents, liability may extend beyond the driver to include a business or employer.

In many cases, companies can be held legally responsible for accidents involving their commercial vehicles under a legal principle known as vicarious liability. This means an employer may be liable if the driver was acting within the scope of their job at the time of the crash.

Potentially responsible parties in a commercial vehicle accident may include:

The driver
The employer or business owner
A vehicle maintenance company
A manufacturer of defective vehicle parts
A third-party contractor

Commercial vehicles are also subject to higher insurance coverage requirements, which can significantly affect the value of a claim. However, insurance companies representing businesses often fight harder to limit payouts, making these cases more complex.

Understanding how commercial vehicle liability works is critical for injured individuals, as it can directly impact who can be held accountable and what compensation may be available.

Were You Injured in a Commercial Vehicle Accident? Contact Thomas J. Henry

Thomas J. Henry has helped people injured in company vehicle accidents across the United States stand up against some of the largest corporations in the country. For decades, we have helped victims of company car crashes obtain record-breaking verdicts, settlements, and judgments for the pain and suffering they incurred due to an employee or employer’s negligence.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a company vehicle accident, you need a law firm that will provide you with representation backed by the financial and legal resources necessary to win your case. Contact us today for a free case review. Our experienced company vehicle accident lawyers are available 24/7, nights and weekends to hear your claim.