18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer: 10 Things I'd Like To Have Known Earlier

18 Wheeler Legal Requirements

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

Truck accidents are often caused by fatigued drivers. The law restricts how long truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires them to keep accurate logs of their hours of service.

Weight limit

As Americans are continuing to shift away from traditional retail in-person and move towards online commerce the road is becoming increasingly crowded with trucks of Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. Many drivers struggle to keep up with these huge vehicles their speed and maneuverability. It's a challenge for all drivers, but smaller cars and passenger vehicles are having a tough time maneuvering around these huge vehicles.

Fortunately, there are laws that regulate the maximum legal weight limit for 18 wheelers. This applies to the truck itself as well as the cargo it carries. You must be aware of the legal restrictions to avoid driving over and placing your life in danger.

The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 pounds. However, there are different weight limits for axle groups as well as single axles. For instance the Federal Bridge Formula sets a single-axle limit of 20,000 pounds, when axles spaced greater than 40 inches, but not more than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are restricted to 34,000 pounds. States also have their own weight limits, both for single-axle vehicles as well as axle groups.

State-by-state, the penalties for a violation of a weight limit can range from fines to $16,000. In some cases fines could be enforced by the driver's employer. In addition, repeat offenders could receive higher fines than first-time offenders.

Lane restrictions

The majority of states have laws that regulate where trucks are allowed to drive on highways. Some states, for instance prohibit large trucks from driving in the left lane of multilane highways. This law is intended to keep vehicles from following trucks too closely, and potentially causing an accident.

In such situations the truck driver is left with no choice but to switch lanes or risk a collision. To make sure that trucks are able to get by slower vehicles swiftly, they need to be in the right lane. Truck drivers also need to be able to observe other motor vehicles in the left lane for dangers or traffic control devices that require them to make a turn.

By not complying with these laws, they put themselves and other motorists at risk of serious accidents. If a motorist is hurt by a truck that has violated the laws governing lane restrictions, they may be entitled to compensation.

Trucks require a lot of space to maneuver. They have the biggest blind spots on the road. Some drivers block trucks when they change lanes. This could cause them to the jackknife. Sometimes drivers slow down that trucks are unable to pass them. This puts both parties at risk of a crash.

Bumper guards

Bumper guards are a fantastic way to protect your truck from damage, however, you must check the laws of your state before installing them. Certain states ban them, while others allow them only for vehicles parked. These devices are also recommended for security when parking your vehicle in crowded areas or in cities that have many parallel parking.  18 wheeler accident attorney laguna niguel  can prevent scratches and scratches caused by taller drivers backing up into your vehicle or SUV.

They can also be useful in preventing collisions with tree branches. Off-road vehicles usually have cowcatchers that resemble those on freight trains. They can be used to shove debris and brush off, and even protect headlights.

There are several ways to install a rubber bumper. These include mat-style protectors and stick-on rubber strips. The most straightforward is the stick-on type that can be removed in only minutes, without leaving any sticky residue. However, it doesn't offer much protection and doesn't cover all the corners of your truck.

Certain companies manufacture mat-style protectors that can be rolled up or folded to make it easy for transport and storage. The Luv-Tap is a well-loved model that is composed of soft padded cotton material and can be adjusted to suit various vehicle sizes. It also comes with bright silver reflectors to improve visibility in low lighting conditions. It is equipped with two straps which can be used to secure it to the trunk of your car and can be turned upside down at any time.

Insurance

Accidents with trucks can cause serious injuries or even death. State and federal regulations require that trucking companies carry larger insurance policies than passenger vehicles. These policies could be worth 40 times more than an ordinary policy. Trucking insurance companies, however, will do whatever they can to prevent paying accident victim claims. They frequently try to trick injured people into making a recorded statement or use other tactics to minimize their liability. When filing a claim in the event of an 18-wheeler accident, it is important to consult a Denver truck accident attorney.

The requirements for trucking insurance are complicated and vary based on the jurisdiction. The most commonly used type of coverage is primary liability, which covers damage to property that the truck causes in the event of an accident. It is an excellent idea to have cargo insurance as well as non-trucking liability. The former covers the truck when it's carrying a load, and is usually included in a truck driver's contract with their carrier. The latter is often called "bobtail" insurance, and it protects the truck and driver between loads.

If you've been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, you must be aware that the minimum insurance limits for tractor-trailers is considerably lower than those that are required for passenger vehicles. You'll need to fight the insurance firm of the trucking firm to negotiate an equitable settlement. A skilled Memphis truck accident lawyer can pinpoint all parties potentially responsible including the truck driver and the trucking firm, and any dram shops that may have served the driver too much.