What Is 18 Wheeler Law?

Accidents that involve commercial truck drivers, their rigs and 18 wheelers are covered under the 18 wheeler law. These massive vehicles are subject to strict federal guidelines regarding maintenance, safety and training.

Unfortunately, trucking companies often force their drivers to work longer hours and manipulate log books. This can cause accidents with trucks that are catastrophic.

Weight Regulations

Understanding the weight limits for semi-trucks is crucial. Weight limits for single axles as well as group axles are set by the majority of states. It is typical to see weigh stations along interstates where truckers are weighed in order to make sure they do not exceed the maximum weight limits for their vehicle and load. If a trucker is found breaking these limits and is fined, they could be penalized and even sent to jail subject to their criminal history and the state.

Axle groups are given a higher limit as distributing the weight across more axles increases the safety of the vehicle and allows more cargo to be carried. For example a single tire on an axle is able to be weighed at 650 pounds per inch of wheel's diameter. However, when there are two tires on the same axle, it can be weighed at 1300 pounds per tire.

There are also restrictions on the type of trailers that can be used with the tractor. Some states allow only one trailer while others only allow triple or twin trailers. Some states also require a fifth-wheel on the trailer that is a plate that sits over the drive wheels and couples (hooks up) the trailer with the tractor unit. Both day cab tractors and sleeper cabs can be found. They all have a sleeping area inside the tractor unit.

Lane Restrictions

In addition to limitations on lane width Truck drivers must also adhere to speed limits and traffic lights. Trucks aren't allowed to drive at the same speed as cars for passengers. If they do, accidents may occur. In many instances, it is the driver of the truck who is responsible. Truck drivers could be driving longer than they are permitted to, or breaking the hours-of service regulations and/or being distracted or sleepy behind the wheel.

Truck drivers are also prohibited from driving in the left the lane. This is because trucks take a lot longer trucks to brake than passenger vehicles. This can be a very dangerous situation, especially for cars that are smaller and could be stuck behind trucks if they suddenly slow down or stop.

Some states limit the use of lane lanes in certain situations, while other states restrict it for large trucks. These laws can be based either on weight or axel limit. In other situations they may be based solely on the vehicle's description.

Even if there's no statewide law that you can follow, you should be aware of local rules about lane restrictions and follow the rules. You should also move to the right when you notice trucks blocking the lane.

Ownership

The roanoke rapids 18 wheeler accident lawyer-wheeler and trucking companies have an array of resources they can employ to pressure accident victims to accept less than they are entitled to. They have teams of insurance adjusters, lawyers engineers, experts, and even engineers that work for their clients even before they know if an accident victim will seek legal remedy.

In accidents 18-wheelers are frequently responsible for a plethora of injuries and property damage because they carry such large loads and are incredibly large in comparison to passenger vehicles. This is especially the case when they collide with other motor vehicles. It is essential to find an attorney with experience fighting for your rights against these powerful, huge corporations.

Large vehicle accidents require a thorough understanding of complex concepts in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology and federal regulations for trucking and medical practices, driving regulations, and other related areas. Our lawyers are able uncover any violations of these laws, and present to the jury the circumstances that led to your accident.

Multiple parties could be accountable for 18-wheeler truck accidents. Our NY 18 wheeler accident lawyer will investigate all liable parties and make sure they pay their fair portion of your current and anticipated expenses. This includes owners of trucking businesses, trucking companies, maintenance contractors, and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also investigate weather conditions that may have played a part in the accident.

Insurance

Trucking companies can deploy large teams of lawyers, adjusters engineers, and experts quickly. They start this process before they know whether you will to seek legal recourse. This is why it is vital to immediately hire an experienced attorney who will match their resources and cut them to size.

A lawyer with expertise in dealing with 18-wheeler accidents will relieve you of the burden and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. The money could be used to cover medical costs, vehicle damage, lost income from missed work and other non-economic losses such as pain and suffering.

foster city 18 wheeler accident lawyer wheelers are complex vehicles and require high-end, systematic maintenance to ensure their safety on the road. Failure to do this maintenance and maintain accurate records can result in catastrophic accidents.

Tractor-trailers typically carry dangerous materials, which requires special training and special licensing for transport. They can be flammable or explosive or radiological, as well as poisonous. They all pose a major risk to other motorists on American highways. A catastrophic accident could also happen if the load is not properly labeled and secured.

A qualified Schertz 18 Wheeler Accident Attorney wheeler accident lawyer can determine the exact reason for your accident and hold liable any parties who may be responsible. This could include the driver of the truck, the trucking company, the owner or the trailer, as well as the manufacturer of the truck and its components. This is called vicarious responsibility.