18 wheeler accident lawyers Wheeler Legal Requirements

Trucks, 18 wheeler accident lawsuits wheelers and tractor-trailers get involved in many wrecks every year. They transport dangerous loads, and their insurance requirements are higher than those of private vehicles.

The majority of truck accidents are caused by fatigued drivers. The law restricts the amount of time truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires they keep exact logs.

Weight limit

As Americans continue to shift their shopping habits away from traditional in-person retail and towards online commerce the roads are becoming crowded with trucks from Amazon, FedEx, and other shipping companies. In the process, many drivers struggle to keep up with the speed and maneuverability of these big vehicles. It's a challenge for all drivers, however smaller cars and passenger vehicles have a harder time maneuvering around these massive vehicles.

Fortunately there are laws in place to regulate the weight limit for 18 wheelers. This includes the truck and the cargo it carries. It's important to be aware of the legal limits so that you can avoid driving over them and placing yourself in danger.

The maximum gross vehicle mass for trucks is 80,000 lbs. There are different weight limits 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 restrictions states also have their own specific weight restrictions for single-axle and axle groups.

The penalties for over-weight differ from state to state however, they can be accompanied by fines as high as $16,000. In some cases the driver's employer could be responsible for these fines too. In addition, repeat offenders could be subject to higher fines than first-time offenders.

Lane restrictions

The majority of states have laws that regulate where trucks can drive on highways. For instance, some states impose a ban on big trucks and block them from driving on the left side on multilane highways. This law is intended to prevent vehicles from following trucks too closely, and potentially causing an accident.

In these situations the truck driver is left with no choice but to change lanes or risk a collision. To be capable of passing slower vehicles quickly, they must be in the right-hand lane. Truck drivers also need to 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.

Anyone who does not comply with these laws put themselves and other drivers at risk of serious accidents. If a motorist has been injured by a vehicle that has violated lane restriction laws the driver could be entitled compensation.

Trucks have the biggest blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and require plenty of room to move around. In certain instances, drivers in smaller cars cut off trucks when changing the lane, which could cause them to make a jackknife. Sometimes, drivers slow down so that the truck is unable to pass them. This puts both parties in danger of a crash.

Bumper guards

Before installing bumper guards, you should look up the laws of your state. Some states do not allow bumper guards, and some only allow them on parked cars. These devices are beneficial to have when parking your vehicle in crowded areas or in cities that have plenty of parallel parking. They help prevent dents and scrapes that are often caused by taller drivers backing into your car or SUV.

They are also useful in preventing collisions with tree branches. Off-road vehicles typically have cowcatchers, which resemble those found on freight trains. They remove dirt and other debris and can also assist by providing headlight protection.

There are several ways to install a rubber bumper guard. They include mat-style protectors as well as stick-on rubber strips. The most simple to use is the stick-on model, which can be removed in just minutes, without leaving any sticky residue. This kind of vehicle does not provide the most protection, and does not cover all areas of your vehicle.

Certain companies make mat-style protective covers which can be folded or roll-up for storage and transportation. The Luv-Tap is a popular model made from soft cotton that can be adjusted to different vehicle sizes and is a sought-after product. It also comes with reflective silver lights that brighten up visibility in low-light conditions. It includes two straps that can be used to connect it to the trunk of your car and can be turned upside down at any time.

Insurance

Accidents with trucks can cause grave injuries and even death. This is why federal and state regulations oblige trucking companies to carry far more extensive insurance policies than regular passenger cars. These policies can be worth as much as 40 times more than a standard policy. Trucking insurers, however, will do whatever they can to prevent paying accident victim claims. They often attempt to trick injured people into giving a written statement or employ other methods to reduce their liability. It is important to work with an experienced Denver truck crash lawyer when submitting an 18 wheeler accident claim.

The requirements for insurance on trucks are complicated and differ by state. The most popular type of coverage is primary liability, which covers damages to property that the truck causes in the event of an accident. It is recommended to have cargo insurance, as well as non-trucking liability. The first protects the truck when it transports loads and is usually included in the contract between drivers and their carriers. The latter, sometimes referred to "bobtail" coverage, safeguards both the driver of the truck as well as the truck during the time between loads.

If you have been injured in an 18 wheeler accident lawyer-wheeler accident, you must be aware that the insurance limits for tractor-trailers is considerably lower than those that are required for passenger vehicles. You'll need to fight the insurance company of the trucking firm to negotiate an equitable settlement. A Memphis truck accident attorney will identify all parties that are liable, including the trucker, the trucking firm and any dram shops which may have served the driver with too much alcohol.