18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

18 Wheeler Legal Requirements

Trucks, 18 wheelers, and tractor-trailers are involved in many wrecks each year. They carry dangerous loads, and their insurance requirements are more stringent than those for private vehicles.

Truck accidents are often caused by driver fatigue. The law restricts the amount of time truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires them to keep accurate logs of their hours of service.

Weight limit

As Americans continue to shift their shopping habits away from traditional in-person retail and toward online shopping, the road is becoming crowded with trucks from Amazon, FedEx, and other shipping companies. Many drivers struggle to keep up with these huge vehicles their speed and maneuverability. This is a problem for all drivers, but it's particularly difficult for small and passenger car trucks to maneuver around these massive vehicles.

There are laws that govern the legal limit of 18-wheelers. This applies to the truck and the cargo that it carries. It is important to know the legal limitations to avoid driving over and put your life in danger.

The maximum gross vehicle mass for trucks is 80,000 pounds. However, there are several different weight limits for axle groups and single axles. For example the Federal Bridge Formula sets a single-axle limit of 20,000 pounds, while axles spaced more than 40 inches but not more than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are limited to 34,000 pounds. In addition to these regulations, states also have their own weight restrictions for single-axles and axle groups.

The penalties for over-weight differ from state to state but could include fines as high as $16,000. In certain cases the driver's employer could be accountable for these fines as well. In the event of repeat offenders, they could receive higher fines than first-time offenders.

Lane restrictions

Most states have laws which regulate where trucks are allowed to drive on highways. For instance, certain states single out big trucks and block them from driving in the left lane on multilane highways. This law is intended to stop cars from following trucks too close to the road and causing accidents.

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

The consequences of not following these laws put them and other motorists at risk of 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 largest blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and they need plenty of space to maneuver. In some cases, drivers in smaller vehicles cut off trucks when they change lanes, and this can cause them to make a jackknife. Sometimes drivers slow down that trucks are unable to pass them. This puts both parties at risk of an accident.

Bumper guards

Before installing bumper guards, you should review the laws in your state. Some states are not allowed to install bumper guards, while others only allow them on parked cars. These devices are also beneficial to have when parking your vehicle in busy areas or in cities that have a lot of parallel parking. These devices can prevent scratches and scratches caused by larger drivers backing up onto your SUV or truck.

They can also be useful in stopping collisions with tree branches. They resemble cowcatchers from freight trains, and are a common feature of off-road vehicles. They can be used to shove brush and other debris aside and can even shield headlights.

There are a variety of different ways to put up a bumper guard, including mat-style protectors. The stick-on style is the simplest to use and can be removed in just a few minutes without leaving a sticky residue. However, this type doesn't provide much protection and does not protect all the corners of your truck.

Some companies make mat-style protectors that can be rolled up or folded for easy transport and storage. The Luv-Tap, a well-known model made from soft cotton which can be adjusted to different vehicle sizes and is a sought-after product. It also features bright silver reflectors that improve visibility in dim lighting. It comes with two included straps, which secure it to the trunk of your vehicle. It can be flipped out when necessary.

Insurance

Accidents involving trucks can be devastating and can cause serious injuries or the death of a loved one.  18 wheeler accident lawsuit massachusetts  and state regulations demand that trucking companies have larger insurance policies than those for passenger cars. These policies can be worth up to 40 times the amount of the standard insurance. Trucking insurance companies, however, will do whatever they can to avoid paying victim claims. They frequently try to trick injured people into giving a recorded statement or employ other methods to limit their liability. When filing a claim in the event of an 18-wheeler accident it is vital to consult an experienced Denver truck accident lawyer.

Insurance requirements for trucks are complex and differ by state. The most frequently used type of coverage is the primary liability. This is a protection for property damage that is caused by the truck in the event of an accident. It is also recommended to consider the liability and cargo insurance for non-trucking. The first covers the truck as it carries loads and is usually included in the contract between drivers and their carriers. The latter is often called "bobtail" insurance and protects the truck and driver between loads.

If you're injured in a tractor-trailer crash the insurance limits required for tractors and trailers are much lower than those required for passenger automobiles. This means that you'll have to fight with the insurance company of the trucking company to get a fair settlement. A skilled Memphis truck accident lawyer can determine all parties potentially responsible including the driver, the trucking company, and any dram shops that may have served the driver too much.