10 Things You've Learned In Preschool, That'll Aid You In 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer

18 Wheeler Legal Requirements

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

Driver fatigue is a frequent reason for truck accidents. The law limits the amount of time that truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires that they keep accurate logs.

Weight limit

As Americans continue to shift their purchasing habits away from traditional in-person shopping and towards online commerce, the road is becoming more crowded with trucks belonging to Amazon, FedEx, and other shipping companies. As a result, many drivers struggle to keep up with the speed and maneuverability of these big vehicles. This is a challenge for all drivers, however smaller vehicles and passenger cars have a harder time maneuvering around these massive vehicles.

Fortunately, there are laws that define the maximum legal weight limit for 18 wheelers. This applies to the truck and the cargo it carries. You should know the legal limitations to avoid driving over and risking your life.

The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 pounds. However, there are several different weight limits for axle groups as well as single axles. For example, the Federal Bridge Formula sets a single-axle limit of 20,000 pounds and axles that are spaced more than 40 inches but no more than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are limited to 34,000 pounds. States also have their own weight restrictions, both for single-axle vehicles and axle groups.

The penalties for exceeding the weight limit vary from state to state but could include fines of up to $16,000. In certain cases fines could be ordered by the driver's employers. Repeat offenders could also face higher fines.

Lane restrictions

Many states have laws that regulate the location of trucks on highways. For instance, certain states exclude big trucks and block them from driving on the left side on multilane roadways. This law is designed to prevent cars from following trucks too closely, and the risk of causing an accident.

In these scenarios the truck driver would have no choice but to change lanes and risk a collision with cars that are behind them. In order for trucks to be capable of passing slower cars quickly, they must be in the right lane. Truck drivers also need to be able to monitor other motor vehicles in the left lane for dangers or traffic control devices that require them to turn.

Those who ignore these laws put themselves and other drivers at risk of serious accidents. If a motorist gets injured by a vehicle that violated the laws governing lane restrictions, they may be entitled to compensation.

Trucks have the most blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and they require plenty of space to move. Some drivers cut off trucks when changing lanes. This could cause them to to jackknife. In other instances drivers slow down to a level where trucks are unable to be able to pass them, and this puts both parties at risk of accident.

Bumper guards

Bumper guards are a great way to protect your truck from damage, however, you must check your state's laws prior to installing them. Certain states do not permit bumper guards, whereas others only permit them on parked cars. They can be used to safeguard your vehicle when you park in areas with a lot of traffic or in cities where parallel parking is frequent. They help prevent dents and scrapes which are usually caused by taller drivers backing into your truck or SUV.

They can also stop collisions with trees' branches. Off-road vehicles usually have cowcatchers, which look like the ones found on freight trains. They clear away the debris and brush, and they may even help with headlight protection.

There are many ways to install a bumper guard made of rubber. They include mat-style protectors as well as sticky rubber strips. The most convenient is the stick-on design which can be removed in only minutes, without leaving any sticky residue. However, it does not provide much protection and doesn't completely cover the entire length of your truck.

Certain companies produce mat-style protectors that can be folded up or folded for easy transport and storage. The Luv-Tap is a popular model, made of gentle padded cotton material and can be adjusted to fit various sizes of vehicles. It also comes with shiny silver reflectors that improve visibility in low lighting conditions. It comes with two straps that attach it to the trunk of your vehicle and can be flipped off when necessary.

Insurance

Truck accidents can result in serious injuries, and sometimes even death. Federal and state regulations demand that trucking companies carry larger insurance policies than cars for passengers. These policies can be worth up to 40 times the amount of the standard insurance. However, trucking insurance companies will do everything they can to avoid paying victims of accidents. They frequently trick injured victims into signing an official statement or employ other techniques to limit their liability. It is important to work with an experienced Denver truck crash attorney in the event of filing an 18 wheeler accident claim.

The requirements for insurance for trucks are complex and differ by the jurisdiction. The most popular insurance is primary liability. It protects property from damage caused by the truck in the event of an accident. It is an excellent idea to have cargo insurance and non-trucking liability. The first protects the truck while it is hauling an item and is often included in the contract between drivers and their carriers.  18 wheeler accident law firm redwood city , often referred to as "bobtail" protection, covers both the truck and its driver in between loads.

If you are injured in a tractor-trailer crash the insurance limits for trailers and tractors is significantly lower than the limits for passenger automobiles. This means that you will likely have to fight with the insurance company of the trucking company to get an equitable settlement. A Memphis truck accident lawyer will identify all parties that could be responsible, including the trucker, the trucking company and any dram shops which may have provided the driver with excessive alcohol.