What Is 18 Wheeler Law?

Accidents caused by commercial truck drivers their rigs and 18 wheelers are covered under the law governing 18 wheelers. These massive vehicles must comply with strict federal guidelines for maintenance as well as safety and 18 Wheeler Accidents training.

Unfortunately, trucking companies often require their drivers to work longer hours and alter log books. This can lead accidents involving trucks to be devastating.

Weight Regulations

Understanding the weight limits for semi trucks is essential. Many states have single axle and group axle weight limits that must be observed. It is not uncommon to find weigh stations along interstates where truck drivers are weighed in order to confirm that they aren't exceeding the maximum weight limit for their vehicle and load. If a trucker is found to be in violation of these limits, they could be fined or even jailed depending on the state of their residence and criminal record.

Axle groups are given a higher limit because distributing the weight across multiple axles increases the safety of the vehicle and allows more cargo to be carried. For example one tire on an axle can only be weighed at 650 pounds per inch of wheel diameter, but when there are two tires on that same axle it can be weighed at 1300 pounds per tire.

There are limitations on the types of trailers which can be used with the tractor. Some states only allow one trailer, while other states only permit twin or triple trailers. In addition, some states require five wheels on the trailer. This is a round plate that is above the drive wheels, which connects (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. Both day cab tractors and sleeper cabs can be found. They both have a sleeping space inside the tractor unit.

Lane Restrictions

In addition to lane restrictions truck drivers must follow speed limits and traffic lights. Trucks aren't able to travel at the same speed as vehicles for passengers and even if they do, they can cause accidents. In most cases, it is the driver of the truck who is at fault. Truck drivers might be driving for longer than they are allowed to, violating hours-of-service rules and/or being asleep or distracted behind the steering wheel.

Another important lane restriction is that truck drivers are not permitted to drive in the left side of the lane. Trucks are slower to brake than cars that are primarily passenger vehicles. This could be a risky situation, especially for cars that are smaller and could be stuck behind trucks if they suddenly slow down or stop.

There are some states that specifically single out large trucks and prohibit them from using the left lane, and others limit the usage of the lane in specific circumstances. In some cases, these laws are dependent on weight and axel limits, while in others they could be based on the description of the vehicle or direction signs.

Although there's no statewide law regarding lane restrictions you must still review the local rules and follow the rules. Also, you should move to the right when you spot a truck blocking the passing lane.

Ownership

Trucking and 18 wheeler companies have massive resources to pressure accident victims to accept a lesser amount than what they are entitled to. They have teams of lawyers, insurance adjusters engineers, engineers, and experts working on their behalf, even before they know if an accident victim is going to seek legal relief.

In the event of an accident 18-wheelers can be blamed for severe injuries and property damage due to the fact that they are able to carry heavy loads and are huge when compared to passenger cars. This is especially so when they collide with motor vehicles. It is essential to find an attorney who has experience fighting for your rights against these large, powerful corporations.

Large vehicle accidents require an understanding of complex concepts in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology, federal regulations for trucking, medicine, driving standards and many other related fields. Our lawyers are able to uncover any violations of these laws and then show the jury the factors that caused your accident.

18-wheeler truck accidents can be caused by the negligence or reckless actions of a variety of parties. Our NY attorney for 18 wheeler accidents will investigate all of the responsible parties and ensure that they are liable for their fair part of your current and anticipated costs. This includes trucking firms, owners, maintenance contractors and even drivers themselves. Our team will also investigate the weather conditions that could have contributed to the accident.

Insurance

Trucking companies have a wealth of resources available to them and are able to quickly deploy teams of insurance adjusters, lawyers engineers, experts, and even engineers to develop a strategy for defense against the victims of accidents. They start this process before they know whether you will to seek legal recourse. It is essential to retain an attorney who can match their resources and bringing them down in size.

A lawyer who has experience handling 18 wheeler accident law firms-wheeler collisions can relieve you of the burden and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. The money could be used to pay for medical expenses, vehicle damages, lost income from missed work, and other non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.

18 wheelers are extremely complex vehicles and require high-level, systematic maintenance to ensure their safety on the road. Failure to perform this maintenance and 18 Wheeler Accidents keep accurate records could lead to tragic accidents.

Tractor-trailers are commonly used for transporting hazardous materials, that require special training and licensing. The material is explosive, flammable or poisonous, all of which present significant dangers to other drivers on American roads. An accident that is catastrophic could occur if the cargo is not properly labelled and secured.

A reputable 18 wheeler accident lawyer can pinpoint the exact reason for your accident and liable for any party that are accountable. This could include the driver of the truck, the trucking company, the owner of the trailer, and the company that manufactures the truck or its components. This is called vicarious responsibility.