10 Things You Learned In Kindergarden That Will Help You Get 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer 18 Wheeler Legal Requirements

Every year, trucks, 18-wheelers, and tractor trailers are involved in a variety of accidents. They transport dangerous loads and have greater insurance requirements than private vehicles.

Driver fatigue is a typical cause of truck accidents. The law restricts how long truck drivers can drive and requires them to keep accurate logs of their hours of service.

Weight limit

As Americans continue to shift their purchasing 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. As a result, many drivers struggle to keep pace with the speed and maneuverability of these large vehicles. This is a problem that affects everyone however it's especially difficult for smaller trucks to maneuver around these massive vehicles.

Fortunately, there are laws in place that define the maximum legal weight limit for 18 wheelers. This includes the truck as a whole and the cargo it transports. It is important to know the legal restrictions to avoid driving over and put your life in danger.

The maximum gross vehicle mass for trucks is 80,000 lbs. However, there are several different weight limits for axle groups and 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 not more than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are restricted to 34,000 pounds. In addition to these guidelines states also have their own weight restrictions for single axles and axle groups.

State-by-state, penalties for a violation of the weight limit vary from fines of up to $16,000. In certain cases fines can also be issued by the driver's company. In addition, repeat offenders may be subject to higher fines than first-time offenders.

Lane restrictions

In addition to weight restrictions, the laws of most states regulate the manner in which trucks can drive on highways. For instance, certain states separate big trucks and block them from driving in the left lane on multilane roadways. This law is designed to prevent cars from following trucks that are too close to causing accidents.

In these instances the truck driver is left with no choice but to change lanes or risk a collision. To make sure that trucks are able to get by slower vehicles swiftly, they need to be in the right direction. Truck drivers must also be able to watch other motor vehicles in the left lane to avoid dangers or traffic control devices that require them to make a turn.

By not complying with these laws, they put themselves and other motorists at risk of serious accidents. If a motorist is hurt by a truck which has violated the laws governing lane restrictions, they may be entitled to compensation.

Trucks have the biggest blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and need plenty of room to move around. 18 wheeler accident law firm whittier cut off trucks when they change lanes. This can cause them jackknife. In other instances, 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, review the laws in your state. Certain states do not permit bumper guards while some only allow them on parked cars. They can also be used to guard your vehicle when you park in areas with a lot of traffic or in cities where parking parallel is common. They can prevent scrapes and dents which are usually caused by taller drivers backing into your car or SUV.

They are also useful in preventing collisions with tree branches. Off-road vehicles usually have cowcatchers that resemble the ones on freight trains. They can be used to push debris and brush off and can even shield headlights.

There are many different ways to put up a bumper guard, including mat-style protectors. Stick-on is the simplest to use and is able to be removed in minutes without leaving the sticky residue. This type does not offer much protection and does not cover all areas of your vehicle.

Certain companies manufacture mat-style protectors that fold or rolled for easy storage and transportation. The Luv-Tap is a popular model made of a soft cotton material that can be adapted to various vehicle sizes is a popular item. It also features bright silver reflectors that improve visibility under poor lighting conditions. It includes two straps that can be used to secure it to your vehicle's trunk and can be flipped up whenever needed.

Insurance


Accidents with trucks can cause serious injuries, and sometimes even death. Federal and state regulations require that trucking companies have larger insurance policies than passenger vehicles. These policies can be worth up to 40 times the amount of a standard insurance policy. However, trucking insurers will do everything to avoid paying accident victims. They frequently trick injured people into making statements that are recorded, or use other tactics to minimize their liability. When filing a claim for an 18-wheeler crash it is essential to consult an attorney. Denver truck accident lawyer.

The requirements for insurance for trucks are complicated and vary by the jurisdiction in which it is located. The most commonly used type of insurance is primary liability, which covers damage to property that the truck causes in the event of an accident. It is also a good idea to carry cargo insurance and non-trucking liability. The first covers the truck when it transports loads and is usually included in the contract between the driver and their carrier. The latter, often referred to as "bobtail" protection, covers both the driver and the truck during the interval between loads.

If you've been injured in an 18 wheeler accident, you need to know that the minimum insurance limits for tractor-trailers are considerably lower than those that are required for passenger vehicles. This means that you will likely have to fight with the insurance provider of the trucking company for a fair settlement. A seasoned Memphis truck accident lawyer can determine all potentially liable parties including the truck driver and the trucking firm, and any dram shops that may have over-served the driver.