14 Misconceptions Common To 18-Wheeler Wreck Lawyer
Is an 18 Wheeler Legal?
A lot of car accidents happen and result in physical injuries, medical bills and time away from work. When an 18-wheeler is involved the consequences are far more severe.
Victims are able to file a claim to receive financial compensation if this happens. A New Orleans truck accident lawyer can assist.
Weight Limits
18-wheelers can carry an maximum of 80,000 lbs including the weight and volume of cargo. This is a very strict limit that requires trucking firms to pack their trucks as full as they can and can lead to overloading. If a truck driver exceeds this limit, they could be subject to fines that vary depending on the place of operation.
If you examine the lights of an 18-wheeler, you'll usually be able to determine if they are going over the speed limit. If their blinkers flash just once it is safe to merge ahead of them. High beams and multiple flashes are not. Truck drivers also make use of their lights to communicate, so keep an watch for them when merging.
It's important to always leave plenty of space between your vehicle and an 18-wheeler, particularly when you pass. Trucks require plenty of room to slow down and stop and if you cut them off this could result in a deadly crash. Car drivers are at fault for 72 percent of crashes involving cars and trucks.
Number of Axles
Semi-trucks, unlike cars, require multiple axles in order to rotate the wheels. A typical semi-truck has four wheels, which includes the drive and steer axles. Trailers typically come with two tandem axles. It's important to remember that these vehicles are much bigger than the average passenger car.
The weight limits of axles are based on a variety of factors, including the Federal Bridge Formula, and the single axle and the axle group legal limit set by each state. State limits may be higher than federal limits, which is why it is crucial for truckers to know prior to traveling.
The process of transporting freight is already difficult enough and adding additional weight increases the likelihood of an accident. If a trucker overloads their trailer, they are in violation of the law and can be held accountable for the consequences of the injuries. If you've been injured as a result of an accident with an 18 wheeler accident lawyer wheeler accident lawsuits - just click Doodleordie --wheeler, a lawyer for truck accidents can determine if the driver was carrying more than the maximum amount allowed, and whether this negligence caused your injuries.
Speed Limits
As any driver knows, speeding is one of the most common causes of truck accidents. This is particularly true for large trucks, which are much more likely to crash due to their weight and size. Truckers should therefore adhere to the speed limits on every road they travel.
However truck drivers are frequently required to deliver their goods quickly, and they might not be able to slow down enough to accommodate the conditions. This could lead to unsafe driving, and it could also be deadly for other motorists.
Speed limiters can decrease the chance of accidents. This device automatically reduces the speed of a car to a safe level. It can be fitted on many different types.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is looking into the possibility of a new rule that will require truckers use these devices. The agency has issued a revised notice of proposed rulemaking to get feedback on the proposed rule. In previous proposals, it was suggested that truck speeds be limited to 60 or 65 miles per hour.
Insurance
The majority of private owners buy one insurance policy that covers all their vehicles. Truckers however don't own the vehicles they drive. They lease their 18 wheeler accidents-wheelers from a trucking company. Due to the increased risk that come with commercial vehicles, trucking companies typically require higher liability insurance limits. They can also purchase cargo insurance and bobtail coverage for their vehicles. Cargo insurance safeguards the cargo that a semi-truck is hauling. Bobtail insurance protects the truck after it has delivered its cargo. In the event of an accident the policies could help to compensate victims or grieving family members for the losses they suffered.
Maintenance
It's often difficult to get an accurate estimate of maintenance costs for commercial vehicles. This is because trucks are extremely expensive to maintain and repair particularly when they require major repairs. Some trucking companies offer maintenance schedules to estimate the cost of maintaining the vehicle.
Trucks are typically equipped with only ten brakes, not 18, and anti-lock brakes are the norm in newer vehicles. Trucks take approximately 40 percent longer to stop than a car. This is due to the massive dimensions of an 18-wheeler as well as its momentum add to the stopping distance.
The term "eighteen-wheeler" is now synonymous with trucking. It's been used in country music, like the songs "Giddyup go" and "Teddy Bear" by Red Sovine, and "Roll on" by thrash metal group BigRig. It is important to keep in mind that these trucks aren't at all times on the roads and must adhere to the same guidelines as other drivers. For instance, it is illegal for truckers to text while driving as the slightest mistake could lead to fatal consequences.
