What Is 18 wheeler accident lawsuit Wheeler Law?

Accidents with commercial truck drivers, their rigs and 18 wheelers are covered by the 18 wheeler law. These huge vehicles are subject to federal regulations regarding maintenance, safety and training.

Unfortunately, trucking companies often pressure their drivers to work longer hours and manipulate log books. This can cause trucking accidents to be catastrophic.

Weight Regulations

Understanding the weight limits for semi trucks is essential. Many states have single axle and group axle weight limits that must be adhered to. It is typical to see weigh stations along interstates where truckers are weighed to verify that they do not exceed the maximum weight limits for their vehicle and load. If a trucker is found breaking these limits and is found guilty, they may be fined and even sentenced to jail depending on their criminal history and the state.

Axle groups are granted a higher limit because distributing the weight over a wider range of axles makes the vehicle more secure and allows more cargo to be carried. For example, a single tire on an axle can be weighed at 650lbs per inch of wheel's diameter. However, when there are two tires on that same axle it can be weighted at 1300 lbs per tire.

There are restrictions on the types of trailers which can be used in conjunction with a tractor. Certain states only permit one trailer, while other states permit triple or twin trailers. Additionally, a lot of states require five wheels on the trailer. It is a round plate above the drive wheels that couples (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. Day cab tractor models and sleeper cabs are readily available. They both include sleeping spaces in the tractor unit.

Lane Restrictions

In addition to restrictions on lane usage Truck drivers must also adhere to speed limits and traffic lights. Trucks aren't permitted to drive at the same speeds as passenger cars. If they do, accidents may occur. In many instances, it's the driver of the truck that is the one to blame. This is because truck drivers may be driving for longer than is permitted, break hours-of-service rules, or get sleepy or distracted behind the wheel.

Truck drivers are also barred from driving in the left the lane. Trucks brake much slower than cars for passenger use. This can be a dangerous issue, particularly for those in cars that are smaller and could be stuck behind a truck when it slows or stops suddenly.

Some states restrict the use of lanes in specific circumstances, and some restrict the use of lanes for large trucks. These laws can be based either on the weight of the vehicle or axel limits. In other cases, they could be based solely on the vehicle description.

Although there's no statewide law on lane restrictions, you should still be aware of local rules and observe them. It is also recommended to move to the right side if you see trucks in the passing lane in order to not block faster cars from taking over.

Ownership

Companies operating 18 wheelers and trucking have massive resources at their disposal to force victims of accidents into accepting less than they deserve. They have teams of insurance adjusters, lawyers, engineers, and experts that work on their behalf, even before they know whether the victim of an accident will pursue legal action.

In accidents 18-wheelers are usually responsible for severe injuries and property damage due to the fact that they carry such heavy loads and are huge when compared to passenger cars. This is particularly so when they collide with other motor vehicles. It is important to have an experienced attorney fight for your rights and recovery against these powerful, large corporations.

Large vehicle accidents require an understanding of the most complex concepts in the fields of physics, biology, chemistry as well as federal regulations for trucking as well as medical standards, driving, and other related fields. Our attorneys have the expertise to discover violations of these laws and show the jury how they contributed to your accident.

Many parties could be at fault for 18-wheeler truck crashes. Our NY attorney for accidents involving 18 wheels will investigate all responsible parties and ensure that they are paid their fair portion of your current and anticipated expenses. This includes trucking companies, owners and maintenance contractors, and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also look into weather conditions that may have played a part in your accident.

Insurance

Trucking companies can put together large teams of lawyers, adjusters engineers, experts and adjusters quickly. They start this process even before they know if you will seek legal recourse. That is why it is so important to immediately retain a capable attorney who can match their resources and cut them to size.

An attorney who has experience in handling 18 wheeler accident law firm-wheeler crashes can ease the burden and help you receive the compensation you're due. The money could be used to pay for expenses like medical bills that are expensive car damage, lost wages due to missing work, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

18-wheelers are complex vehicles that require high-level, systematized maintenance to ensure they remain on the road. Inability to keep detailed logs and perform the necessary maintenance can cause disastrous accidents.

Tractor-trailers are commonly used to transport hazardous materials, that require special training and licensing. The material may be explosive, flammable, or poisonous, all of which pose significant risks to other drivers on American roads. Failure to properly label and secure the load could result in a catastrophic accident.

A qualified 18-wheeler crash attorney can pinpoint the exact cause and blame the parties who are responsible. This could include the driver of the truck, the trucking company and the owner of the trailer, as well as the company that manufactures the truck and its components. This is called vicarious liability.