18 wheeler accident attorney Wheeler Legal Requirements

Trucks, 18 wheelers and tractor-trailers are involved in many wrecks each year. They transport dangerous loads, and their insurance requirements are higher than those for private vehicles.

Accidents involving trucks are usually caused by driver fatigue. The law restricts the amount of time truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires they keep accurate records.

Weight limit

As Americans continue to shift their shopping habits away from traditional retail and towards online commerce, the road is becoming increasingly crowded with trucks from Amazon, FedEx, and other shipping companies. Many drivers struggle to keep up with these large vehicles in terms of speed and maneuverability. This is a problem that affects everyone however it is particularly challenging for small and passenger car trucks to maneuver around these huge vehicles.

There are laws that govern the legal maximum limit for 18-wheelers. This includes the truck and the cargo it is carrying. It is important to know the legal guidelines to avoid driving over and putting your life in danger.

The maximum gross vehicle mass for trucks is 80,000 lbs. There are different weight limits for axle groups and single axles. Federal Bridge Formula, for example, restricts the weight of a single axle to 20000 pounds. Tandem axles however, are restricted to 34,000 lbs. In addition to these rules states also have their own specific weight restrictions for single-axles and axle groups.

The penalties for exceeding the weight limit differ from state-to-state and can include fines as high as $16,000. In some cases fines can also be issued by the driver's company. In addition, repeat offenders may be penalized more than first-time offenders.

Lane restrictions

In addition to weight restrictions, the laws of a majority of states govern where trucks may drive on highways. Some states, for example, prohibit large trucks from operating in the left lane of multilane highways. This law is intended to stop cars from following trucks close to the road and causing accidents.

In these situations, a truck driver has no choice but to change lanes or risk a collision. To make sure that trucks can pass slower vehicles quickly they must be in the right line of sight. Truck drivers must also be able to watch other motor vehicles in the left lane for hazards or 18 Wheeler Accident Lawsuits traffic control devices that require the driver to turn.

Ignoring these laws puts themselves and other motorists at risk of serious accidents. If a motorist is hurt by a vehicle that violated lane restriction laws they may be entitled to compensation.

Trucks require plenty of space to maneuver. They have the largest blind spots on the road. Some drivers block trucks when they change lanes. This can result in them jackknife. Sometimes drivers slow down much that the truck cannot move past them. This puts both parties at risk of a crash.

Bumper guards

Before installing bumper guards, check the laws of your state. Some states are not allowed to install bumper guards, while others only permit them on parked cars. These devices are also beneficial to have when parking your vehicle in crowded areas or in cities with many parallel parking. These devices can prevent scratches and scratches caused by larger drivers backing up onto your vehicle or SUV.

They can also be useful in stopping collisions with tree branches. Off-road vehicles usually have cowcatchers, which resemble the ones found on freight trains. They push aside brush and other debris and they can even assist by securing the headlights.

There are a number of different ways to put up bumper guards, including stick-on rubber strips and mat-style protectors. The stick-on design is the simplest to use and is able to be removed in minutes without leaving the sticky residue. This kind of vehicle does not provide much protection and does not cover all areas of your vehicle.

Some companies make mat-style protectors that can be rolled up and folded for easy transport and storage. The Luv-Tap, a popular model made of a soft cotton material that can be adjusted to various vehicle sizes is a popular item. It also comes with shiny silver reflectors that improve visibility in dim lighting. It comes with two included straps that attach it to the trunk of your vehicle. It can be flipped off when it is required.

Insurance

Accidents involving trucks can cause serious injuries and even death. State and federal regulations require that trucking companies purchase larger insurance policies than those for passenger cars. These policies may be worth as much as 40 times that of a standard policy. Trucking insurers, however, will do anything to avoid paying accident victims claims. They often attempt to trick injured people into giving a recorded statement or employ other techniques to reduce their liability. It is important to work with an attorney from a Denver truck crash lawyer in the event of filing an 18 Wheeler Accident Lawsuits wheeler claim.

The requirements for insurance for trucks are complicated and vary by the jurisdiction. The most frequent type of coverage is primary liability, which covers damage to property caused by the truck in the event of an accident. You should also think about cargo insurance and liability coverage for those who do not work. The former protects the truck when it's transporting a load and it is often included in the contract of a truck driver with their carrier. The latter is sometimes called "bobtail" insurance, and it protects the driver as well as the truck during the time between loads.

If you have been injured in an 18 wheeler accident, you need to know that the minimum insurance limits for tractor-trailers is much lower than the ones required for passenger vehicles. You'll have to battle the insurance company of the trucking company to get a fair settlement. A skilled Memphis truck accident lawyer can pinpoint any potentially responsible parties including the truck driver and the trucking company and any dram shops that might have served the driver too much.