10 Things You Learned In Preschool That Can Help You In 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer 18 Wheeler Legal Requirements

Trucks, 18 wheelers and tractor-trailers have been involved in many wrecks every year. They transport dangerous loads, and their insurance requirements are more stringent than the requirements for private vehicles.

The majority of truck accidents are caused by fatigued drivers. The law limits the amount of time truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires that they keep accurate logs.

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As Americans continue to shift their shopping habits away from traditional in-person shopping and toward online shopping, the road is becoming more crowded with trucks belonging to Amazon, FedEx, and other shipping companies. This means that many drivers struggle to keep up with the speed and maneuverability of these massive vehicles. It's a challenge for all drivers, but smaller cars and passenger vehicles are having a difficult time maneuvering around these massive vehicles.

Fortunately, there are laws in place to regulate the weight limit for 18 wheelers. This includes the truck and the cargo that it carries. It's important to know the legal limits to ensure you can avoid driving over them and putting yourself in danger.


The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 pounds. There are different weight limits for axle groups and single axles. For instance, the Federal Bridge Formula sets a single-axle limit of 20,000 pounds when axles spaced greater than 40 inches, but not more than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are restricted to 34,000 pounds. States also have their specific weight limits, both for single-axle vehicles and axle groups.

The penalties for exceeding the weight limit differ from state to state but could include fines up to $16,000. In some cases fines could also be enforced by the driver's employer. Repeat offenders could also face higher fines.

Lane restrictions

In addition to weight restrictions, laws of a majority of states govern where trucks may drive on highways. Some states, for example prohibit large trucks from operating in the left lane of multilane highways. This law is designed to stop vehicles from following trucks too close and causing an accident.

In these instances the truck driver will be forced to change lanes and risk a collision with vehicles that are behind them. In order for trucks to be capable of passing slower vehicles quickly they must be in the right-hand lane. Truck drivers must also be able to monitor other motor vehicles in the left lane to avoid dangers or traffic control devices that require the driver to turn.

People who do not follow these laws put themselves and other drivers at risk for serious accidents. If an individual is injured by an unintentionally parked truck that violates the lane restriction laws, they may be entitled to compensation.

Trucks require a lot of space to maneuver. They have the biggest blind spots on the road. Some drivers block trucks when changing lanes. This could cause them to the jackknife. Sometimes drivers slow down so that trucks are unable to be able to pass them. This puts both drivers at risk of an accident.

Bumper guards

Before installing bumper guards, you should consult your state's laws. Some states prohibit them while some allow them on parked vehicles. These devices can also be used to guard your vehicle when you park in crowded areas or in cities where parking parallel is frequent. These devices protect your vehicle from scratches and dents caused by drivers who are taller backing up into your SUV or truck.

They also can be helpful in stopping collisions with tree branches. They resemble cowcatchers from freight trains and are an essential feature of off-road vehicles. They can be used to push debris and brush off, and even protect headlights.

There are a number of different ways to install a bumper guard, including stick-on rubber strips and mat-style protectors. The most simple to use is the stick-on design that can be removed in a matter of minutes, without leaving any sticky residue. However, it doesn't offer much protection and does not provide all the angles of your truck.

Some companies produce mat-style protectors that can be folded and roll-up for storage and transport. The Luv-Tap, a popular model made from soft cotton that can be adjusted for different sizes of vehicles is a popular item. It also comes with bright silver reflectors to improve visibility in dim lighting. It is equipped with two straps which can be used to fix it to your vehicle's trunk and then flipped back up at any time.

Insurance

Accidents with trucks can cause grave injuries and even death. This is why federal and state regulations require trucking companies carry higher insurance premiums than typical passenger vehicles. These policies can be worth 40 times as much as an ordinary policy. Trucking insurance companies, however, will do whatever they can to avoid paying accident victim claims. They often bribe injured people into making an official statement, or use other tactics to limit their liability. When claiming a claim for an 18-wheeler wreck, it is important to consult with an attorney. Denver truck accident lawyer.

The requirements for insurance for trucks are complex and differ by the jurisdiction. The most common type of coverage is primary liability, which covers damages to property that the truck causes in an accident. It is recommended to have cargo insurance, as well as non-trucking liability. The former protects the truck when it is transporting a load, and is usually included in the contract of a truck driver with their carrier. It is sometimes referred to as "bobtail" insurance, and it protects the truck and driver between loads.

If you have been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, you must be aware that the insurance limits for tractor-trailers is far less than those required for passenger vehicles. You'll have to fight the insurance company of the trucking company to secure a fair settlement. A seasoned Memphis truck accident lawyer will determine any potentially responsible parties, including the truck driver and the trucking company and any dram shops that might have served the driver too much.