What Is the Difference Between a Semi-Truck and a Truck?

Every day, Utah residents share the highway with commercial trucks transporting essential goods from place to place. Many people use terms like “truck,” “semi,” and “18-wheeler” interchangeably without understanding the differences between them. These distinctions become particularly important if you are involved in an accident with one of these large vehicles. Also, reach out to an accident attorney in St. George if you’ve been in an accident.

Semi-Trucks versus Trucks: How to Tell the Difference

A semi-truck consists of two main components: a tractor unit containing the engine and driver’s cab, plus a detachable trailer that carries cargo. The “semi” in semi-truck refers to the semi-trailer, which lacks front wheels and relies on the tractor for support when connected. 

In contrast, a regular truck features a single, unified body where the cargo area and cab are permanently attached to the same frame. Examples include pickup trucks, delivery trucks, and box trucks. These vehicles typically have fewer axles and wheels than semi-trucks and carry smaller loads.

The terms “18-wheeler” and “tractor-trailer” refer to a semi-truck with its trailer attached. The name “18-wheeler” comes from the total wheel count: usually 10 wheels on the tractor (two in the front, eight in the back) and eight wheels on the trailer.

What Types of Trailers Do Semi-Trucks Have?

Semi-trucks pull various types of trailers designed for different cargo and transportation needs. Trucking companies often swap trailers based on the load’s requirements, with tractors sometimes traveling without trailers between assignments.

• Dry van trailers, or fully enclosed trailers for general freight
• Refrigerated trailers, which are temperature-controlled for perishable goods
• Flatbed trailers, or open platforms for oversized or irregularly shaped items
• Tanker trailers for liquid or gas transport
• Lowboy trailers with low deck height for tall equipment
• Car carriers designed specifically for vehicle transport
• Logging trailers, which are reinforced for heavy timber loads
• Dump trailers for construction materials that need to be unloaded by tilting

Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents

Semi-truck accidents can be extremely severe due to the size and weight of these commercial vehicles. They typically stem from three sources of negligence: driver negligence, company negligence, and the negligence of third parties.

Driver negligence may involve fatigue from exceeding legal driving hours, distracted driving, improper training, or driving under the influence. These preventable errors can lead to catastrophic accidents.

Company negligence occurs when trucking companies prioritize profits over safety. This may involve setting unrealistic delivery schedules, failing to maintain vehicles properly, or hiring unqualified drivers without thorough background checks. Some companies even encourage drivers to violate regulations that limit the number of hours they can operate a semi-truck.

Third-party negligence may involve cargo loading companies improperly securing freight, parts manufacturers producing defective components, or other motorists driving recklessly around semi-trucks.

Your Legal Options After a Semi-Truck Accident in Utah

If you are injured in a semi-truck accident in Utah, you have the right to pursue compensation by filing a lawsuit against the party that caused your crash. You can recover a settlement to help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and potentially punitive damages in cases of gross negligence.

A Utah truck accident lawyer can be your strongest advocate during this time. Your attorney will investigate the crash, secure evidence like driver logs and maintenance records, identify all responsible parties, negotiate with insurers, and represent you at trial if necessary. After your accident, contact a St. George truck accident attorney right away to discuss your case and plan your next steps.