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When most people picture a truck crash, they imagine a massive semi barreling down I-35 or I-80. While smaller box trucks are just as capable of causing serious accidents in busy city centers like Des Moines, the legal consequences can be very different.
Iowa State University (ISU) reports that from 2016 to 2025, there were 39,309 heavy truck crashes across the state. Nearly two-thirds involved other vehicles, resulting in 652 deaths and 6,079 injuries. However, this data primarily focuses on larger commercial trucks that require a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
Smaller box trucks are a common sight in cities, but they’re often not held to the same licensing and safety standards as larger semis. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, knowing what kind of vehicle was involved isn’t just a detail; it can impact your compensation claim.
Here’s what you need to know about the differences between box truck and semi-truck accidents, and how a Des Moines truck accident lawyer can help you fight for the recovery you deserve.
Essential Differences Between Box Trucks and Semi-Trucks
While both fall under the category of trucks, box trucks and semi-trucks differ in design, function, and regulation.
Here’s how they compare:
Box Trucks
Box trucks are typically 10 to 26 feet long and easily identified by their fully enclosed, non-detachable cargo area. These vehicles are typically used for city deliveries, moving services, and local logistics.
The federal government classifies vehicles based on their Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). For context, Class 1 includes light vehicles under 6,000 pounds, like compact cars and small pickups. Most box trucks, depending on their weight and purpose, fall into Classes 3 through 7.
Under Iowa law, which mirrors federal standards, box trucks in Class 7 or higher are considered Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs) and require a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to operate.
Semi-Trucks
A semi-truck, also known as a tractor-trailer, truck tractor, or 18-wheeler, is a large truck designed to pull detachable trailers. These trailers carry long, heavy loads like shipping containers or bulk freight. Unlike box trucks with a fixed cargo area, a semi-truck can operate with or without its trailer attached.
All semi-trucks fall into Class 8 or higher, meaning they have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 33,000 pounds or more and require a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to drive. Used mainly by freight carriers and logistics companies, these trucks are a frequent sight on interstates and major highways.
Semi-truck drivers must comply with strict federal safety regulations enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These include Hours of Service (HOS) rules, which limit how long drivers can be on the road to reduce fatigue and prevent accidents.
Comparison Between Box Truck vs. Semi-Truck Accidents
These crashes differ in more than just vehicle type. Location, causes, and regulations all play a role:
|
Vehicle Type |
Box Trucks |
Semi-Trucks |
|
Accident Environment |
More common in cities |
More common on highways |
|
Common Causes of Accidents |
● Driver fatigue due to tight schedules and deadlines ● Inattention due to frequent starts, stops, and tight turns ● Maneuvering in dense urban areas with heavy traffic |
● Driver fatigue from long-distance driving ● Mechanical or trailer failures due to improper maintenance or load distribution ● Increased risk of loss of control in bad weather or poorly maintained roads |
|
Rules and Regulations |
● Only drivers of Class 7+ box trucks need a CDL ● Hours of service (HOS) requirements only apply to box trucks engaged in interstate commerce ● Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) required on trucks subject to HOS requirements |
● All drivers must have a CDL ● FMCSA HOS rules apply ● All vehicles must feature FMCSA-compliant electronic logging devices (ELDs) ● All vehicles must follow federal maintenance guidelines |
|
Insurance Requirements |
● For intrastate use only: Liability and Property Damage (LPD) insurance ● Interstate box trucks: Follows FMCSA requirements |
Public liability insurance as outlined by FMCSA requirements, including: ● $750,000 – $5,000,000 for freight, depending on the cargo transported ● $5,000,000 for passengers, or $1,500,000 for carriers only operating vehicles with a seating capacity of 15 or less |
Why You Need an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer After a Truck Crash
If you’ve been injured in a crash involving a box truck or semi-truck, determining who’s responsible and proving it can be challenging without legal guidance.
An experienced Des Moines truck accident lawyer can guide your case, identify who’s at fault, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Here’s how our law firm can help:
- Collect Evidence: We can help you obtain ELD data, driver logs, surveillance footage, maintenance records, and other critical evidence before it is lost or erased.
- Identify the Right Parties: We can review your case and identify whether to pursue compensation from the truck driver, the trucking company, the cargo owners, or a maintenance company.
- Assessing Your Damages’ True Value: We assess your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and all other losses, so you know how much your damages are worth.
- Dealing with Commercial Insurers: Commercial insurance companies often act quickly to settle, and not in your favor. They may downplay your injuries, shift blame, or offer far less than you deserve. We deal with them directly to protect your rights and prevent you from saying anything that could be used against your claim.
- Filing Before Deadlines: In Iowa, you have just two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. We can ensure all paperwork is filed correctly and on time, so you don’t risk losing your right to compensation.
Speak With a Des Moines Truck Crash Lawyer
At Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland & Cooling, our legal team focuses on truck accident cases and is ready to support you with the experience, dedication, and compassion you deserve.
When insurance companies and trucking organizations won’t offer the settlement amount you deserve, we fight to maximize your chances of getting it. Our Des Moines truck accident lawyers have recovered large amounts for truck accident victims, including a $10 million settlement for back and neck injuries.
Don’t wait to receive the legal support you need. Reach out today for a free, confidential consultation.
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