Three Of The Biggest Catastrophes In 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer History

18 Wheeler Legal Requirements

Trucks, 18 wheelers and tractor-trailers have been involved in many wrecks every year. They transport dangerous loads and have greater insurance requirements than private vehicles.

Accidents involving trucks are usually caused by driver fatigue. The law limits the amount of time that truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires they keep accurate records.

Weight limit

As Americans are continuing to shift away from traditional retail in-person and towards online commerce the road is becoming more crowded with trucks of Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. Many drivers struggle to keep up with these large vehicles in terms of speed and maneuverability. It's a challenge for all drivers, however smaller vehicles and passenger cars are having a difficult time maneuvering around these huge vehicles.

There are laws that regulate the maximum legal limit for 18-wheelers. This applies to both the truck itself and the cargo it carries. You should know the legal limits to avoid driving over and putting your life in danger.

The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 lbs. There are different weight limits for axle groups as well as single axles. For instance the Federal Bridge Formula sets a single-axle limit of 20,000 pounds, and axles that are spaced more than 40 inches but no more than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are limited to 34,000 pounds. In addition to these restrictions, states also have their own weight restrictions for single axles and axle groups.

The penalties for exceeding the weight limit differ from state-to-state but could include fines as high as $16,000. In certain cases, the driver's employer may be responsible for these fines, too. Repeat offenders could also be liable for higher fines.

Lane restrictions

Many states have laws that regulate where trucks are allowed to drive on highways. For instance, certain states impose a ban on large trucks and restrict them from the left lane on multilane roads. This law is designed to prevent vehicles from following trucks too closely and possibly causing an accident.

In these situations, the truck driver would have no choice but to change lanes and run the risk of collisions with cars that are driving behind them. To ensure that trucks can easily pass slower vehicles, they need to be in the right direction. Truck drivers should also be able monitor other motor vehicles in the left lane to look for hazards or traffic devices that require them to make the turn.

By not complying with these laws, they put themselves and other motorists at risk of serious accidents. If a motorist is injured by the truck that has violated the laws governing lane restrictions, they may be entitled to compensation.

Trucks have the biggest blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and require plenty of room to move around. Some drivers cut off trucks when they change lanes. This could cause them to to jackknife. Sometimes drivers slow down so that trucks cannot move past them. This puts both parties at risk of an accident.

Bumper guards

Before installing bumper guards, you should look up the laws of your state. Some states prohibit them while others allow them only on parked vehicles. These devices are beneficial to have when parking your vehicle in crowded areas or cities with a lot of parallel parking. These devices protect your vehicle from scratches and dents caused by drivers who are taller backing up into your SUV or truck.

They can also prevent collisions with tree branches. Off-road vehicles often have these cowcatchers that resemble those on freight trains. They remove brush and other debris and they may even help with headlight protection.

There are several ways to install a rubber bumper. These include mat-style protectors and stick-on rubber strips. The stick-on type is the easiest to use because it can be removed within minutes without leaving sticky residue. However, it isn't very secure and does not provide all the angles of your truck.

Certain companies make mat-style protective covers that can be folded and rolled for easy storage and transportation. The Luv-Tap is a popular model, made of soft padded cotton material and can be adjusted to suit various vehicle sizes. It also has reflective silver lights that brighten up visibility in poor lighting conditions. It comes with two straps that can be used to fix it to the trunk of your car and can be flipped up in the event of need.

Insurance

The consequences of truck accidents can be catastrophic and can cause serious injuries or even the loss of a loved one. This is why federal and state regulations require trucking companies to carry more insurance policies than standard passenger cars. These policies could be worth 40 times as much as a standard insurance policy. However, trucking insurance companies will do everything they can to avoid paying compensation to victims of accidents. They often attempt to entice injured victims into giving a written statement or employ other strategies to reduce their liability. It is essential to consult with a Denver truck crash attorney when filing an 18 wheeler claim.

The requirements for trucking insurance are complex and differ by the jurisdiction. The most popular coverage is the primary liability.  18 wheeler accident case springfield  is a protection for property damage that is caused by the truck in an accident. It is an excellent idea to have cargo insurance and non-trucking liability. The first protects the truck when it transports a load and is often included in the contract between drivers and their carriers. The latter, sometimes referred to "bobtail" protection, covers both the driver and the truck in between loads.

If you suffer injuries in a tractor-trailer accident the insurance limits for trailers and tractors is much lower than those for passenger automobiles. This means that you'll have to fight with the trucking company's insurance provider to get an equitable settlement. A Memphis truck accident attorney can determine who could be responsible, including the trucker, the trucking firm and any dram shops that could have served the driver too much alcohol.