15 Up-And-Coming Trends About 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer
18 Wheeler Legal Requirements
Trucks, 18 wheelers, and tractor-trailers are involved in numerous wrecks each year. They carry dangerous loads, and their insurance requirements are more stringent than those of private vehicles.
Driver fatigue is the most frequent cause of truck accidents. The law restricts the amount of time truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires that they keep accurate records.
Weight limit
As Americans continue to shift their purchasing habits away from traditional in-person retail and toward online shopping, the road is becoming crowded with trucks from Amazon, FedEx, and other shipping companies. This means that many drivers struggle to keep pace with the speed and maneuverability of these huge vehicles. This is a problem for everyone but it's especially challenging for smaller trucks to maneuver around these massive vehicles.
Fortunately there are laws that regulate the maximum legal weight limit for 18 wheelers. This applies to the truck and the cargo it carries. It is important to know the legal guidelines to avoid driving over and risking your life.
The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 lbs. However, there are several different weight limits for axle groups and single axles. Federal Bridge Formula, for example, limits the weight of one axle to 20,000 pounds. Tandem axles are however limited to 34,000 lbs. In addition to these guidelines states also have their own specific weight restrictions for single-axle and axle groups.
State-by state, the penalties for exceeding a weight limit can range from fines to $16,000. In some cases the driver's employer could be accountable for these fines too. In addition, repeat offenders may face higher fines than first-time offenders.
Lane restrictions
In addition to weight restrictions, the laws of a majority of states govern how trucks can travel on highways.
18 wheeler accident lawsuit new britain , for instance, prohibit large trucks from operating in the left lane of the multilane highways. This law is intended to stop vehicles from following trucks too closely and potentially causing an accident.
In these instances the truck driver has no choice but change lanes or risk a collision. To ensure that trucks can move swiftly over slower vehicles they must be in the right line of sight. Truck drivers should also be able to observe other motor vehicles in the left lane for potential hazards or traffic control devices that require them to make a turn.
The consequences of not following these laws put them and other motorists at risk of serious accidents. If an individual is injured by a vehicle that has not complied with the laws governing lane restrictions, they could be entitled compensation.
Trucks have the most blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and they require plenty of room to move. Some drivers cut off trucks when changing lanes. This can result in them to jackknife. Other times drivers slow down to a point where the truck can't move past them, and this puts both parties at risk of an accident.
Bumper guards
Before installing bumper guards, you should consult your state's laws. Some states don't allow bumper guards, while others only allow them on cars that are parked. These devices are also beneficial to have when parking your vehicle in busy areas or in cities with plenty of parallel parking. They help prevent dents and scrapes that often result from taller drivers backing into your truck or SUV.
They are also useful in stopping collisions with tree branches. Off-road vehicles are often equipped with cowcatchers, which look like the ones found on freight trains. They remove brush and other debris and they can even assist with headlight protection.
There are many different ways to put up a bumper guard, such as mat-style protectors. The most convenient is the stick-on design which can be removed in only minutes, without leaving any sticky residue. The stick-on style doesn't provide any protection, and it doesn't cover all corners of your vehicle.
Certain companies manufacture mat-style protectors that fold or put into a roll for easy storage and transport. The Luv-Tap is one of the most popular model that is made of soft padded cotton fabric that can be adjusted to suit various vehicle sizes. It also features reflective silver lights that enhance visibility in dim lighting. It comes with two included straps that connect it to the trunk of your vehicle. It can be removed when required.
Insurance
Truck accidents can cause serious injuries or even death. This is the reason federal and state regulations require trucking companies to carry higher insurance premiums than typical passenger vehicles. These policies can cost 40 times more than a standard policy. However, trucking insurance companies will do everything to avoid paying the victims of accidents. They frequently trick injured people into signing a recorded statement or employ other strategies to limit their liability. When claiming a claim for an 18-wheeler collision it is essential to consult with a Denver truck accident attorney.
The requirements for trucking insurance are complex and vary by jurisdiction. The most common type of insurance is primary liability, which covers damage to property that the truck causes in the event of an accident. It is also recommended to consider cargo insurance and liability coverage for other purposes. The former covers the truck while it is hauling a load, and is usually included in the contract of a driver of a truck with their carrier. The latter, also referred to "bobtail" coverage, shields both the truck and its driver during the time between loads.
If you have been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, you need to know that the insurance limits for tractor-trailers are considerably lower than those that are required for passenger vehicles. You'll need to fight the insurance company of the trucking company to get a fair settlement. A Memphis truck accident lawyer will identify all parties that are liable, including the trucker, the trucking firm and any dram shops that served the driver too much alcohol.
