Oklahoma Box Truck Accidents

When people hear the phrase “truck accident” they often first imagine a semi-truck or big rig. This makes sense, as these kinds of vehicles have become so common on our roadways that collisions have also become a more regular sight. Big rigs are not, however, the only kinds of large trucks on the road that pose a risk to other motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. Box trucks, for instance, are also much larger than passenger vehicles, ranging in length from ten to 26 feet and weighing between 12,000 and 33,000 pounds. While still much shorter and lighter than fully loaded semi-trucks, box trucks still vastly outweigh most average passenger vehicles, meaning that they are extremely dangerous to other road users. Fortunately, those who are injured in crashes with box trucks are still often entitled to compensation for their losses.

Trucks are Classified Based on Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 

Trucks and utility vehicles are split up into categories based on their gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR). These categories range from Class 1, which includes utility vehicles, like pickup trucks and vans that weigh up to 6,000 pounds, to Class 8, which covers vehicles that weigh between 33,001 and 80,000 pounds. The latter include semi-trucks, dump trucks, and cement trucks. Box trucks, however, are typically categorized as either Class 6 or Class 7 vehicles, with the former including vehicles weighing between 19,501 and 26,000 pounds and the latter including vehicles of up to 33,000 pounds. The classification of a box truck has important consequences, as a vehicle’s weight not only affects the type of damage it can cause in a collision, but also dictates the kinds of licensing that the driver must have and who can be held liable for an accident.

Drivers of Class 7 and 8 Vehicles Must Have CDLs 

Under federal law, drivers who operate Class 7 and 8 vehicles, including some box trucks, must first obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). This means that the drivers are subject to many of the same requirements as semi-truck drivers, so investigations following collisions can be more intensive, necessitating a look into whether:

• The driver complied with federal hours of service rules;
• The driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
• The trucking company properly hired and trained its drivers;
• The trucking company conducted adequate inspections and maintenance; and
• The vehicle in question suffered from any manufacturing defects.

It’s important to note, however, that many small to midsize box trucks are categorized as Class 3 to Class 6 vehicles, which means that federal regulations won’t typically come into play. Though this means that the owner of the truck may not be liable for any accident in which the truck was involved, the driver could still bear responsibility for the crash if he or she was speeding, impaired, distracted, or otherwise in violation of state or local traffic laws.

Call Us After Your Truck Accident 

Whether your collision involved a big rig, box truck, or any other oversized vehicle, you’re probably facing serious injuries and hefty medical expenses and vehicle repair costs. At Levinson Law, P.C., we can help determine whether you’re eligible for compensation and if so, who can be held liable for your accident. Call us at 918-492-4433 to speak with one of our experienced Tulsa truck accident lawyers about your case.

Sources: 

afdc.energy.gov/data/10380

koco.com/article/oklahoma-shawnee-weather-storm-damage/60616298