Types of Trucks

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the number of light trucks sold in the United States has been on a steady rise in the last several years. In 2011, 6.6 million light trucks were sold in the U.S., compared to 6.1 million cars. These statistics indicate the rising popularity of light trucks as a means of transportation for a typical driver.

Beyond light trucks in which Florida motorists use for day-to-day personal transportation, there are quite a few types of trucks that are used on a daily basis in the United States. While many of these larger trucks are essential for daily living, such as a garbage truck or UPS truck, they also present a number of hazards on the roads and highways.

Due the structure of larger vehicles, many types of large trucks weigh significantly more than a standard automobile. In addition, the sheer size of these trucks makes them much more dangerous on the roadways than that of a typical car. Unfortunately, due to the massive structure of these vehicles, truck accident injuries tend to be incredibly severe and debilitating, often life-threatening.

If you or a loved one has suffered from any injuries due to a truck accident, the personal injury attorneys of Gordon & Partners are here for you. With years of experience in truck accident law, we understand what it takes to win. Our passion for representing the injured has built an excellent reputation throughout the state of Florida.

To learn more, please complete a Free Case Evaluation on this page.

Types of Trucks

When traveling along the Florida roads and highways, motorists will notice a wide range of trucks navigating the roads. The damages associated with truck collisions are largely related to the type of trucks that are involved in the crash. Generally, the larger the structure indicates a much more severe outcome in terms of both property damage and injuries suffered.

The following are some of the most common types of trucks involved in motor vehicle accidents:

Flatbed Truck

A flatbed truck refers to a vehicle with a trailer that has no side and an open truck bed. This particular truck is designed to make the loading of goods quick and easier for the transporter. Unfortunately, many truckers improperly load these goods into the bed of the truck, thus causing a collision.

Dump Truck

Commonly referred to as a production truck, dump trucks are used for the transportation of dirt, gravel, sand, and other loose materials used for construction. Dump trucks are also sometimes used to carry waste to landfills. The structure of the vehicle is hydraulically-operated, using an open-box bed attached to the rear of the truck. When the bed is raised, the content within the open-box are dumped in the area behind the vehicle. Dump trucks are commonly involved in accidents when they attempt to back up, be aware of this while driving near one of these vehicles.

Heavy Trucks

Often used for long hauls, heavy trucks are actually the biggest vehicles legally allowed on the roads and highways. These types of trucks have many blind spots, so Florida motorists must exercise caution when traveling behind or next to heavy trucks.

Panel Truck

Small trucks or cans which have a fully bounded body are considered to be panel trucks. Often used as delivery trucks, these types of trucks are used to transport laundry, bakery goods, flowers, and many other kinds of consumer products and goods.

Garbage Truck

Waste collections vehicles, also known as garbage trucks, service the homes in Florida by picking up their smaller amounts of trash and taking them to local landfills, treatment facilities, or recycling plants. Garbage trucks are also full of blind spots, so motorists must be careful when traveling near them.

18 Wheeler Truck

When a semi-trailer truck has 18 wheels, they are often referred to as 18 wheelers trucks. In the United States, about 85 percent of all cargo shipped is carried on an 18 wheeler.

Extra Duty Truck

When extremely large equipment must be transported, the massive load in which these materials weigh requires an extra duty truck. Truckers who operate these vehicles must carry a special permit to do so.

Tanker Truck

Tanker trunks are used to carry liquids and gasses and are used to carry a wide range of liquids. There are typically very strict regulations in regard to transporting these liquids, especially when hazardous.

Semi-Trailer Truck

Semi-trailer trucks are articulated vehicles which have a semi-trailer, a towing engine, and carries freight. Commonly called 18 wheelers, tractor-trailers, or big rigs, these particular types of trucks have a serious potential to cause severe injuries and traffic fatalities. Operators of these trucks must carry a special license to legally transport cargo.

Contact a Florida truck accident attorney Today

An accident can happen in an instant. While many motor vehicle collisions are unavoidable, being aware of the various types of trucks that are dangerous on the Florida roads and highways is essential to safe driving. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries after a crash with any of the listed types of trucks, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other associated costs.

At Gordon & Partners, our goal is to win the maximum compensation for our clients. We always represent the injured, as we believe that these accident victims deserve a voice and protection of their rights. With offices in Stuart, Palm Beach Gardens, and Pembroke Pines, we are able to provide our legal services across the state of Florida. We are about people, not large corporations, and we work tirelessly to achieve justice for the injured.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation to get started today.