What Is 18 Wheeler Law?

Accidents that involve commercial truck drivers, their rigs, and 18 wheelers are covered under the law governing winston salem 18 wheeler accident law firm wheelers. These massive vehicles must follow strict federal guidelines for maintenance as well as safety and 18 wheeler accident training.

Unfortunately, trucking companies often press their drivers to complete longer hours and manipulate log books. This can result in catastrophic trucking crashes.

Weight Regulations

Understanding the weight limits of semi-trucks is crucial. Weight limits for single axles and group axles are set by the majority of states. Weigh stations are prevalent along interstates where truckers are weighed to ensure that they don't over the weight limit for their vehicle or load. If a truck driver gets found to be in violation of these limits, they may be fined or even jailed depending on the state and their criminal record.

Axle groups have a greater weight limit because the vehicle is safer when the weight is distributed over a wider range of axles. This also permits the transport of larger cargo. For example a single tire mounted on an axle can be weighed at 650lbs per inch of wheel's diameter. However, when there are 2 tires on that same axle it could be weighted at 1300 lbs per tire.

There are restrictions on the kinds of trailers that can be used with a tractor. Some states allow only one trailer, while other states permit triple or twin trailers. Some states also require a fifth wheel on the trailer that is a piece of metal that sits above the drive wheels and connects (hooks up) the trailer to the tractor unit. There are day cab tractor and sleeper cabs, which incorporate an area for sleeping inside the tractor unit and are designed for over-the-road hauling.

Lane Restrictions

In addition to the lane restrictions truck drivers must follow speed limits and 18 wheeler accident traffic lights. Trucks are not allowed to drive at the same speed as passenger vehicles. If they do, accidents may occur. In many instances, the driver of the truck is the one at fault in these accidents. This is because truck drivers may drive longer than the limit and break hours-of service rules or become sleepy or distracted behind the vehicle.

Truck drivers are also prohibited from driving in the left the lane. Trucks brake much slower than passenger cars. This could be a risky situation, especially for smaller vehicles that could be stranded behind trucks when they suddenly slow down or stop.

Some states limit the use of lanes in certain circumstances, and some restrict it for big trucks. In certain cases the laws are based on weight and axel limits, whereas in other they could be based on vehicle description or directions.

Even if there is no law that is statewide however, you must check local rules about limitations on lane usage and follow the rules. It is also recommended to move to the right when you notice a truck blocking the passing lane.

Ownership

The trucking and 18-wheeler companies have a wealth of resources to use in order to force victims of accidents to accept less than what they are entitled to. They have teams of insurance adjusters and lawyers who act on their behalf before they know if the victim of the accident will pursue legal action.

In accidents 18-wheelers are usually responsible for severe injuries and property damage because they are able to carry heavy loads and are so large relative to passenger vehicles. This is especially so when they collide into other motor vehicles. It is vital to hire a lawyer who has experience fighting for your rights against these large, powerful corporations.

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

Multiple parties could be accountable for the 18-wheeler truck crash. Our NY 18 wheeler accident lawyer will investigate all responsible parties and ensure that they are liable for their fair part of your current and anticipated costs. This includes trucking firms, owners, maintenance contractors and even drivers themselves. Our team will also investigate weather conditions that might have played a role in your accident.

Insurance

Trucking companies are able to send large teams of lawyers, adjusters engineers, experts and adjusters quickly. They start this process before they even know whether you will to pursue legal recourse. That's why it's so important to immediately retain a capable attorney who can match their resources and cut them to size.

An experienced 18 wheeler accident lawyer will relieve the burden of dealing with these big corporations off your hands and focus on getting you the compensation you're entitled to. The money could be used to pay for expenses like medical bills that are expensive and vehicle damage, as well as loss of wages due to absence from work, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.

18-wheelers are highly complex vehicles that require high-level, systematic maintenance to ensure they remain on the road. Inability to maintain this maintenance and keep accurate records can result in catastrophic accidents.

Tractor-trailers are commonly used to transport hazardous materials which require special training and licensing. The material could be flammable, explosive, radiological, or toxic, all of which could pose a significant risk for other drivers on American roads. Failure to properly label and secure the load could result in a catastrophic accident.

A qualified 18-wheeler crash attorney can pinpoint the exact causes and blame any other individuals responsible. These could include the driver of the truck or the trucking company the owner of the trailer, and the manufacturer of the truck or its components. This is referred to as vicarious liability.