What Is 18 Wheeler Law?

18 wheeler law deals with accidents which involve commercial truck drivers as well as their rigs. These massive vehicles must follow strict federal guidelines for maintenance safety, training, and maintenance.

Trucking companies often make their drivers to work for longer and manipulate logbooks. This can lead accidents involving trucks to be devastating.

Weight Regulations

It is important to understand the weight restrictions for semi-trucks. Most states have both single axle and group axle limits on weight that must be adhered to. Weigh stations are commonplace along interstates, where truckers are weighed to ensure they don't exceed the weight limit for their vehicle or load. If a trucker is found in violation of these limits and is fined, they could be penalized or even imprisoned depending on their criminal history and the state.

Axle groups have a higher limit of weight since the vehicle is safer when the weight is distributed across multiple axles. This also allows for the transport of more cargo. For example a single tire mounted on an axle can only weigh 650 pounds per inch of wheel diameter. However, when there are 2 tires on the same axle, it could be measured at 1300 pounds per tire.

There are limitations on the types of trailers that can be used in conjunction with the tractor. Some states only allow one trailer, and others only allow triple or twin trailers. Furthermore, many states require fifth wheels on the trailer. This is a round plate above the drive wheels, which connects (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. Both day cab tractors as well as sleeper cabs are offered. They both come with sleeping spaces inside the tractor unit.

Lane Restrictions

In addition to lane restrictions Truck drivers must also comply with speed limits and traffic lights. Trucks aren't permitted to drive at the same speeds as cars for passengers. If they do, accidents may occur. In many cases, it's the driver of the truck who is at fault. This is due to truck drivers being able to be driving for longer than is permitted and break hours-of service rules or become sleepy or distracted behind the driving.

Truck drivers are also prohibited from driving in the left right lane. Trucks brake more slowly than cars that are primarily passenger vehicles. This can be a very dangerous situation, especially for cars with smaller wheels that could be stranded behind trucks when they suddenly slow down or stop.

There are states that specifically exclude big trucks and block them from using the left lane, while other states limit the use of the lane under certain circumstances. In certain instances, these laws are determined by weight and axel limits, while in other they may be based on the description of the vehicle or accidents directions.

Even if there's no statewide regulation on lane limits, you must still review the local rules and observe the rules. Also, you should move to the right when you see trucks blocking the lane.

Ownership

Companies that operate 18 wheelers and trucks have a vast array of resources to force accident victims into accepting less than they should. They have teams of insurance adjusters, lawyers engineers, experts, and even engineers who advocate on their behalf before they know whether the victim of the accident is going to seek legal relief.

In the event of an accident, fillmore 18 wheeler accident law firm-wheelers are often responsible for a plethora of injuries and property damage because they carry such hefty loads and are so large relative to passenger vehicles. This is particularly relevant when they collide with other motor vehicles. It is imperative to hire an attorney with experience fighting for your rights against these powerful, large corporations.

Accidents involving large vehicles require an in-depth understanding of the concepts in the fields of physics, biology, chemistry as well as federal regulations for trucking as well as medical standards, driving and related fields. Our attorneys are able to identify any violations of these laws, and present to the jury the circumstances that caused your accident.

Multiple parties could be accountable for 18-wheeler truck crashes. Our NY attorney for 18 wheeler accidents will investigate all of the liable parties and make sure they are liable for their fair part of your current and anticipated costs. This includes trucking firms, owners of maintenance contractors, even the drivers themselves. Our team will also look into weather conditions that may have contributed to your accident.

Insurance

Trucking companies are able to deploy large teams of adjusters, lawyers engineers, experts and adjusters quickly. They begin this process before they decide if you will to pursue 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 crash lawyer can help you deal with these corporations off your shoulders and concentrate on securing the compensation you're due. The money could be used to cover medical costs, vehicle damage and lost income due to missed work and other non-economic losses like pain and suffering.

18-wheelers are extremely complex vehicles that require high-level, systematic maintenance to ensure they remain on the road. Inability to keep detailed records and perform this maintenance could lead to disastrous accidents.

Tractor-trailers are often carrying hazardous materials, which requires special training and specialized certification to transport. The material is explosive, flammable, radiological or poisonous, and all of these pose significant risks for other drivers on American roads. A serious accident can also happen if the load is not properly labelled and secured.

A reputable 18 wheeler crash lawyer will determine the exact reason for your accident and hold accountable any other parties that are accountable. These may include the truck driver, the trucking company, the owner of the trailer and the company that manufactures the truck or its components. This is referred to as vicarious liability.