What Is 18 Wheeler Law?

18 wheeler law regulates accidents that involve commercial truck drivers and their rigs. These massive vehicles must follow strict federal guidelines for maintenance, safety, and training.

Unfortunately, trucking companies frequently press their drivers to complete longer hours and alter log books. This can result in catastrophic trucking accidents.

Weight Regulations

Knowing the weight limits for semi trucks is essential. Most states have both single axle and group axle limits on weight that must be observed. Weigh stations are commonplace along interstates where truckers are weighed to ensure that they don't exceed the weight limit for their vehicle or load. If a truck driver gets caught violating these limitations they could be penalized or even imprisoned, based on the state and their criminal record.

Axle groups have a higher limit as distributing the weight across multiple axles makes the vehicle safer and allows more cargo to be transported. For instance a single tire on an axle can weigh 650 pounds per inch of wheel's diameter. However, when there are two tires on the same axle, it could be weighed at 1300 pounds per tire.

There are also limitations on the types of trailers that can be used with the tractor. Some states allow only one trailer, while other states allow triple or twin trailers. Additionally, a lot of states require a fifth wheel on the trailer. It is a circular plate over the drive wheels that couples (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. Day cab tractors as well as sleeper cabs are available. They both have an area for sleeping inside the tractor unit.

Lane Restrictions

Truck drivers must abide by traffic signals and speed limits in addition to lane restrictions. Trucks are not able to drive at the same speed as passenger vehicles, and even if they do, they may cause accidents. In most cases, the truck driver is the one at fault in these accidents. Truck drivers might be driving longer than they are allowed to, breaking hours-of-service regulations or be distracted or sleepy behind the driving.

Truck drivers are also banned from driving in the left lane. Trucks brake much slower than cars that are primarily passenger vehicles. This could be a dangerous situation, particularly for cars that are smaller and could get stuck behind trucks when they suddenly slow down or stop.

There are some states that specifically target large trucks and restrict them from using the left lane, and others restrict the usage of the lane in specific situations. These laws could be based on axel or weight limits. In other situations they could be based solely on vehicle description.

Even if there's no statewide law it is important to check local rules about limitations on lane usage and follow the rules. You should also shift to the right when you spot a truck in the pass lane, so that it does not hinder faster vehicles from approaching you.

Ownership

Trucking and 18 wheeler companies have a vast array of resources at their disposal to pressure accident victims to accept less than they should. They have teams of insurance adjusters and lawyers who advocate on their behalf before they know if the victim of the accident will pursue legal action.

In accidents springfield 18 wheeler Accident lawyer-wheelers can be blamed for severe injuries and property damage due to the fact that they are able to carry heavy loads and are huge in comparison to passenger vehicles. This is especially relevant when these trucks collide with other motor vehicles. It is essential to find an attorney with experience fighting for your rights against these massive, powerful corporations.

Large truck accidents require a deep understanding of concepts in the fields of biology, chemistry, physics and federal trucking regulations, medicine, and driving standards. Our lawyers are able discover any infringements of these laws, and show the jury what caused your accident.

18-wheeler truck accidents can be caused by the careless or reckless actions of multiple parties. Our NY attorney for 18 wheeler accident lawyer wheeler accidents will investigate all of the accountable parties and ensure they are liable for their fair share of your current and expected costs. This includes trucking companies and owners, Anaheim 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer maintenance contractors and even drivers themselves. Our team will also examine weather conditions that could have contributed to the accident.

Insurance

Trucking companies have a wealth of options available and can quickly deploy teams of lawyers, insurance adjusters, engineers, and experts to help defend the victims of accidents. They start this process before they even decide if you will to pursue legal recourse. That's why it's essential to get a capable attorney who can match their resources and bring them down to size.

A lawyer with experience in handling 18-wheeler crashes will ease your burden and help you get the compensation you're due. The money will cover costs like steep medical bills or vehicle damage, lost wages due to missing work, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.

18-wheelers are complex vehicles which require sophisticated, systematic maintenance to ensure they remain on the road. Failure to perform this maintenance and maintain detailed records could lead to disastrous accidents.

Tractor-trailers often are used to transport hazardous substances, that require special training and licenses. The material may be explosive, flammable, radiological, or toxic, all of which could pose a significant risk for other drivers on American roads. Failure to properly label and secure the load could also result in a fatal accident.

A skilled 18 wheeler accident lawyer-wheeler crash lawyer can pinpoint the exact causes and blame any other parties who are responsible. These may include the truck driver as well as the trucking company, the owner of the trailer and the manufacturer of the truck or its components. This is referred to as vicarious liability.