Hendersonville Truck Accident Attorney

Truck Classifications

Truck accident is a general term for describing what most people consider to be a collision involving an 18-wheeler that’s designed to haul cargo in a large trailer. However, there are actually a wide variety of trucks that are classified based on their weight and size.

At Matt Hardin Law, our Hendersonville truck accident lawyers have helped victims of collisions involving trucks of all types of classifications and sizes, and we know that the size of a truck doesn’t necessarily indicate the type of injuries the victims suffer. If you were recently involved in a truck accident, check out the information below to help learn more about your accident and how we can help you pursue a claim for compensation.

What Are Common Truck Classifications?

Truck classes range from 1-8 in the United States and include:

Light Duty Trucks

• Class 1

Class 1 trucks include trucks that range from 0 to 6,000 lbs. Vehicles in this category include standard consumer-sized trucks meant to haul small amounts of cargo, other vehicles, small trailers, and small watercraft.

• Class 2

Class 2 trucks include trucks that range from 6,001 to 10,000 lbs. Vehicles in this category include industrial-sized versions of standard passenger trucks and are referred to as light duty up to light heavy-duty trucks.

• Class 3

Class 3 trucks include trucks that range from 10,001 to 14,000 lbs. Vehicles in this category include trucks that are larger versions of Class 2 trucks which are designed to haul heavier cargo, such as horse trailers, farm equipment, and large personal watercraft.

Medium Duty Trucks

• Class 4

Class 4 trucks include trucks that range from 14,001 to 16,000 lbs. Vehicles in this category include large versions of consumer-level trucks that are often designed for industrial purposes and can haul large trailers and even be converted into box trucks.

• Class 5

Class 5 trucks include trucks that range from 16,001 to 19,500 lbs. Vehicles in this category include small to medium sized box trucks and trucks that can be converted into tow trucks and wreckers.

• Class 6

Class 6 trucks are trucks that range from 19,501 to 26,000 lbs. Vehicles in this category include trucks that can be used for emergency services, towing, and moving large amounts of cargo. They can also be modified to provide bus services.

Heavy Duty Trucks

• Class 7

Class 7 trucks are trucks that range from 26,001 and 33,000 lbs. These trucks require a special Class B license to operate in Tennessee and throughout the United States. Vehicles in this category include large industrial-sized trucks, including dump trucks, garbage trucks, and small tractor-trailer trucks.

• Class 8

Class 8 trucks are trucks that weigh more than 33,000 lbs. These trucks also require a Class B license to operate and encompass the majority of standard tractor-trailer and 18-wheeler trucks on Tennessee’s highways and interstates. While Class 8 trucks start at 33,000 lbs, standard tractor-trailers can weigh up to 80,000 lbs with cargo and oversized trucks carrying oversized loads can weigh even more.

What Do Truck Classifications Mean for My Claim?

When you call the Hendersonville truck accident lawyers at Matt Hardin Law after your truck accident, we’ll investigate the crash and determine the type of truck that was involved in your accident. Trucks that are considered Class 7 and above often have multiple parties that are responsible for safe operation—and that can mean multiple parties sharing liability in the event of an accident.

Put your truck accident in the hands of an experienced law firm that knows how to get results. We’ve helped countless victims just like you over the years, and we know what it takes to get the maximum compensation for our clients. Contact us today by dialing filling out a free online form.