24 Jul Types of Commercial Vehicles & Trucks In Tampa Bay
Throughout the Tampa Bay Area, there are thousands of large commercial vehicles & trucks on the road. These trucks often times, present a significant risk to others on the road due to the size and weight of those vehicles. If you combine that with a negligent driver, the likelihood of significant injury or even death is substantially increased. Even though there are many different types of commercial vehicles & trucks on the road, an understanding of these vehicles can help you prepare for the dangers that pose to drivers.
Types Of Commercial Vehicles & Trucks In Tampa Bay
Many of these trucks pose a danger to drivers in Tampa Bay. Each has unique features that lead to their own dangers to others on the roadways. Below is a brief description of some of the commercial vehicles & trucks you may encounter while driving in Tampa. Always be sure to be vigilant on the roads.
Semi-Trucks
These trucks are also referred to as “Semis”, “tractor trailers”, “big rigs”, “semi-tractor trailers”, and “18-wheelers.” These trucks pose some of the largest dangers because of their size. These vehicles typically consist of a tractor unit attached to a trailer with 8 wheels in the front and 10 wheels in the back. These trucks can weigh tons making them difficult stop at higher speeds, especially on the highway.
An impact with a semi-truck can be significant leading to serious injury or even death. Be sure to be vigilant when around these trucks.
Dump Trucks & Garbage Trucks
You will often encounter dump trucks and especially garbage trucks in the neighborhoods and suburbs of Tampa Bay. Although these vehicles may not be as large as semi-trucks, they can still weigh several tons. Dump trucks usually carry rocks and other materials to construction sites. Garbage trucks usually transport trash. Due to the increased weight of materials, operators often have to make adjustments to transport their loads carefully. Should they fail to make those adjustments, accidents can occur.
Delivery Trucks
Delivery trucks transport packages throughout Tampa Bay. Some of these trucks may be owned by companies such as Amazon, FedEx, UPS, USPS, and DSL. These trucks are often seen in neighborhoods throughout Tampa. Although these trucks are not quite as large as a dump truck, time is a larger factor. That means that drivers may be traveling quickly and/or make sudden stops in order to get their deliveries to the proper place quickly. Higher speeds with larger vehicles can lead to more significant injuries should an accident occur.
Work Trucks
It is hard to not travel through Tampa Bay without seeing some type of work truck. This may include a cement truck, irrigation truck, electrical truck, cable company truck, plumbing truck, and so many others typically related to some type of trade. These trucks come in all different sizes and typically can weigh more or less from day to day due to the materials and tools that they are carrying. Although these employees are typically vetted, if the truck is not over a certain weight or size, they may not have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and therefore, may lack the education to operate a larger vehicle. Be sure to be vigilant when operating a car around these vehicles.
Flatbed Trucks
Flatbed trucks are typically similar to tractor trailers in size but there is no covered trailer on the back. These trucks are used to carry larger items that often times, do not fit in an enclosed trailer. The concern with these trucks is that the back of the vehicle where the trailer is located typically weighs much more than the front of the vehicle. The uneven distribution of weight can cause serious dangers to other drivers nearby on the road.
Tanker Trucks
Tanker trucks can be considered some of the most dangerous vehicles in Tampa Bay. These large trucks usually are carrying some type of liquid or gaseous material. Some tanker trucks even carry hazardous material. An accident with a tanker truck could cause serious injury or even death due to either the accident itself or due to contact with the materials being carried, in addition to the potential for explosion or fire. Be extremely cautious when sharing the road with tanker trucks.
Moving Trucks
Moving trucks range in sizes, typically depending on how much space is needed. Moving trucks are commonly rented from U-Haul, Ryder, Penske, and Budget. The biggest danger with moving trucks is that they are typically rented by private individuals. This is concerning as ordinary drivers typically do not have the education or the experience to operate such a large truck. As mentioned above, a combination of a larger vehicle with a negligent driver can lead to more significant injuries. More concerning, many of those moving truck drivers do not have the proper insurance. As a general reminder, always make sure that you have uninsured motorist coverage.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Sadly, a commercial vehicle & truck accident can often result in injuries. It is so important to make sure that you get checked out by a medical professional immediately to rule out any life-threatening injuries that may not be seen from the surface. Some of these truck accident injuries include but are not limited to:
– Head Injuries
– Concussions
– Traumatic Brain Injuries
– Bone Breaks & Fractures
– Bruises, Abrasions, & Lacerations
– Neck Injuries
– Back Injuries
– Knee Injuries
– Shoulder Injuries
– Internal Injuries
– Death
Experienced Tampa Bay Commercial Vehicle & Truck Accident Attorney
I understand that the process after getting into a truck accident in Tampa Bay can be difficult and stressful. You probably have a lot of questions and very few answers. Allow me to be there for you every step of the way. I offer a FREE no-obligation consultation and will review your accident claim with you personally at one of the office locations in Tampa, Zephyrhills, Saint Petersburg, Brandon or Clearwater. Cannot make it to me? I will come to wherever is convenient to you at NO charge. You deserve to be compensated and I want to get justice for you!
Contact Tampa Bay Truck Accident Attorney Kevin L. Sullivan II TODAY at (813) 598-4868 for a FREE no-obligation consultation. I look forward to assisting you with your claim!
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