What Is 18 Wheeler Law?

18 wheeler law deals with accidents involving commercial truck drivers and their rigs. These massive vehicles must comply with strict federal guidelines for maintenance safety, training, and maintenance.

Unfortunately, trucking companies frequently require their drivers to work longer hours and manipulate log books. This can lead to catastrophic trucking crashes.

Weight Regulations

Knowing the weight limits for semi trucks is vital. Weight limits for single axles as well as group axles are set by the majority of states. Weigh stations are common along interstates where truckers are weighed to ensure they don't exceed the maximum weight limits for their vehicle or load. If a trucker is caught breaking these limits they could face fines and even sent to jail depending on their criminal record and the state.

Axle groups have a greater limit on weight because the vehicle is safer when the weight is spread over a wider range of axles. This also allows for the transport of larger cargo. For instance, a single tire on an axle can weigh 650 pounds per inch of wheel diameter but when there are two tires on the same axle it can be weighed at 1300 pounds per tire.

There are restrictions on the kind of trailers that can be used in conjunction with a tractor. Certain states only permit one trailer, while other states permit triple or twin trailers. Furthermore, many states require the fifth wheel to be installed on the trailer which is a circular plate over the drive wheels that couples (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. There are day cab tractor and sleeper cabs that incorporate sleeping areas inside the tractor unit. They are made for over-the-road hauling.

Lane Restrictions

In addition to the lane restrictions truck drivers must comply with speed limits and traffic lights. Trucks cannot drive at the same speed as cars and when they do, they can cause accidents. In most instances, it's the truck driver who is at fault. This is because truck drivers may drive longer than they are allowed to and break hours-of service rules or become tired or distracted behind the steering wheel.

Truck drivers are also prohibited from driving in the left right lane. Trucks brake much slower than cars that are primarily passenger vehicles. This could create a dangerous situation, particularly for cars that are smaller and could be stranded behind trucks when they suddenly slow down or stop.

Certain states specifically target large trucks and prohibit them from using the left lane, whereas others limit the usage of the lane in specific situations. In some cases these laws are built around axel and weight limits, whereas in other, they may be based upon vehicle description or directions.

Even if there's no statewide law it is important to check local regulations regarding lane restrictions and follow them. It is also recommended to move to the left if you see trucks passing in the lane so that it does not block faster cars from approaching you.

Ownership

Trucking and 18 wheeler companies have a vast array of resources available to pressure victims of accidents to accept a lesser amount than what they are entitled to. They have teams of insurance adjusters and lawyers who advocate on their behalf before they know whether the victim of an accident will pursue legal action.

Because they can carry massive loads and are much larger than passenger vehicles, 18 wheelers frequently cause severe injuries and massive property damage in accidents. This is particularly the case when they collide with other motor vehicles. It is important to hire an a seasoned attorney fight for your rights and recovery against these massive, powerful corporations.

Large truck accidents require an understanding of complex concepts in the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, federal trucking regulations, medical and driving regulations. Our lawyers are able to find any violations of these laws and present to the jury the circumstances that led to your accident.

There are many parties that can be responsible for milton 18 wheeler accident law firm-wheeler truck accidents. Our NY saratoga Springs 18 wheeler accident Lawyer wheeler accident lawyer will investigate all of the responsible parties and ensure that they pay their fair share of your current and expected expenses. This includes trucking firms, owners as well as maintenance contractors and even drivers themselves. Our team will also look into weather conditions that might have played a role in your accident.

Insurance

Trucking companies can deploy large teams of lawyers, adjusters, engineers and experts quickly. They start this process even before they know if you'll seek legal recourse. It is important to retain an attorney who is capable of matching their resources and reducing them in size.

A seasoned 18-wheeler crash lawyer can relieve the burden of dealing with these big corporations off your shoulders and concentrate on securing the compensation you're due. The money could be used to pay for expenses such as high medical bills and vehicle damage, as well as loss of wages due to absence from work, as well as non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.

18 wheelers are a complex vehicle and require high-end, systematic maintenance to ensure they are safe on the road. Failure to perform this maintenance and keep accurate records could lead to catastrophic accidents.

Tractor-trailers typically carry dangerous materials, which requires special training and specialized certification to transport. They can be explosive or flammable and radiological as well as poisonous. They all pose a significant risk to other drivers on American highways. In the absence of proper labeling and secure the load could also result in a catastrophic accident.

A qualified 18 wheeler accident lawyer can determine the exact reason for your accident and hold liable any parties who could be accountable. This may include the driver of the truck, the trucking company and the owner of the trailer and the manufacturer of the truck and its components. This is referred to as vicarious liability.