15 Top Pinterest Boards From All Time About 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers What Is 18 Wheeler Law?

Accidents that involve commercial truck drivers, their rigs, and 18 wheelers are covered under the law of 18 wheels. These huge vehicles are subject to strict federal guidelines regarding maintenance, safety, and training.

Unfortunately, trucking companies often pressure their drivers to work longer hours and alter log books. This can lead accidents with trucks that are catastrophic.

Weight Regulations

Understanding the weight limits of semi-trucks is crucial. Most states have both single axle and group axle weight limits that must be adhered to. It is not uncommon to find weigh stations on interstates where drivers are weighed in order to confirm that they do not exceed the maximum limits of their vehicle and load. If a truck driver gets found to be in violation of these limits, they could be penalized or even imprisoned based on the state of their residence and criminal record.

Axle groups have a greater limit on weight because the vehicle is safer when the weight is distributed across more axles. This also allows for the carriage of more cargo. For example, a single tire on an axle is able to be weighed at 650 pounds per inch of wheel diameter, but when there are 2 tires on the same axle it can be weighted at 1300 pounds for each tire.

There are restrictions on the kind of trailers that can be used with a tractor. Some states will only allow one trailer, while other states only allow triple or twin trailers. A lot of states also require a fifth-wheel on the trailer, which is a plate which sits over the drive wheels and joins (hooks up) the trailer to the tractor unit. There are both day cab tractor and sleeper cabs that have a sleeping area inside the tractor unit. They are made to haul over the road.


Lane Restrictions

Truck drivers must abide by traffic rules and speed limits in addition to the lane limitations. Trucks aren't able to travel at the same speed as cars, and should they do, they may cause accidents. In a lot of instances, it is the truck driver at fault. Truck drivers might be driving longer than they are allowed to, ignoring the hours-of-service regulations or simply being distracted or sleepy behind the steering wheel.

Another important limitation on lane is that truck drivers aren't permitted to drive in the left side of the lane. This is due to the fact that it takes much longer for trucks to brake than passenger vehicles. This can be a dangerous issue, especially for those with smaller cars who could be stranded behind a truck when it stops abruptly or slows down.

Some states specifically exclude big trucks and block them from using the left lane. However, others limit the usage of the lane in certain circumstances. These laws could be based on weight or axel limit. In other situations they could be solely based on vehicle's description.

Even if there's no statewide law it is important to check local rules on the lane restriction and adhere to them. You should also move over to the right side if you spot trucks passing in the lane, so that it does not hinder cars taking over.

Ownership

Companies operating 18 wheelers and trucking have a wealth of resources available to force victims of accidents into accepting less than they deserve. They have teams of lawyers, insurance adjusters, engineers, and experts who advocate on their behalf before they know if an accident victim will pursue legal action.

Because they carry huge loads and are much larger than passenger vehicles, 18 wheelers frequently cause catastrophic injuries and enormous property damage in accidents. This is especially relevant when these trucks collide with other motor vehicles. It is imperative to hire an attorney who has experience fighting for your rights against these massive, powerful corporations.

Large truck accidents require a deep understanding of concepts from the fields of biology, chemistry and physics as well as federal trucking regulations medical standards, and driving. Our lawyers have the experience to find violations of these laws and explain to the jury how they contributed to your accident.

18-wheeler truck accidents are often caused by the negligent or reckless actions of multiple parties. Our NY attorney for 18 wheeler accidents will investigate all responsible parties and ensure they are liable for their fair share of your current and anticipated costs. This includes owners of trucking businesses, trucking companies as well as maintenance contractors and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also examine weather conditions that may have played a part in your accident.

Insurance

Trucking companies have an abundance of resources available and can swiftly deploy teams of lawyers, insurance adjusters engineers, engineers, and experts to help defend the victims of accidents. They begin this process before they even know whether you are going to pursue legal recourse. This is why it's vital to immediately hire an experienced attorney who can match their resources and cut them to size.

An attorney who has experience in handling 18-wheeler crashes will ease your burden and help you obtain the compensation you're due. This money can cover costs such as medical bills that are costly or vehicle damage, loss of wages due to absence from work, as well as non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.

18 wheelers are a complex vehicle and require high-end, systematic maintenance to ensure they are safe on the road. Failure to perform this maintenance and maintain accurate records could result in devastating accidents.

Tractor-trailers typically carry dangerous materials, which requires special training and special licensing for transport. This material can be explosive, flammable, radiological or toxic, all of which could pose a significant risk for other drivers on American roads. A serious accident can also occur if the load was not properly labelled and secured.

A qualified 18-wheeler accident lawyer will determine the exact cause of your crash and hold liable any parties who could be accountable. 18 wheeler accident law firm trenton could include the driver of the truck, the trucking company or the owner of the trailer, as well as the company that manufactures the truck and its components. This is known as vicarious liability.