What Is 18 Wheeler Law?

18 wheeler law regulates accidents with commercial truck drivers and their rigs. These massive vehicles are subject to federal regulations regarding maintenance, safety and training.

Unfortunately, trucking companies frequently require their drivers to work longer hours and manipulate log books. This can lead to devastating trucking accidents.

Weight Regulations

It is important to understand the weight limitations for semi-trucks. Weight limits for single axles as well as group axles are determined by most states. It is typical to see weigh stations along interstates, where truck drivers are weighed to verify that they do not exceed maximum limits of their vehicle and load. If a trucker gets found to be in violation of these restrictions, they could be fined, or even imprisoned based on the state they reside in and their criminal record.

Axle groups have a higher limit of weight since the vehicle is safer when the weight is spread over a wider range of axles. This also permits the transport of more cargo. A single tire on a wheel is only weighed up to 650 pounds per inch, however, if two tires are mounted on the same axle, they could be weighed up to 1300 pounds.

There are restrictions on the types of trailers which can be used in conjunction with the tractor. Some states allow only one trailer, whereas others only allow triple or twin trailers. Some states also require a fifth-wheel on the trailer, which is a plate that is placed over the drive wheels and couples (hooks up) the trailer to the tractor unit. There are day cab tractor and sleeper cabs that have an area for sleeping inside the tractor unit and are specifically designed to be used for hauling over the road.

Lane Restrictions

In addition to limitations on lane width truck drivers also must be aware of speed limits as well as traffic lights. Trucks cannot drive at the same speeds as passenger vehicles. If they do, accidents can occur. In many cases the driver of the truck is the culprit in these accidents. Truck drivers could be driving longer than they are allowed to, or breaking the hours-of service regulations or simply being distracted or sleepy behind the driving.

Truck drivers are also banned from driving in the left side of the road. Trucks brake much slower than cars that are primarily passenger vehicles. This could be a dangerous situation, 18 wheeler accident lawyer especially for smaller cars that may get stuck behind trucks when they suddenly slow down or stop.

There are some states that specifically single out large trucks and prohibit them from using the left lane, and others only restrict the use of the lane under specific situations. In some instances these laws are dependent on weight and axel limits, whereas in other they could be based upon vehicle description or 18 Wheeler accident Lawyer direction signs.

Even if there isn't a statewide law regarding lane restrictions you should still check the local rules and follow them. It is also recommended to move to the right side if you spot trucks in the passing lane, so that it does not hinder cars passing you.

Ownership

The 18-wheeler and trucking companies have an array of resources they can use in order to force accident victims to accept less than what they're entitled to. They have teams of insurance adjusters, lawyers engineers, engineers, and experts who work on their behalf, even before they know if the victim of an accident will seek legal remedy.

Because they are able to carry enormous loads and are so much larger than passenger vehicles, 18 wheeler accident lawyers wheelers often cause severe injuries and massive property damage in accidents. This is especially the case when they collide with other motor vehicles. It is essential to have an an experienced attorney fight for your rights and recovery against these massive, powerful corporations.

Accidents involving large trucks require an understanding of complex concepts in the fields of biology, chemistry and physics, federal trucking regulations, medical regulations, and driving rules. Our lawyers have the experience to uncover violations of these laws, and then show the jury how it led to your accident.

18 wheeler accidents-wheeler truck accidents are often caused by the negligence or reckless acts of a number of parties. Our NY 18 wheeler accident lawyer will investigate all of the responsible parties and ensure that they are liable for their fair portion of your current and anticipated costs. This includes owners of trucking businesses, trucking companies as well as maintenance contractors and even drivers themselves. Our team will also investigate the weather conditions that could have played a part in your accident.

Insurance

Trucking companies are able to send large teams of adjusters, lawyers engineers, experts, and adjusters quickly. They begin this process before they are aware of whether you'll need legal recourse. This is why it is essential to get an experienced lawyer who can match their resources and reduce them to size.

A seasoned 18-wheeler crash lawyer will alleviate the burden of dealing with these large corporations off your hands and focus on obtaining the compensation you deserve. The money could be used to pay for expenses like medical bills that are expensive car damage, loss of wages due to absence from work, and also non-economic damages such as suffering and pain.

18-wheelers are highly complex vehicles that require high-level, systematized maintenance to keep them on the road. Inability to maintain this maintenance and maintain detailed records could result in disastrous accidents.

Tractor-trailers are often carrying hazardous materials, which requires special training and special licensing for transport. The material is flammable, explosive, radiological or toxic, all of which pose significant risks for other drivers on American roads. In the absence of proper labeling and secure the load could cause a devastating accident.

A competent attorney for 18-wheelers can determine the exact cause and blame the individuals accountable. These may include the driver of the truck as well as the trucking company, the owner of the trailer, and the company that manufactures the truck or its components. This is referred to as vicarious obligation.