Types of Commercial Trucks in Michigan Accidents

Michigan’s highways see thousands of commercial trucks every day, from massive 18-wheelers hauling freight across the state to smaller delivery vehicles navigating busy city streets. Each truck type comes with its own set of dangers, design limitations, and legal complexities. When these vehicles are involved in collisions, the results are often catastrophic due to their weight, cargo, and operational demands.

Understanding the differences between truck types is critical for determining who is liable and how a case should be handled. A crash involving a cement truck, for example, raises different questions than one with a delivery van or tanker. This page breaks down the most common types of commercial trucks involved in Michigan accidents and explains the unique risks associated with each. If you were injured in one of these crashes, an experienced Michigan truck accident lawyer near you can help identify every responsible party and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Table of Contents

📊 Types of Commercial Trucks Involved in Michigan Accidents

The following chart outlines the most frequent commercial vehicles involved in serious Michigan crashes and the common dangers each presents on the road.

🚛 Truck Type	⚙️ Common Risk Factors	💡 Key Legal Consideration
18-Wheeler & Tractor-Trailer Accidents	Long-distance fatigue, jackknifes, complex liability	Multiple insurance carriers and federal FMCSA regulations often apply.
Delivery Truck Accidents (Amazon, UPS, FedEx, USPS, Swift, Walmart)	Urban routes, last-mile delivery pressure, blind spots	Liability may shift between corporate carriers, independent contractors, and third-party delivery apps.
Garbage & Dump Truck Accidents	Poor visibility, shifting loads, frequent stops	Many are city or county-operated vehicles, requiring compliance with governmental notice and filing deadlines.
Cement & Construction Truck Accidents	Overloaded drums, equipment spills, job site hazards	Contractor relationships and site control can make liability split among multiple companies.
Moving & Rental Truck Accidents (U-Haul, Ryder, Penske)	Inexperienced drivers, improper loading, brake failures	Rental agreements often limit company liability, but maintenance negligence may still create exposure.
Logging & Heavy Haul Truck Accidents	Oversized loads, steep grades, rural routes	State permits and weight-limit violations are often key evidence in determining negligence.
Tanker & Fuel Truck Accidents	Flammable cargo, rollover risks, chemical spills	Federal hazardous materials (HAZMAT) rules can increase corporate accountability.
Steel & Coal Truck Accidents	Overweight loads, long braking distance, highway collisions	Loading company and carrier may share fault if cargo exceeds legal weight limits.

18-Wheeler and Tractor-Trailer Accidents

Eighteen-wheelers and tractor-trailers are the backbone of interstate commerce but also the cause of many of Michigan’s most catastrophic highway crashes. Fatigued driving, mechanical failures, and tight delivery schedules often play major roles. Learn how victims can recover damages and prove liability in Michigan 18-wheeler and tractor-trailer accident claims.

Delivery Truck Accidents (Amazon, UPS, FedEx, USPS, Swift, Walmart)

Delivery trucks operate in high-traffic areas with constant stops and demanding schedules. The pressure to meet tight deadlines often leads to distracted or unsafe driving, putting pedestrians and motorists at risk. Explore how victims pursue justice after delivery truck crashes involving major carriers in Michigan.

Garbage and Dump Truck Accidents

Garbage and dump trucks make frequent stops, have large blind spots, and carry shifting loads that make them difficult to control. These vehicles are common in residential areas where even a minor mistake can have devastating consequences. Read how negligence and municipal liability are proven in Michigan garbage and dump truck accident cases.

Cement and Construction Truck Accidents

Cement and construction trucks are among the heaviest and most unstable vehicles on Michigan roads. Overloaded drums, equipment failures, and unsafe job site practices can lead to severe injuries. Learn how injured workers and motorists seek accountability in cement and construction truck crash lawsuits.

Moving and Rental Truck Accidents (U-Haul, Ryder, Penske)

Many moving and rental truck crashes occur because inexperienced drivers are behind the wheel of large, difficult-to-control vehicles. Poor maintenance and improper loading also play a role. Discover how fault is established and claims are handled in Michigan moving and rental truck accident cases.

Logging and Heavy Haul Truck Accidents

Logging and heavy haul trucks transport oversized loads across Michigan’s rural and industrial areas, often on narrow or uneven roads. Overweight cargo and steep terrain make these vehicles especially dangerous. See how victims and their families pursue compensation after logging and heavy haul truck accidents in Michigan.

Tanker and Fuel Truck Accidents

Tanker and fuel trucks pose unique hazards because they carry highly flammable or toxic materials. A single rollover or collision can lead to explosions, chemical spills, or deadly fires. Learn how victims protect their rights after tanker and fuel truck accidents under Michigan law.

Steel and Coal Truck Accidents

Steel and coal haulers often operate near maximum weight capacity, creating longer stopping distances and higher crash severity. These collisions frequently involve multiple parties, from loaders to carriers. Find out how liability is proven in steel and coal truck accident cases across Michigan.

Explore More Truck Accident Guides 🚚

Understanding the different types of commercial trucks involved in Michigan accidents is just one part of the bigger picture. To build a strong case, victims must also understand how liability, compensation, and safety regulations come together after a crash. Explore these additional guides to learn more about your rights under Michigan law:

Laws, Liability & Legal Process – Learn how Michigan’s trucking laws determine fault, responsibility, and legal deadlines after a crash.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents – Discover the leading safety violations and driver behaviors that cause devastating truck collisions.
Severe & Fatal Truck Accidents – See how catastrophic injuries and wrongful death claims are handled under Michigan law.
Compensation & Settlements – Understand how damages are calculated and what affects the value of your truck accident claim.
Resources & Prevention – Access statistics, highway data, and safety information to help reduce future trucking accidents.

Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Truck Accident Types

What types of commercial trucks cause the most accidents in Michigan?

Eighteen-wheelers and tractor-trailers are involved in many of the state’s most serious crashes, but delivery and dump trucks also contribute heavily to collision totals due to their frequency on local roads.

Why do certain trucks have higher accident rates?

Each truck type faces unique risks. Long-haul drivers battle fatigue, while urban delivery drivers deal with tight schedules and constant stops. Poor maintenance and overloading are common factors across all categories.

Can I sue both the driver and the trucking company?

Yes. In most Michigan truck accident cases, victims can pursue claims against the driver, trucking company, maintenance contractors, or even the shipper—depending on who contributed to the negligence.

Do accidents with government-owned trucks follow different rules?

Yes. Crashes involving garbage trucks or other municipal vehicles often require specific notice and filing deadlines under Michigan’s governmental immunity laws.

Are larger trucks automatically considered at fault?

No. Fault depends on the evidence. However, because of their size and federal safety requirements, trucking companies are held to higher standards of care than passenger vehicle drivers.

How can an attorney help determine which party is liable?

An experienced truck accident lawyer investigates every layer of responsibility—reviewing black box data, maintenance logs, and federal compliance records to pinpoint where negligence occurred.

5/5 - (1 vote)