What Is 18 Wheeler Law?

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

Trucking companies often require their drivers to work for longer and alter logbooks. This can result in catastrophic trucking accidents.

Weight Regulations

It is essential to understand the weight restrictions for semi-trucks. Many states have single axle and group axle weight limits that must be adhered to. Weigh stations are common along interstates, where truckers are weighed to ensure they don't over the weight limit for their vehicle or load. If a truck driver is found to be in violation of these limits, they could be fined, or even jailed depending on the state of their residence and criminal record.

Axle groups have a higher limit of weight since the vehicle is more secure when the weight is distributed over a wider range of axles. This also permits the carriage of more cargo. A single tire on an wheel can weigh up to 650 pounds per inch however, when two tires are mounted on the same axle, it can be weighed as high as 1300 pounds.

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

Lane Restrictions

In addition to the lane restrictions truck drivers also must be aware of speed limits as well as traffic lights. Trucks are not able to drive at the same speed as passenger vehicles and when they do, they could cause accidents. In most instances, it is the driver of the truck that is the one to blame. Truck drivers may be driving for longer than they are entitled to, zachary 18 Wheeler accident lawyer violating hours-of-service rules, or being distracted or sleepy behind the driving.

Truck drivers are also barred from driving in the left right lane. Trucks brake much slower than cars that are primarily passenger vehicles. This can be a serious issue, especially for those with smaller cars who could be stranded behind a truck if it slows or stops suddenly.

Certain states restrict the use of lanes under certain circumstances, while others restrict it for large trucks. These laws may be based either on axel or weight limits. In other situations they could be solely based on vehicle's description.

Even if there's no statewide law on lane restrictions, you must still review the local rules and follow the rules. Also, you should move to the right when you spot a truck blocking the passing lane.

Ownership

Trucking and 18 wheeler companies have a vast array of resources available to force accident victims to accept a lesser amount than they should. They have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters who represent them before they even know whether the accident victim will take legal action.

Because they can carry massive loads and are much bigger than passenger vehicles, elizabethtown 18 wheeler accident attorney wheelers can cause severe injuries and massive property damage when they are involved in accidents. This is particularly so when they collide with motor vehicles. It is essential to have an experienced lawyers defend 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, chemistry, biology and trucking regulations from the federal government and medical practices, driving regulations, and other related fields. Our lawyers are able to identify any violations of these laws, and explain to the jury what caused your accident.

lake park 18 wheeler accident lawyer (vimeo.com)-wheeler truck crashes are typically caused by the careless or reckless actions of a variety of parties. Our NY 18-wheeler accident lawyer will investigate the parties responsible and ensure that they pay their fair share for your present and future expenses. This includes trucking companies owners, maintenance contractors, owners and even drivers themselves. Our team will also investigate weather conditions that could be a factor in the accident.

Insurance

Trucking companies can send large teams of adjusters, lawyers, engineers and experts quickly. They begin this process before they even know if you intend to seek legal recourse. It is crucial to hire an attorney who is capable of matching their resources and helping them decrease in size.

An experienced 18-wheeler crash lawyer can take the burden of dealing with these big corporations off your hands and concentrate on securing the compensation you're due. The money will cover costs like steep medical bills car damage, lost wages due to missing work, and also non-economic injuries like pain and suffering.

18 wheelers are complex vehicles that require high-end, consistent maintenance to ensure their safety on the road. Inability to keep detailed records and perform this maintenance can lead to catastrophic accidents.

Tractor-trailers frequently carry hazardous materials, which requires special training and specialized licenses to transport. These materials can be flammable or explosive or radiological or poisonous. They all pose a significant danger to other drivers on American highways. A fatal accident could happen if the load is not properly labeled and secured.

A qualified 18 wheeler accident lawyer can determine the precise causes of your accident and liable for any party who are responsible. This could include the driver of the truck, the trucking company as well as the owner of the trailer and the manufacturer of the truck and its components. This is referred to as vicarious obligation.