5 Laws That Anyone Working In 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Should Be Aware Of

18 Wheeler Legal Requirements

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

Driver fatigue is a typical cause of truck accidents. The law limits the length of time truck drivers can be on the road and requires them to keep precise records of their working hours.

Weight limit

As Americans continue to shift their shopping habits away from traditional retail and towards online commerce, the road is becoming increasingly crowded with trucks from Amazon, FedEx, and other shipping companies. Many drivers are struggling to keep up with these huge vehicles their speed and maneuverability. It's a problem for all drivers, however smaller vehicles and passenger cars are finding it difficult to maneuver around these massive vehicles.

Fortunately, there are laws in place that define the maximum legal weight limit for 18 wheelers. This includes both the truck itself and the cargo it transports. It's important to know the legal limits to ensure you can avoid driving over them and risking your life.

The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 lbs. However, there are several different weight limits for axle groups as well as single axles. Federal Bridge Formula, for example, restricts the weight of an individual axle to 20000 pounds. Tandem axles, however, are limited to 34,000 pounds. In addition to these restrictions, states also have their own weight restrictions for single-axle and axle groups.

State-by state, the penalties for a violation of the weight limit may range from fines up to $16,000. In some instances the driver's employer could be responsible for the fines. Repeat offenders could also face greater fines.

Lane restrictions

Most states have laws that restrict where trucks can travel on highways. Some states, for instance, prohibit large trucks from driving in the left lane on multilane highways. This law is designed to prevent cars from following trucks close to causing accidents.

In these scenarios, the truck driver would be forced to change lanes, and risk collision with cars who are behind them. To be able to pass slower vehicles quickly they must be in the right lane. Truck drivers must also be able to watch other motor vehicles in the left lane for dangers or traffic control devices that require them to make a turn.

Anyone who does not comply with these laws put themselves and other drivers at risk for serious accidents. If someone is injured by an unintentionally parked truck that violates the lane restriction laws, they could be entitled to compensation.

Trucks have the most blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and require plenty of room to move. Some drivers block trucks when changing lanes. This can lead to them jackknife. In other instances drivers slow down to the level that allows the truck to pass them, and this puts both parties at risk of an accident.

Bumper guards

Bumper guards are an excellent option to shield your truck from damage, but you should be aware of the laws of your state prior to installing them. Certain states ban them, while others allow them only on parked vehicles. These devices can also be used to guard your vehicle when you park in areas that are crowded, or in cities where parallel parking is frequent. They can prevent scrapes and dents that can result from taller drivers backing into your truck or SUV.

They can also be useful in preventing collisions with tree branches. They look like cowcatchers on freight trains, and are commonplace on off-road vehicles. They help clear dirt and other debris and can also assist by providing headlight protection.

There are a variety of different ways to put up bumper guards, including mat-style protectors. The most straightforward is the stick-on style which can be removed in a matter of minutes without leaving any sticky residue. This type does not offer much protection and does not cover all areas of your vehicle.

Certain companies make mat-style protective covers that can be folded and rolled for easy storage and transport. The Luv-Tap is a popular model, which is made of gentle padded cotton material that can be adjusted to suit various vehicle sizes. It also features shiny silver reflectors, which improve visibility in dim lighting. It comes with two straps, which secure it to the trunk of your car and can be removed when it is required.

Insurance

Truck accidents can be catastrophic and result in serious injuries or the death of a loved ones. This is the reason federal and state regulations require trucking companies carry higher insurance premiums than standard passenger cars. These policies could be worth up to 40 times as much as a standard insurance policy. However, trucking insurance companies will do everything they can to avoid paying victims of accidents. They often attempt to entice injured victims into giving a written statement or use other tactics to limit their liability. When filing a claim for an 18-wheeler wreck it is crucial to consult with an experienced Denver truck accident lawyer.

The requirements for insurance on trucks are complicated and vary by jurisdiction. The most common type of insurance is primary liability, which covers damages to property caused by the truck in the event of an accident. It is also important to think about cargo insurance and liability coverage for non-trucking purposes. The first protects the truck as it hauls an item and is often included in the contract between the driver and their carrier. The latter is often referred to as "bobtail" insurance, and it safeguards the driver and truck during the time between loads.

If you've been injured in an 18 wheeler accident attorney wheeler accident, you should 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 be fighting the trucking company's insurance provider for a fair settlement. A Memphis truck accident attorney can identify all parties that might be responsible, which includes the trucking company, the driver and any dram store that served the driver too much alcohol.