What Is 18 wheeler accident attorney Wheeler Law?

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

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

Weight Regulations

Knowing the weight limits for semi trucks is vital. Most states have both single axle and group axle weight limits which must be adhered to. Weigh stations are common along interstates, where truckers are weighed to ensure that they don't exceed the weight limit for their vehicle or load. If a trucker is caught breaking these limits and is found guilty, they may be fined and even sent to jail subject to their criminal history and the state.

Axle groups are given an increased limit because spreading the weight over more axles is safer for the vehicle and allows more cargo to be carried. A single tire on an wheel can weigh up to 665 pounds per inch but when two tires are on the same axle, it can be weighed to 1300 pounds.

There are limitations on the kinds of trailers that can be used in conjunction with a tractor. Some states allow only one trailer while others only allow twin or triple trailers. In addition, many states require the fifth wheel to be installed on the trailer. This is a round plate above the drive wheels, which connects (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. There are both day cab tractors and sleeper cabs that have a sleeping area inside the tractor unit. They are made to be used for hauling over the road.

Lane Restrictions

In addition to the lane restrictions truck drivers must be aware of speed limits as well as traffic lights. Trucks aren't permitted to travel at the same speed as cars used by passengers. If they do, accidents could occur. In most cases, it is the truck driver that is the one to blame. Truck drivers might be driving longer than they are entitled to, violating hours-of-service rules and/or being asleep or distracted behind the driving.

Another important lane restriction is that truck drivers are not allowed to drive in the left or right. Trucks brake much slower than cars that are primarily passenger vehicles. This can be a dangerous issue, particularly for those in smaller cars who may be stuck behind the truck when it slows or stops abruptly.

Certain states prohibit the use of lanes in specific circumstances, while others restrict it for large trucks. These laws could be based on axel or weight limits. In other situations they could be solely based on vehicle description.

Even if there's no statewide regulation on lane limits, you should still be aware of local rules and abide by the rules. You should also move over to the right when you see a truck in the pass lane in order to not hinder cars taking over.

Ownership

The trucking and 18-wheeler businesses have an abundance of resources to utilize to force accident victims into accepting less than what they're entitled to. They have teams of lawyers, insurance adjusters engineers, engineers, and experts who work on their behalf, even before they know if an accident victim will pursue legal action.

Because they are able to carry enormous loads and are much bigger than passenger vehicles, 18 wheeler accident law firm wheelers often cause massive injuries and property damage when they are involved in accidents. This is especially true when these trucks collide with motor vehicles. It is vital to hire an attorney who has experience fighting for your rights against these powerful, large corporations.

Accidents involving large trucks require a thorough understanding of concepts from the fields of biology, chemistry, physics and federal trucking regulations medicine, and 18 wheeler accident lawsuit driving standards. Our lawyers have the knowledge to uncover violations of these laws and demonstrate to the jury how they contributed to your accident.

Multiple parties can be responsible for the 18-wheeler truck crash. Our NY 18-wheeler accident lawyer will investigate the parties accountable and ensure that they are liable for your current and anticipated costs. This includes trucking firms and owners, maintenance contractors and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also look into the weather conditions that may have played a role in your accident.

Insurance

Trucking companies have a wealth of options available and can quickly send teams of lawyers, insurance adjusters engineers, 18 wheeler accident Lawsuit experts, and lawyers to help defend the victims of accidents. They start this process even before they know if you'll need legal recourse. It is important to retain an attorney who can match their resources and helping them decrease in size.

An experienced 18-wheeler crash lawyer can help you deal with these corporations off your shoulders and concentrate on securing the compensation you are entitled to. The money could be used to pay medical expenses, vehicle damages, lost income from missed work and other non-economic losses such as suffering and pain.

18-wheelers are a complex vehicle that require high-level, systematic maintenance to ensure they remain on the road. Failure to keep accurate records and to perform maintenance can lead to disastrous accidents.

Tractor-trailers often carry hazardous material, which requires special training and specialized certification to transport. The material is flammable, explosive, radiological or poisonous, and all of these pose significant risks to other drivers on American roads. A catastrophic accident could also occur if the load was not properly labeled and secured.

A trained 18 Wheeler Accident Lawsuit wheeler accident lawyer can determine the precise cause of your crash and hold liable any parties who could be accountable. These could include the truck driver and the trucking company, the owner of the trailer, and the manufacturer of the truck or its components. This is referred to as vicarious obligation.