10 Reasons Why People Hate 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers. 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers What Is 18 Wheeler Law?

18 wheeler law regulates accidents which involve commercial truck drivers as well as their rigs. These massive vehicles are subject to strict federal guidelines regarding maintenance, safety and training.

Unfortunately, trucking companies often press their drivers to complete longer hours and manipulate log books. This can cause accidents with trucks that are catastrophic.

Weight Regulations

Understanding the weight limits of semi trucks is essential. Weight limits for single axles and group axles are determined by the majority of states. Weigh stations are commonplace along interstates where truckers are weighed to ensure that they don't exceed the weight limits for their vehicle or load. If a truck driver is discovered to be violating these limits, they could be fined, or even jailed depending on the state and their criminal record.

Axle groups are given a higher limit because distributing the weight over more axles makes the vehicle more secure and allows more cargo to be carried. For instance a single tire on an axle can weigh 650 pounds per inch of wheel's diameter. However, when there are two tires on that same axle it can be weighted at 1300 pounds for each tire.

There are also restrictions on the type of trailers that can be used with a tractor. Certain states only permit one trailer, while others allow twin or triple trailers. In addition, many states require the fifth wheel to be installed on the trailer, which is a round plate above the drive wheels, which connects (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. There are both day cab tractors and sleeper cabs which include sleeping areas inside the tractor unit and are designed for over the road hauling.

Lane Restrictions

In addition to restrictions on lane usage truck drivers also must follow speed limits and traffic lights. Trucks aren't permitted to operate at the same speed as cars used by passengers. If they do, accidents may occur. In many instances, it's the truck driver who is responsible. This is due to the fact that truck drivers can be driving for longer than is permitted or break the rules of hours-of-service, or get sleepy or distracted behind the steering wheel.

Truck drivers are also forbidden from driving in the left the lane. This is because it takes much longer for trucks to brake than passenger vehicles. This can pose a danger problem, especially for people who drive smaller vehicles and may be stuck behind trucks when it slows or stops suddenly.

There are some states that specifically exclude big trucks and block them from using the left lane, whereas others limit the use of the lane in certain circumstances. These laws could be based either on weight or axel limit. In other cases they may be based solely on vehicle description.

Even if there's no statewide law on lane restrictions, you should still be aware of local rules and abide by them. It is also recommended to move to the right side if you see a truck in the pass lane to ensure that it does not hinder faster cars from approaching you.

Ownership

Companies operating 18 wheelers and trucking have massive resources at their disposal to force accident victims to accept a lesser amount than they deserve. They have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters who advocate on their behalf before they even know whether the victim of an accident will take legal action.

Because they can carry massive loads and are so much larger than passenger vehicles, 18 wheelers can cause severe injuries and massive property damage in accidents. This is especially the case when they collide with motor vehicles. 18 wheeler accident lawyer visalia is crucial to have an attorney who has experience fighting for your rights against these massive, powerful corporations.

Large-scale accidents require an understanding of complex concepts in the fields of physics, biology, chemistry, federal regulations for trucking and medicine, driving standards and related areas. Our lawyers have the experience to identify violations of these laws, and then show the jury why it led to your accident.

18-wheeler truck crashes are typically caused by the careless or reckless actions of several parties. Our NY 18 wheeler accident lawyer will investigate all accountable parties and ensure they are paid their fair part of your current and expected costs. This includes trucking companies, owners and maintenance contractors, and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also look into the weather conditions that may have played a role in the accident.

Insurance

Trucking companies have an abundance of resources available and can quickly send teams of insurance adjusters, lawyers engineers, experts, and even engineers to create a defense against the victims of accidents. They begin this process before they know whether you'll seek legal recourse. It is important to retain an attorney who can match their resources and helping them decrease in size.

A lawyer with experience handling 18-wheeler collisions can relieve you of the burden and help you receive the compensation you're due. This money can cover costs such as high medical bills, vehicle damage, lost wages from missing work, and also non-economic injuries like pain and suffering.


18-wheelers are highly complex vehicles that require high-level, systematic maintenance to keep them on the road. Failure to do this maintenance and keep detailed records could lead to disastrous accidents.

Tractor-trailers are often used to transport hazardous substances, which require special training and licenses. The material could be explosive, flammable, radiological or poisonous, all of which could pose a significant risk to other drivers on American roads. Failure to properly label and secure the load could also cause a devastating accident.

A skilled 18-wheeler crash lawyer will determine the exact cause of the accident and pinpoint any individuals responsible. This may include the driver of the truck, the trucking firm and the owner of the trailer and the manufacturer of the truck and its components. This is known as vicarious liability.