18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer 10 Things I'd Like To Have Learned Sooner 18 wheeler accident law firm greenville , 18 wheelers, and tractor-trailers get involved in numerous wrecks each year. They transport dangerous loads and have greater insurance requirements than private cars.

Accidents involving trucks are usually caused by fatigued drivers. The law limits how long truck drivers can drive and requires them to keep accurate records of their work hours.

Weight limit

As Americans continue to shift their purchasing habits away from traditional retail and toward online shopping, the road is becoming increasingly crowded with trucks from Amazon, FedEx, and other shipping companies. In the process, many drivers are struggling to keep up with the speed and maneuverability of these big vehicles. This is a challenge for all drivers, but smaller cars and passenger vehicles are having a difficult time maneuvering around these large vehicles.

There are laws that govern the legal maximum limit for 18-wheelers. This applies to the truck and the cargo that it carries. It's crucial to know the legal limits so that 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 groupings and single axles. Federal Bridge Formula, for instance, limits the weight of a single axle to 20,000 pounds. Tandem axles, however, are limited to 34,000 lbs. States also have their specific weight restrictions, for single-axle vehicles and axle groups.

State-by-state, the penalties for exceeding the weight limit can range from fines as high as $16,000. In some instances the driver's employer could be accountable for the fines. Repeat offenders could also be liable for higher fines.

Lane restrictions

Many states have laws that regulate where trucks are allowed to drive on highways. Certain states, like prohibit large trucks from driving in the left lane of a multilane highway. This law is intended to prevent cars from following trucks close to causing accidents.


In these situations the truck driver will be forced to change lanes, and risk collision with cars who are behind them. To ensure that trucks can pass slower vehicles quickly they must be in the right direction. Truck drivers must also be able observe other motor vehicles in the left lane and look for traffic hazards or other dangers that require them to take a turn.

People who do not follow these laws put themselves and other drivers at risk of serious accidents. If an individual is injured by a truck that has violated the lane restriction laws, they could be entitled to compensation.

Trucks need a lot of space to maneuver. They have the largest blind spots on the road. Some drivers block trucks when they change lanes. This can lead to them jackknife. Other times drivers slow down to the level that allows the truck to pass through them, which puts both parties at risk of an accident.

Bumper guards

Bumper guards can be a great way to protect your vehicle from damage but you should verify your state's laws prior to installing them. Some states prohibit them, while others permit them on vehicles that are parked. These devices can also be used to guard your vehicle when you park in crowded areas, or in cities where parallel parking is common. They can prevent scrapes and dents that are often caused by taller drivers backing into your truck or SUV.

They also help prevent collisions with tree branches. Off-road vehicles typically have cowcatchers that resemble the ones on freight trains. They can be used to shove brush and other debris aside and even to protect headlights.

There are many different ways to install bumper guards, such as stick-on rubber strips and mat-style protectors. The easiest to use is the stick-on type, which can be removed in just a few minutes without leaving any sticky residue. This type does not offer the most protection, and does not cover all the corners of your vehicle.

Certain companies manufacture mat-style protectors that can be rolled up and folded to make it easy for transport and storage. The Luv-Tap is one of the most popular model that is constructed of soft cotton fabric that can be adjusted to suit various sizes of vehicles. It also comes with bright silver reflectors to improve visibility in poor lighting conditions. It includes two straps that can be used to fix it to your vehicle's trunk and can be flipped up whenever needed.

Insurance

Accidents with trucks can cause serious injuries and even death. Federal and state regulations demand that trucking companies carry more insurance policies than passenger cars. These policies may be worth 40 times as much as a standard policy. However, trucking insurers will do everything they can to avoid paying compensation to victims of accidents. They usually trick injured people into making a written statement or employ other techniques to limit their liability. It is important to consult with an experienced Denver truck crash lawyer when submitting an 18-wheeler accident claim.

The requirements for trucking insurance are complicated and vary by the jurisdiction in which it is located. The most popular type of coverage is primary liability, which covers damage to property caused by the truck in the event of an accident. It is also a good idea to have cargo insurance and non-trucking liability. The former covers the truck when it's transporting a load and is usually included in the contract of a driver of a truck with their carrier. The latter, often referred to as "bobtail" protection, covers both the truck and its driver in between loads.

If you've been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, it is important to understand that the insurance limits for tractor-trailers are much lower than the ones required for passenger vehicles. You'll have to fight the insurance firm of the trucking firm for an equitable settlement. A seasoned Memphis truck accident lawyer will determine all parties potentially responsible including the driver and the trucking company and any dram shops who may have served the driver too much.