# 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Semi-Trucks | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. 1. The Origin of the Term Semi Truck  2. 2. Semi Trucks Are More Difficult to Drive than Standard Vehicles 3. 3. Semi Trucks Weigh About 80,000 Pounds 4. 4. Semi Trucks Have up to 18 Gears 5. 5. The Industry Is Heavily Regulated 6. When Should You Call an Attorney About a Trucking Accident? 7. Call the Houston Truck Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers today for Help Before the pandemic, the trucking industry seldom got the credit it deserved. Now, most Americans appreciate the value of semi-trucks and the role they play in our economy. Still, there’s a lot that the average person doesn’t know about the vehicles, the industry, and its drivers. This post will cover five facts about semi-trucks that you probably don’t know. This information may surprise you. And who knows? It could even be helpful down the road should you ever need to take legal action because of a truck accident. ## 1. The Origin of the Term Semi Truck  You’ve probably heard them referred to as 18-wheelers or big rigs, and those names are fairly self-explanatory. But where does the moniker “semi truck” come from?  “Semi truck” is a little less direct than those other names, but that’s only because it’s actually a shortened term for the original descriptor: semi trailer truck. In other words, these vehicles are part trailer and part truck!  The name semi truck is fitting because it reflects the most unique and defining characteristic of these vehicles. The fact that the trailer can detach from the truck makes the vehicles a great fit for a range of industries with complex shipping needs. For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## 2. Semi Trucks Are More Difficult to Drive than Standard Vehicles Semi trucks are longer, wider, and heavier than just about any other vehicle on the road. This fact may not come as a surprise. Still, you may not have known that their operators must undergo specialized training.  To obtain a [commercial driver’s license](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/types-of-commercial-drivers-licenses-in-texas/) (CDL), a potential driver must undergo hours of training and pass an exam. And if they want to transport hazardous materials, they need even more training on top of that.  ## 3. Semi Trucks Weigh About 80,000 Pounds As you might expect, semi trucks are heavy. [How heavy](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/how-much-does-a-semi-truck-weigh/), you ask? About 80,000 lbs! For context, the average elephant weighs about 5,000 pounds—which means that the typical semi truck driver is maneuvering a vehicle the weight of *16 adult elephants*.  [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## 4. Semi Trucks Have up to 18 Gears The weight and size of a semi truck make it difficult to speed up and slow down. That’s why some trucks come equipped with as many as [18 gears](https://coxfleet.com/resources/surprising-facts-about-semi-trucks/). This feature comes in handy when a truck driver is navigating difficult terrains and steep inclines.  Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## 5. The Industry Is Heavily Regulated An accident that involves a big rig can be damaging and dangerous, mainly because of the size and weight of these vehicles. That’s one of the reasons why trucking is such a heavily regulated industry.  Trucking is regulated by federal, state, and local governments to maintain the safety of America’s roadways.  If you want to learn more about federal laws, you can visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ([FMCSA](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hazardous-materials/training-education)). There, you will find everything from new carrier training to an overview of important regulations.  ## When Should You Call an Attorney About a Trucking Accident? Big rigs weigh between 20 and 30 times more than passenger cars. If you get into an accident with one, you could be at risk of serious injury or even death.  And unfortunately, these kinds of accidents happen with some frequency. Most sources say that an average of 500,000 trucking accidents occur every year. To protect your best interests, it’s best to call a [truck accident lawyer](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/truck-accident-lawyer/) any time you become involved in this kind of accident.  You especially need a lawyer in these situations: - Someone was seriously injured in the accident - Fault is not clearly established - You disagree with the [police report](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/do-i-need-to-file-a-police-report-after-a-houston-truck-accident/) - One of the drivers was unlicensed or uninsured - You believe the accident was caused by [negligence](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-is-negligence/) With an attorney, you’ll be able to pursue any compensation you may be entitled to. ## Call the Houston Truck Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers today for Help Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. [Avvo](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/77098-tx-brian-white-74113.html) / [Justia](https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/brian-elliott-white-201630) / [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/attorney-brian-white-378410166) Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Truck Accidents Blog Posts: [![How to Report an Unsafe Truck Driver in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/How-to-Report-an-Unsafe-Truck-Driver-in-Texas-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-to-report-an-unsafe-truck-driver-in-texas/) [How to Report an Unsafe Truck Driver in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-to-report-an-unsafe-truck-driver-in-texas/) Trucks are by far the most prominent and heaviest vehicles on Texas roads. With a full load, trucks can weigh upwards [![What to Do When Involved in a Truck Accident (Out of State)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/What-to-Do-When-Involved-in-a-Truck-Accident-Out-of-State-300x191.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/what-to-do-when-involved-in-a-truck-accident-out-of-state/) [What to Do When Involved in a Truck Accident Out of State](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/what-to-do-when-involved-in-a-truck-accident-out-of-state/) Your unfamiliarity with the roads and weather conditions in other areas of the country can increase your risk of being [![10 Largest Trucking Companies in the U.S.](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/10-Largest-Trucking-Companies-in-the-U.S.-300x167.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/10-largest-trucking-companies-in-the-us/) [10 Largest Trucking Companies in the U.S.](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/10-largest-trucking-companies-in-the-us/) Trucking companies are instrumental in keeping the United States running smoothly. Every day, they are responsible for [![Interstate Trucking Carriers' Safety Representative Dishonestly Denying Liability](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/interstate-trucking-carriers-safety-representative-dishonestly-denying-liability/) [Interstate Trucking Carriers' Safety Representative Dishonestly Denying Liability](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/interstate-trucking-carriers-safety-representative-dishonestly-denying-liability/) This is a deposition of the Safety Director and Corporate Representative of an Interstate Carrier subject to DOT --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/5-things-you-didnt-know-about-semi-trucks/