18 Wheeler Legal Requirements

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

Accidents involving trucks are usually caused by driver fatigue. The law limits the length 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 streets are becoming more overrun by trucks from Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. Many drivers are struggling to keep up with these huge vehicles with their speed and maneuverability. This is a problem for everyone but it's especially challenging for small and passenger car trucks to maneuver around these massive vehicles.

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

The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 pounds. However, there are several different weight limits for axle groups and single axles. Federal Bridge Formula, for example, limits the weight of single axles to 20000 pounds. Tandem axles are, however, limited to 34,000 lbs. In addition to these restrictions states also have their own weight restrictions for single-axle and axle groups.

State-by-state, penalties for a violation of the weight limit can range from fines to $16,000. In certain cases, the driver's employer may be responsible for these fines as well. Repeat offenders may also face higher fines.

Lane restrictions

In addition to weight restrictions, laws of most states regulate where trucks may drive on highways. Some states, for example prohibit large trucks from operating in the left lane on multilane highways. This law is designed to prevent vehicles from following trucks too closely and the risk of causing an accident.

In these circumstances the truck driver will have no choice but to change lanes, and risk collision with cars who are behind them. To ensure that trucks can move swiftly over slower vehicles, they need to be in the right line of sight. Truck drivers should also be able to watch other motor vehicles in the left lane for potential hazards 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 an individual is injured by a vehicle that has not complied with the lane restriction laws, they could be entitled compensation.

Trucks have the most blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and require plenty of space to move. Some drivers block trucks when they change lanes. This can lead to them jackknife. In other instances, drivers slow down to the point where the truck can't be able to pass them, and this puts both parties at risk of an accident.

Bumper guards

Bumper guards are a great way to protect your truck from damage, however, you must check your state laws before installing them. Certain states do not permit bumper guards, while others only allow them on parked cars. These devices are worth investing in for protection when parking your vehicle in busy areas or in cities with many parallel parking. They can prevent scrapes and dents that often result from taller drivers backing into your car or SUV.

They can also stop collisions with tree branches. They resemble cowcatchers from freight trains, and are a common feature of off-road vehicles. They help clear brush and other debris and can also assist in securing headlights.

There are several ways to install a bumper guard made of rubber. They include mat-style protectors and stick-on rubber strips. The stick-on type is the simplest to use, as it can be removed in just a few minutes without leaving a sticky residue. This kind of cover doesn't offer the most protection, and doesn't cover all corners of your vehicle.

Certain companies make mat-style protectors that fold or roll-up for storage and transport. The LuvTap, a familar model made of a soft cotton material which can be adjusted to various vehicle sizes It is a well-loved product. It also comes with bright silver reflectors to improve visibility in dim lighting. It comes with two straps that can be used to attach it to your vehicle's trunk and then flipped back up whenever needed.

Insurance

Accidents with trucks can cause serious injuries, and sometimes even death. Federal and state regulations require that trucking companies carry more insurance policies than passenger vehicles. These policies could be worth up to 40 times more than the standard insurance policy. The trucking insurance companies will do everything to avoid paying accident victim claims. They will often try to entice injured victims into giving a recorded statement or employ other methods to limit their liability. It is essential to consult a Denver truck crash lawyer when filing an 18-wheeler accident claim.

Insurance requirements for trucks are complex and vary according to jurisdiction. The most common coverage is the primary liability. It is a protection for property damage that is caused by the truck in the event of an accident. It is recommended to have cargo insurance as well as non-trucking liability. The first protects the truck as it hauls an item and is often included in the contract between drivers and their carriers. It is sometimes referred to as "bobtail" insurance, and it safeguards the driver and truck between the loads.

If you have been injured in an 18 wheeler accident, you should know that the minimum insurance limits for tractor-trailers are far less than those required for passenger vehicles. You'll have to battle the insurance firm of the trucking firm to negotiate an equitable settlement. A skilled Memphis truck accident lawyer will determine any potentially responsible parties which include the truck driver and the trucking firm, and any dram shop that might have over-served the driver.