It's The Ugly Truth About 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer
18 Wheeler Legal Requirements
Trucks, 18 wheelers and tractor-trailers are involved many wrecks each year. They transport dangerous loads, and their insurance requirements are higher than the requirements for private vehicles.
Driver fatigue is a frequent reason for truck accidents. The law limits how long truck drivers can be on the road and requires them to keep accurate records of their working hours.
Weight limit
As Americans continue to move away from traditional retail in-person and towards online commerce the road is becoming more packed with trucks of Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. This means that many drivers struggle to keep up with the speed and maneuverability of these huge vehicles. It's a problem for all drivers, but smaller vehicles and passenger vehicles have a harder time maneuvering around these large vehicles.
There are laws governing the legal maximum for 18-wheelers. This includes both the truck itself and the cargo it carries. You should know the legal restrictions to avoid driving over and placing your life in danger.
The maximum gross vehicle mass for trucks is 80,000lbs. However, there are different weight limits for axle groups as well as single axles. Federal Bridge Formula, for example, limits the weight of one axle to 20,000 pounds. Tandem axles are, however, limited to 34,000 lbs. In addition to these rules states also have their own weight restrictions for single axles and axle groups.
State-by-state the penalties for exceeding a weight limit can range from fines to $16,000. In some cases, the driver's employer may be responsible for these fines as well. Repeat offenders may also be subject to greater fines.
Lane restrictions
Most 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 multilane highways. This law is designed to prevent cars from following trucks too closely and the risk of causing an accident.
In these situations, the truck driver would have no choice but to change lanes, and risk collisions with cars that are behind them. To be capable of passing slower cars quickly they must be in the right lane. Truck drivers should also be able to watch other motor vehicles in the left lane and look for traffic hazards or other dangers which require them to make an turn.
Anyone who does not comply with these laws put themselves and other drivers at risk of serious accidents. If someone is injured by the truck that has violated the laws governing lane restrictions, they could be entitled to compensation.
Trucks have the most blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and they require plenty of room to move around. Some drivers block trucks when changing lanes. This can result in them to jackknife. Sometimes drivers slow down so that trucks cannot get by them. This puts both parties in danger of an accident.
Bumper guards
Before installing bumper guards, look up the laws of your state. Some states are not allowed to install bumper guards, whereas others only permit them on vehicles that are parked. These devices can be used to safeguard your vehicle when you park in areas with a lot of traffic or in cities where parking parallel is frequent. They prevent scrapes and dents that often result from taller drivers backing into your car or SUV.
They are also useful in preventing collisions with tree branches. They look like cowcatchers on freight trains, and are an essential feature of off-road vehicles. They help clear brush and other debris, and they can even help by securing the headlights.
There are many different ways to put up a bumper guard, including mat-style protectors. The most straightforward is the stick-on design that can be removed in a matter of minutes, without leaving any sticky residue. The stick-on style doesn't provide much protection and does not cover all the corners of your vehicle.
Certain companies offer mat-style protective covers that can be rolled or folded to make it easy for transport and storage. The Luv-Tap, a popular model made from a soft cotton material that can be adjusted for different vehicle sizes, is a popular product. It also features bright silver reflectors to improve visibility in poor lighting conditions. It comes with two straps that attach it to the trunk of your vehicle. They can be flipped off when it is required.
Insurance
Truck accidents can be catastrophic and cause serious injuries or even the loss of a loved one. Federal and state regulations demand that trucking companies carry more insurance policies than passenger vehicles. These policies could be worth up 40 times more than a standard policy. Trucking insurance companies, however, will do everything to avoid paying victim claims. They frequently trick injured people into signing a recorded statement, or use other tactics to minimize their liability. When claiming a claim for an 18-wheeler accident, it is important to consult a Denver truck accident attorney.
The requirements for insurance for trucks are complex and differ by jurisdiction. The most frequently used type of insurance is primary liability. This covers property damage caused by the truck in an accident. 18 wheeler accident law firm mission is recommended to have cargo insurance and non-trucking liability. The former covers the truck when it's transporting a load and it is often included in the contract of a truck driver with their carrier. The latter, also referred to "bobtail" coverage, shields both the truck and its driver in between loads.
If you are injured in a tractor-trailer collision the insurance limits for trailers and tractors are much lower than those required for passenger cars. This means that you will likely be fighting with the insurance company of the trucking company for a fair settlement. A seasoned Memphis truck accident lawyer will determine the parties that could be liable including the truck driver, the trucking company, and any dram shops who may have served the driver too much.