The Three Greatest Moments In 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer History

18 Wheeler Legal Requirements Every year, trucks, 18-wheelers, and tractor trailers are involved with a lot of accidents. They transport dangerous loads and have greater insurance requirements than private vehicles. Driver fatigue is a typical cause of truck accidents. The law limits the length of time truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires them to keep accurate logs of their work hours. Weight limit As Americans are continuing to shift away from traditional retail in-person and move towards online shopping, the roads are becoming increasingly crowded with trucks of Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. In the process, many drivers struggle to keep up with the speed and maneuverability of these massive vehicles. This is a challenge for all drivers, but smaller vehicles and passenger vehicles are finding it difficult to maneuver around these massive vehicles. There are laws that govern the maximum legal limit for 18-wheelers. This includes the truck itself as well as the cargo it transports. It is essential to know the legal limitations to avoid driving over and risking your life. 18 wheeler accident lawsuit high point for trucks is 80,000 lbs. However, there are several different weight limits for axle groups and single axles. Federal Bridge Formula, for example, restricts the weight of one axle to 20,000 pounds. Tandem axles, however, are limited to 34,000 lbs. States also have their own weight limits, both for single-axle vehicles and for axle groups. The penalties for over-weight differ from state to state and can include fines up to $16,000. In certain instances fines could also be enforced by the driver's employer. In addition, repeat offenders could be penalized more than first-time offenders. Lane restrictions Most states have laws that regulate the location of trucks on highways. Certain states, for instance, prohibit large trucks from operating in the left lane of the multilane highways. This law is intended to stop vehicles from following trucks too closely, and potentially causing an accident. In these instances, the truck driver would be forced to change lanes and run the risk of a collision with vehicles that are behind them. To make sure that trucks can get by slower vehicles swiftly they must be in the right direction. Truck drivers should also be able monitor other motor vehicles on the left lane to look for hazards or traffic devices that require them to make a turn. The consequences of not following these laws put them and other motorists at risk of serious accidents. If a motorist is injured due to a truck that has violated the laws governing lane restrictions, they may be entitled to compensation. Trucks have the biggest blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and need plenty of room to maneuver. Some drivers cut off trucks when changing lanes. This can result in them to jackknife. In other instances drivers slow down to the point where the truck can't pass through them, which puts both parties at risk of an accident. Bumper guards Before installing bumper guards, check the laws of your state. Some states prohibit them, while others permit them for vehicles that are parked. These devices are worthwhile to invest in when parking your vehicle in busy areas or in cities that have a lot of parallel parking. They prevent scrapes and dents which are usually caused by taller drivers backing into your truck or SUV. They can also avoid collisions with branches of trees. Off-road vehicles typically have cowcatchers that look similar to those on freight trains. They push aside brush and other debris, and they can even assist with headlight protection. There are many ways to install a rubber bumper. These include mat-style protectors as well as sticky rubber strips. The most simple to use is the stick-on design that can be removed in just minutes, without leaving any sticky residue. However, it isn't very secure and does not completely cover the entire length of your truck. Certain companies manufacture mat-style protectors that can be folded up or folded for easy transport and storage. The Luv-Tap is a popular model made from a soft cotton material which can be adjusted to various vehicle sizes, is a popular product. It also has reflective silver lights that brighten up visibility in dim lighting. It comes with two straps that can be used to secure it to the trunk of your car and can be flipped up whenever needed. Insurance Truck accidents can cause grave injuries and even death. State and federal regulations require that trucking companies carry larger insurance policies than cars for passengers. These policies can cost up to 40 times the amount of a standard policy. However, trucking insurers will do everything to avoid paying victims of accidents. They often bribe injured people into signing statements that are recorded or employ other strategies to limit their liability. It is important to consult with an attorney from a Denver truck crash lawyer in the event of filing an 18 wheeler crash claim. The requirements for trucking insurance are complex and differ by state. The most commonly used type of coverage is primary liability, which covers damages to property caused by the truck in an accident. It is an excellent idea to have cargo insurance, as well as non-trucking liability. The first covers the truck when it transports loads and is usually included in the contract between the driver and their transporter. The latter is often referred to as “bobtail” insurance and protects the driver and the truck between the loads. If you suffer injuries in a tractor-trailer accident, the minimum insurance limits for trailers and tractors is considerably lower than those for passenger cars. This means that you will likely have to fight with the trucking company's insurance provider for a fair settlement. A Memphis truck accident attorney can determine who are liable, including the trucker, the trucking company as well as any dram establishments that may have served the driver too much alcohol.