Why No One Cares About 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer

18 Wheeler Legal Requirements

Trucks, 18 wheelers and tractor-trailers are involved numerous wrecks each year. They transport dangerous loads and have higher insurance requirements than private vehicles.

The majority of truck accidents are caused by fatigued drivers. The law restricts the amount of time truck drivers can be on the road and requires them to keep accurate records of their hours of service.

Weight limit

As Americans continue to shift away from traditional retail in-person and move towards online shopping, the road is becoming more overrun by trucks from 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 problem for all drivers however it's especially difficult for smaller trucks to maneuver around these massive vehicles.

Fortunately, there are laws that regulate the weight limit for 18 wheelers. This applies to the truck itself as well as the cargo it transports. It's essential to know the legal limits so you can avoid driving over them and risking your life.

The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 pounds. There are weight limits that differ for axle groups and single axles. For instance 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 guidelines states also have their own weight restrictions for single-axles and axle groups.

State-by-state the penalties for exceeding the weight limit vary from fines as high as $16,000. In some cases fines can also be imposed by the driver's employer. Repeat offenders could also face higher fines.

Lane restrictions

In addition to weight restrictions, the laws of a majority of states govern where trucks are allowed to drive on highways. For instance, certain states single out large trucks and prohibit them from the left lane on roads with multiple lanes. This law is intended to stop cars from following trucks that are too close and causing an accident.

In these instances truck drivers have no choice but to change lane or risk a collision. To make sure that trucks are able to easily pass slower vehicles, they need to be in the right lane. Truck drivers should also be able observe other motor vehicles in the left lane to look for hazards or traffic devices which require them to make a turn.

Ignoring these laws puts themselves and other motorists at risk of serious accidents. If an individual is injured by the truck that has violated the lane restriction laws, they may be entitled to compensation.

Trucks require plenty of space to move around. They have the biggest blind spots on the road. Some drivers cut off trucks when changing lanes. This can result in them to jackknife. Sometimes drivers slow down so that the truck is unable to get by them. This puts both parties in danger of a collision.

Bumper guards

Bumper guards are an excellent way to protect your vehicle from damage, but you should verify the laws of your state prior to installing them. Some states are not allowed to install bumper guards, while others only allow them on cars that are parked. These devices are also worth investing in for protection when parking your vehicle in busy areas or in cities that have plenty of parallel parking. They help prevent dents and scrapes that can result from taller drivers backing into your car or SUV.

They can also avoid collisions with tree branches. Off-road vehicles are often equipped with cowcatchers that look similar to the ones found on freight trains. They help clear dirt and other debris and can also assist by providing headlight protection.

There are a variety of different ways to install bumper guards, such as mat-style protectors. The stick-on design is the simplest to use and can be removed in just a few minutes without leaving a sticky residue. But, this kind of design doesn't offer much protection and doesn't cover all the corners of your truck.

Certain companies manufacture mat-style protectors that can be rolled up or folded to make it easy for transport and storage. The Luv-Tap is one of the most popular model, constructed of soft cotton fabric that can be adjusted to fit different sizes of vehicles. It also has bright silver reflectors that improve visibility under poor lighting conditions. It comes with two included straps that connect it to the trunk of your vehicle. It can be removed as needed.

Insurance

Truck accidents can be traumatic and cause serious injuries or even the death of a loved one. Federal and state regulations demand that trucking companies carry larger insurance policies than cars for passengers. They can be worth up 40 times more than a standard policy. Trucking insurance companies, however, will do anything to avoid paying accident victim claims. They usually trick injured people into giving an official statement, or use other tactics in order to reduce their liability. It is important to consult with an attorney from a Denver truck crash attorney in the event of filing an 18-wheeler accident claim.

The requirements for insurance for trucks are complicated and vary by the jurisdiction. The most frequent type of coverage is primary liability, which covers damages to property caused by the truck in an accident. It is recommended to have cargo insurance as well as non-trucking liability. The former covers the truck when it is transporting a load and it is often included in a trucker's contract with their carrier. The latter is sometimes referred to as "bobtail" insurance and safeguards the driver and truck during the time between loads.

If you suffer injuries in a tractor trailer accident the insurance limits required for trailers and tractors is considerably lower than those for passenger automobiles. This means that you will likely be fighting the trucking company's insurance provider for an equitable settlement.  18 wheeler accident law firm hammond  will determine the parties that could be liable, including the truck driver and the trucking firm, and any dram shops that may have served the driver too much.