18 wheeler accident Lawsuits Wheeler Legal Requirements

Trucks, 18 wheelers and tractor-trailers get involved in many wrecks each year. They carry dangerous loads and have greater insurance requirements than private vehicles.

Driver fatigue is a common cause of truck accidents. The law restricts the amount of time truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires that they keep accurate records.

Weight limit

As Americans continue to shift their purchasing habits away from traditional in-person retail and towards online commerce, the road is becoming crowded with trucks from Amazon, FedEx, and other shipping companies. This means that many drivers are finding it difficult to keep up with the speed and maneuverability of these big vehicles. This is a problem for all drivers however it is particularly challenging for smaller trucks to maneuver around these massive vehicles.

Fortunately there are laws in place that define the maximum legal weight limit for 18 wheeler accident lawyers wheelers. This includes both the truck itself and the cargo it carries. You should know the legal restrictions to avoid driving over and put your life in danger.

The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 pounds. There are different weight limits for axle groups and single axles. Federal Bridge Formula, for example, limits the weight of a single axle to 20,000 pounds. Tandem axles are however limited to 34,000 pounds. States also have their specific weight restrictions, both for single-axle vehicles as well as axle groups.

The penalties for exceeding the weight limit differ from state to state but could include fines of up to $16,000. In certain instances fines can also be imposed by the driver's employer. Repeat offenders may also face more severe fines.

Lane restrictions

Most states have laws that regulate where trucks can drive on highways. Some states, for instance, prohibit large trucks from operating in the left lane of the multilane highways. This law is intended to stop cars from following trucks close and causing an accident.

In such situations truck drivers have no choice but to change lanes or risk a collision. To ensure that trucks can move swiftly over slower vehicles, they need to be in the right line of sight. Truck drivers must also be able monitor other motor vehicles in the left lane in order to look for traffic hazards or other dangers that require them make an turn.

Those who ignore these laws put themselves and other drivers at risk of serious accidents. If a motorist has been injured by a vehicle that violated lane restriction laws he or she may be entitled to compensation.

Trucks require plenty of space to move around. They have the largest blind spots on the road. Some drivers cut off trucks when they change lanes. This could cause them to jackknife. In other instances drivers slow down to the point where the truck can't pass them, and this puts both parties at risk of accident.

Bumper guards

Bumper guards are an excellent way to protect your truck from damage, but you should check with your state laws before installing them. Some states do not allow bumper guards, and some only allow them on cars that are parked. These devices can also be used to guard your vehicle when you park in areas that are crowded or in cities where parking parallel is frequent. They can prevent scrapes and dents that often result from taller drivers backing into your car or SUV.

They are also useful in stopping collisions with tree branches. They resemble cowcatchers from freight trains and are an integral part of off-road vehicles. They can be used to shove debris and brush away and can even shield headlights.

There are a number of different ways to install bumper guards, such as stick-on rubber strips and mat-style protectors. Stick-on is the simplest to use, as it can be removed within minutes without leaving an unattractive residue. This type does not offer much protection and doesn't cover all corners of your vehicle.

Some companies make mat-style protectors that can be rolled up and folded to make it easy for transport and storage. The Luv-Tap is a popular model, which is made of soft padded cotton material and can be adjusted to fit various sizes of vehicles. It also features bright silver reflectors for better visibility in low lighting conditions. It comes with two included straps that connect it to the trunk of your car and can be flipped off when it is required.

Insurance

Accidents with trucks can cause serious injuries, and sometimes even death. This is why state and federal regulations require trucking companies to carry much larger insurance policies than typical passenger vehicles. They could be worth up to 40 times as much as a standard insurance policy. Insurance companies for trucks, however, will do anything to prevent paying accident victim claims. They frequently trick injured people into signing a recorded statement, or use other tactics to minimize their liability. When filing a claim for an 18-wheeler accident it is vital to consult with an attorney. Denver truck accident attorney.

Insurance requirements for trucks are complex and differ by state. The most common type of insurance is primary liability, which covers damage to property caused by the truck in an accident. You should also consider liability insurance and cargo insurance for non-trucking. The former covers the truck when it's transporting a load and it is often included in a truck driver's contract with their carrier. The latter, sometimes referred to "bobtail" coverage, protects both the truck and its driver during the interval between loads.

If you are injured in a tractor-trailer crash, the minimum insurance limits for trailers and tractors is much lower than those required for passenger cars. You'll need to fight the insurance company of the trucking firm to secure an equitable settlement. A Memphis truck accident lawyer can determine who are liable, including the trucking company, the trucker as well as any dram establishments which may have served the driver excessive amounts of alcohol.