What Is Considered a Truck in Texas?
The Texas Transportation Code defines a “truck” as a motor vehicle “designed, used, or maintained primarily to transport property.” Thus, trucks meet the state’s definition of a “commercial motor vehicle,” which is any self-propelled or towed vehicle used to transport passengers or cargo that meets at least one of the following criteria:
- The vehicle or combination of vehicles has a gross weight, registered weight, or gross weight rating exceeding 26,000 pounds;
- The vehicle is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver; or
- The vehicle transports hazardous materials that require placarding by regulations under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act. A farm vehicle with a gross weight, registered weight, or gross weight rating of less than 48,000 pounds does not fall under this definition.
Examples of Common Types of Commercial Trucks
- Semi-trailer trucks
- Flatbed trucks
- Box trucks
- Car haulers
- Tanker trucks
- Refrigerator trucks
- Tow trucks
- Dump trucks
- Garbage trucks
- Concrete mixers
- Fire trucks
- Crane trucks
- Logging trucks
- Livestock trucks
- Delivery trucks
- Utility trucks
- Food trucks
- Street sweepers
- Moving trucks
- School buses
- Public transit buses
- Shuttle buses
- Hazardous material trucks
- Bucket trucks
- Mobile crane trucks
- Cherry picker trucks
- Beverage trucks
- Armored trucks
What Compensation Can Your Trucking Accident Lawyers Help Me Recover?
When you file a truck accident claim, you could be entitled to compensation for the losses you incurred in the crash, including the following:
- Past, current, and future medical expenses
- Future costs related to injuries
- Lost income
- Lost lifetime earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Lost enjoyment of life
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Property damage
In addition, if a truck accident becomes a fatal one, the surviving family may file a wrongful death lawsuit.
How Long Does Your 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer in Texas Have to File a Lawsuit On My Behalf?
Under the Texas statute of limitations, a plaintiff has two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, including a suit for a truck accident. The two-year window starts from the date of the accident that injured you. If you miss the two-year deadline, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation in civil court.
While this deadline doesn’t apply to insurance claims, you might have a shorter deadline for filing claims depending on specific insurance policies. Furthermore, the ability to sue can be a powerful bargaining chip during settlement negotiations with insurers. Because of these reasons, it is crucial to keep the statute of limitations in mind if you seek compensation through a lawsuit or an insurance claim.
A seasoned Houston truck accident attorney can help you determine which deadlines apply to your case and ensure the necessary legal paperwork is filed promptly and correctly.
What Are Common 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents in Texas?
Various types of truck accidents can occur due to the size, weight, and characteristics of 18-wheeler trucks. The more common types of truck accidents in Texas include the following:
