Is an 18 Wheeler Legal?

A lot of car accidents happen and can result in physical and medical expenses and time lost from work. If an 18 wheeler accident attorneys-wheeler is involved, the consequences can be more serious.

Victims are able to submit a claim for financial compensation when this occurs. This is where a New Orleans truck accident attorney can assist.

Weight Limits

18 wheeler accident attorneys-wheelers can carry up to 80,000 pounds including the weight and volume of cargo. This is a strict restriction that forces trucking companies to pack their vehicles with full capacity and can result in overloaded. If a trucker exceeds this limit, they may be fined, which varies according to the location.

You can usually tell if an 18-wheeler is over the limit by checking their lights. If their blinkers flash just once it is safe to merge ahead of them. High beams and flashes with multiple flashes aren't. Keep an eye out for truck drivers who are also using their lights as a way to communicate.

Always leave a wide gap between your vehicle and an 18-wheeler. This is particularly important when passing. If you cut off the truck, it could result in an accident that is fatal. Car drivers are the primary cause of 72% of all crashes between vehicles and trucks.

The number of Axles

Unlike cars, semi-trucks require multiple axles in order to rotate the wheels. The typical semi-truck has four axles, including the steer and drive axles, while trailers typically have two tandem axles. It is important to keep in mind that these vehicles are larger than the typical passenger car.

The weight limits for axles are based on various factors including the Federal Bridge Formula, and the single axle and axle group legal limits set by each state. The state limit may be higher than the Federal limit and this is why it is essential for truckers and drivers to know the state and federal axle weight limits prior to traveling.

The task of transporting freight is difficult enough but adding weight increases the likelihood of an accident. If truckers overload their trailer is in violation of the law and could be held responsible for results of injuries. A lawyer for truck accidents will determine if the driver of an 18-wheeler was negligent and was the cause of the accident if you were injured.

Speed Limits

As any driver knows, speeding is one of the main causes of truck accidents. This is particularly applicable to big trucks due to their weight, size and weight. Therefore, it is vital for truckers to follow the speed limits for every highway they travel.

Truck drivers are often under pressure to make quick delivery and may not be able slow down enough to meet the conditions. This can lead drivers to drive recklessly, which could cause harm to other drivers.

Speed limiters can reduce the risk of accidents. This is a device that can automatically limit the speed of a truck to a safe amount, and it can be installed in various types of trucks.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is currently evaluating an amendment to the rulebook that would require truckers use these devices. The agency has issued a supplemental notification of proposed rulemaking to get feedback on the proposal. In earlier proposals it was suggested that truck speeds be restricted to 60, 65 or even 68 miles per hour.

Insurance

The majority of private owners buy one insurance policy to cover all their vehicles. Truckers however do not own the trucks they drive. Instead, they lease their 18-wheelers to a trucking company. Because of the higher risk associated with commercial vehicles trucking firms typically require greater liability insurance limits. Additionally, they may purchase bobtail and cargo coverage for their vehicles. Cargo insurance protects the cargo that a semi is carrying while bobtail insurance protects the truck once it has delivered its load. These policies will pay compensation to victims and grieving family members in the event of an accident.

Maintenance

It is often difficult to estimate the costs of maintenance for commercial vehicles. This is because commercial vehicles are very expensive to repair and maintain particularly when they require major repairs. However some trucking companies offer maintenance schedules that provide an estimate of the overall cost of maintaining the vehicle.

Trucks have ten brakes rather than 18 and anti-lock breaks are now standard on new trucks. The trucks take about 40 percent longer to stop than a car. This is due to the huge size and acceleration of an 18 wheeler accident lawsuits - Http://thinktoy.net/bbs/board.php?bo_table=Customer2&wr_id=340326,-wheeler.

The term "eighteen wheeler" has become synonymous with trucking. It's even featured in country music songs like the Red Sovine titles "Giddyup Go" and "Teddy Bear" and thrash metal band BigRig's song "Roll on". It is important to remember that these trucks aren't at home on the roads and must follow the same guidelines as other drivers. It is against the law for truckers, for example to use their phones while driving. A split second of inattention could result in disastrous consequences.