Why 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Doesn't Matter To Anyone

18 Wheeler Legal Requirements

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

Accidents involving trucks are usually caused by driver fatigue. The law limits how long truck drivers can drive and requires them to keep accurate logs of their work hours.

Weight limit

As Americans continue to shift their purchasing habits away from traditional in-person retail and towards online commerce, the road is becoming more crowded with trucks belonging to Amazon, FedEx, and other shipping companies. Many drivers are struggling to keep up with these large vehicles in terms of speed and maneuverability. This is a problem that affects everyone however it's especially difficult for small and passenger car trucks to maneuver around these huge vehicles.

There are laws that regulate the legal maximum for 18-wheelers. This applies to the truck as a whole and the cargo it transports. It is important to know the legal limits to ensure you can avoid driving over them and placing yourself in danger.

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

State-by-state, the penalties for exceeding the weight limit can range from fines as high as $16,000. In some cases fines could also be issued by the driver's company. Repeat offenders may also face higher fines.

Lane restrictions

In addition to weight restrictions, the laws of many states regulate the manner in which trucks can drive on highways. For instance, certain states single out big trucks and block them from driving on the left side on multilane roads. This law is intended to stop cars from following trucks too close and causing an accident.

In these instances the truck driver would be forced to change lanes and risk a collision with cars that are driving behind them. To ensure that trucks are able to pass slower vehicles quickly they must be in the right lane. Truck drivers must also be able to watch other motor vehicles in the left lane for dangers or traffic control devices that require them to make a turn.

Ignoring these laws puts themselves and other motorists at risk of serious accidents. If a motorist has been injured by a vehicle that has been in violation of lane restriction laws, he or she may be entitled to compensation.

Trucks have some of the largest blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and require plenty of space to move around. In some cases, drivers in smaller vehicles cut off trucks when they change the lane, which could cause them to be jackknifed. In other instances drivers slow down to a level where trucks are unable to be able to pass them, and this puts both parties at risk of accident.

Bumper guards

Bumper guards can be a great way to protect your vehicle from damage but you should be aware of your state laws before installing them. Some states prohibit them and others allow them for vehicles that are parked. They can also be used to guard your vehicle when you park in areas with a lot of traffic or in cities where parallel parking is frequent. They help prevent dents and scrapes that are often caused by taller drivers backing into your car or SUV.

They can also prevent collisions with tree branches. Off-road vehicles often have these cowcatchers that resemble the ones found on freight trains. They can be used to shove brush and other debris aside, and even protect headlights.

There are a number of different ways to install bumper guards, such as mat-style protectors. The most straightforward is the stick-on type that can be removed in only minutes, without leaving any sticky residue. But, this kind of design isn't very secure and doesn't completely cover the entire length of your truck.

Certain companies manufacture mat-style protectors that can be folded up or folded for easy transport and storage. The Luv-Tap, a popular model made of a soft cotton material which can be adjusted to different sizes of vehicles is a popular item. It also has shiny silver reflectors, which improve visibility in dim lighting. It comes with two included straps that attach it to the trunk of your vehicle. They can be removed when required.

Insurance

Accidents involving trucks can cause grave injuries and even death. 18 wheeler accident law firm bloomington and state regulations require that trucking companies have larger insurance policies than passenger vehicles. They can be worth up 40 times more than a standard policy. Trucking insurers, however, will do everything to avoid paying accident victim claims. They will often trick injured victims into signing a recorded statement or employ other strategies to limit their liability. When claiming a claim for an 18-wheeler crash it is crucial to consult with a Denver truck accident lawyer.

The requirements for insurance on trucks are complicated and differ by state. The most frequently used type of coverage is primary liability. It covers property damage caused by the truck in the event of an accident. It is also important to think about the liability and cargo insurance for non-trucking purposes. The former protects the truck while it's carrying a load, and is usually included in a trucker's contract with their carrier. The latter, also referred to "bobtail" coverage, shields both the truck and its driver during the interval between loads.

If you are injured in a tractor trailer accident the minimum insurance limits required for trailers and tractors is significantly lower than the limits for passenger cars. You'll need to fight the insurance company of the trucking firm to secure an equitable settlement. A Memphis truck accident attorney will identify all parties that could be responsible, including the trucker, the trucking firm and any dram shops that could have provided the driver with excessive alcohol.