What Is 18 Wheeler Law?

Accidents caused by commercial truck drivers their rigs, and 18 wheelers are covered by the law governing 18 wheelers. These huge vehicles are subject to strict federal guidelines regarding maintenance, safety and training.

Trucking companies often require their drivers to work longer and 18 wheeler accident lawyer alter logbooks. This can result in catastrophic trucking accidents.

Weight Regulations

Understanding the weight limits of semi trucks is vital. Many states have single axle and group axle limits on weight that must be adhered to. Weigh stations are commonplace along interstates, and truckers are weighed to ensure that they don't exceed the weight limits for their vehicle or load. If a truck driver gets found to be in violation of these limits, they may be fined or even imprisoned, based on the state and their criminal record.

Axle groups have a greater limit on weight because the vehicle is safer when the weight is spread over a wider range of axles. This also allows for the transport of more cargo. A single tire on a wheel is only weighed up to 650 pounds per inch however, if two tires are mounted on the same axle, it could be weighed up to 1300 pounds.

There are limitations on the types of trailers that can be used with the tractor. Some states will only allow one trailer, while other states only permit triple or twin trailers. Many states also require a fifth-wheel on the trailer, which is a plate that is placed over the drive wheels, and connects (hooks up) the trailer with the tractor unit. Both day cab tractors and sleeper cabs are offered. They all have an area for sleeping in the tractor unit.

Lane Restrictions

Truck drivers must abide by traffic signals and speed limits in addition to the lane limitations. Trucks are not allowed to operate at the same speed as cars used by passengers. If they do, accidents are likely to occur. In a lot of instances, it's the driver of the truck at fault. Truck drivers could be driving longer than they are permitted to, 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer or breaking the hours-of service regulations or simply being tired or distracted behind the driving.

Truck drivers are also barred from driving in the left right lane. This is due to the fact that trucks take longer trucks to stop than passenger vehicles. This could result in a risky situation, especially for cars with smaller wheels that could get stuck behind trucks when they suddenly slow down or stop.

There are some states that specifically exempt big trucks and block them from using the left lane. However, others restrict the use of the lane under specific situations. In certain cases, these laws are based on weight and axel limits, while in other they may be based on the description of the vehicle or direction signs.

Even if there's no law that is statewide however, you must check local regulations regarding lane restrictions and follow the rules. Also, you should move to the right side if you spot trucks passing in the lane, so that it does not hinder faster cars from taking over.

Ownership

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

Due to their massive load and are larger than passenger vehicles, 18 wheelers frequently cause catastrophic injuries and enormous property damage when they are involved in accidents. This is especially so when they collide with other motor vehicles. It is essential to find an attorney who has experience fighting for your rights against these massive, powerful corporations.

Accidents involving large vehicles require a thorough understanding of complex concepts in the fields of physics and chemistry, biology and trucking regulations from the federal government and medical practices, driving regulations and many other related fields. Our lawyers can find any violations of these laws and then show the jury the factors that caused your accident.

Multiple parties can be responsible for the 18 wheeler accident attorney-wheeler truck crash. Our NY 18 wheeler accident lawyer will investigate all of the liable parties and make sure they are paid their fair portion of your current and expected expenses. This includes trucking firms, owners, maintenance contractors and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also examine weather conditions that could have played a part in your accident.

Insurance

Trucking companies have vast options available and can quickly deploy teams of insurance adjusters, lawyers engineers, engineers, and experts to create a defense against accident victims. They start this process even before they are aware of whether you'll need legal recourse. It is essential to find an attorney who can match their resources and bringing them down in size.

An experienced 18 wheeler crash lawyer can help you deal with these big corporations off your hands and concentrate on securing the compensation you deserve. This money can be used to pay medical expenses, vehicle damages as well as lost income from missing work and other damages that are not economic such as suffering and pain.

18 wheelers are extremely complex vehicles and require a high-level, systematic maintenance to ensure their safety on the road. Failure to do this maintenance and keep accurate records could lead to disastrous accidents.

Tractor-trailers can be used to transport hazardous substances, which require specialized training and a license. The material could be explosive, flammable, radiological, or poisonous, all of which pose significant risks for other drivers on American roads. In the absence of proper labeling and secure the load could also cause a devastating accident.

A trained 18 wheeler accident lawyer can determine the precise reason for your accident and hold liable any parties who are responsible. This may include the driver of the truck, the trucking company or the owner of the trailer and the company that manufactures the truck and its components. This is referred to as vicarious liability.