What Is 18 Wheeler Law?

18 wheeler law deals with accidents involving commercial truck drivers and their rigs. These huge vehicles must be subject to strict federal guidelines for maintenance security, safety, and training.

Unfortunately, trucking companies often pressure their drivers to work longer hours and alter log books. This can lead to catastrophic trucking crashes.

Weight Regulations

Knowing the weight limits for semi trucks is essential. Most states have both single axle and group axle weight limits which must be observed. It is commonplace to see weigh stations along interstates where truck drivers are weighed to ensure that they do not exceed the maximum limits of their vehicle and load. If a truck driver is found to be in violation of these limits, they may be fined or even jailed depending on the state they reside in and their criminal record.

Axle groups are granted an increased limit because spreading the weight over a wider range of axles makes the vehicle safer and allows for more cargo to be transported. A single tire on a wheel can weigh up to 650 pounds per inch, however, if two tires are on the same axle, they can be weighed to 1300 pounds.

There are restrictions on the kind of trailers that can be used with the tractor. Some states will only allow one trailer, and others only allow 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 to the tractor unit. There are both day cab tractors as well as sleeper cabs that have sleeping areas inside the tractor unit. They are made to be used for hauling over the road.

Lane Restrictions

Truck drivers must adhere to traffic signals and speed limits in addition to the lane limitations. Trucks are not allowed to drive at the same speed as cars for passengers. If they do, accidents are likely to occur. In many instances the truck driver is at fault in these accidents. This is because truck drivers may drive for longer than allowed, break hours-of-service rules, or become tired or distracted behind the steering wheel.

Truck drivers are also barred from driving in the left side of the road. This is due to the fact that trucks take a lot longer trucks to stop than passenger vehicles. This can pose a danger problem, especially for people with smaller cars who could be stuck behind the truck when it suddenly stops or slows down.

Some states limit the use of lanes in certain circumstances, and some restrict it for large trucks. In certain instances, these laws are determined by weight and Vimeo axel limits, whereas in other, they may be based upon vehicle description or direction signs.

Even if there's no statewide law that you can follow, you should be aware of local rules about the lane restrictions and adhere to them. Also, you should move to the left if you see a truck in the pass lane to ensure that it does not hinder cars passing you.

Ownership

The 18-wheeler and trucking companies have an array of resources they can make use of to force accident victims into accepting less than they are entitled to. They have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters who represent them before they know if the victim of the accident will pursue legal action.

In the event of an accident, 18-wheelers are often responsible for severe injuries and property damage because they carry such hefty loads and are so large compared to passenger vehicles. This is especially true when these trucks collide with motor vehicles. It is important to have an experienced attorney fight for your rights and get you justice against these powerful, large corporations.

Large-scale accidents require a thorough understanding of complex concepts in the fields of physics and chemistry, biology as well as federal regulations for trucking and medical practices, driving regulations and other related areas. Our lawyers can find any violations of these laws, and show the jury what caused your accident.

Many parties could be at fault for 18-wheeler truck crashes. Our NY attorney for 18 wheeler accidents will investigate all accountable parties and ensure they pay their fair portion of your current and expected costs. This includes trucking firms, owners of maintenance contractors, even drivers themselves. Our team will also investigate weather conditions that may have played a part in your accident.

Insurance

Trucking companies have vast resources available to them and are able to quickly deploy teams of lawyers, insurance adjusters, Vimeo engineers, and experts to build a defense against the victims of accidents. They start this process even before they know if you'll need legal recourse. It is important to retain an attorney who is capable of matching their resources and bringing them down in size.

An experienced 18 wheeler accident attorney wheeler accident lawyer will alleviate the burden of dealing with these big corporations off your hands and focus on obtaining the compensation you are entitled to. This money can cover costs like medical bills that are expensive and vehicle damage, as well as lost wages due to missing work, and also non-economic injuries like pain and suffering.

18 wheelers are extremely complex vehicles and require a high-level, systematic maintenance to keep them safe on the road. Failure to maintain detailed documents and carry out this maintenance can cause catastrophic accidents.

Tractor-trailers are commonly used to transport hazardous materials, that require specialized training and a license. These materials may be flammable or explosive and radiological as well as poisonous. They all pose a serious risk to other drivers on American highways. A fatal accident could occur if the load is not properly labeled and secured.

A qualified 18-wheeler crash attorney will determine the exact cause of the accident and pinpoint any individuals accountable. This could include the truck driver and the trucking company, the owner of the trailer, and the company that manufactures the truck or its components. This is known as vicarious liability.