What Is 18 wheeler accident law firms Wheeler Law?

18 wheeler law protects against accidents which involve commercial truck drivers as well as their rigs. These huge vehicles are subject to strict federal guidelines regarding maintenance, safety, and training.

Unfortunately, trucking companies frequently press their drivers to complete longer hours and alter log books. This can cause accidents involving trucks to be devastating.

Weight Regulations

Knowing the weight limits for semi-trucks is crucial. Most states have single axle and group axle weight limits which must be observed. There are numerous weigh stations on interstates, where truckers are weighed to ensure they do not exceed the weight limits for their vehicle or load. If a trucker is caught breaking these limits, they could be fined and even put in jail subject to their criminal history and the state.

Axle groups have a higher limit because distributing the weight over more axles increases the safety of the vehicle and allows more cargo to be transported. A single tire on a wheel can weigh up to 650 pounds per inch, however, if two tires are mounted on the same axle, they can be weighed up to 1300 pounds.

There are also restrictions on the type of trailers that can be used with a tractor. Certain states only permit one trailer, while other states only permit twin or triple trailers. In addition, many states require fifth wheels on the trailer which is a rounded plate on top of the drive wheels that joins (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. There are day cab tractor and sleeper cabs that incorporate an area for sleeping inside the tractor unit. They are made for over-the-road hauling.

Lane Restrictions

In addition to limitations on lane width truck drivers must comply with speed limits and traffic lights. Trucks cannot drive at the same speed as cars, and should they do, they can cause accidents. In most cases the driver of the truck is the culprit in these accidents. Truck drivers may be driving for longer than they are entitled to, violating hours-of-service rules, or being asleep or distracted behind the steering wheel.

Another important restriction on lane usage is that truck drivers aren't allowed to drive in the left lane. This is because it takes a lot longer for trucks to brake than cars. This could result in a dangerous situation, particularly for smaller cars that may be stranded behind trucks when they suddenly slow down or stop.

Some states restrict the use of lanes in specific circumstances, while others restrict it for big trucks. In some cases these laws are built around axel and weight limits, while in other, they may be based on the description of the vehicle or direction signs.

Even if there's no statewide law governing lane restrictions, you should still look over the local rules and observe the rules. You should also shift to the left when you see trucks blocking the lane.

Ownership

The 18-wheeler and trucking firms have a wealth of resources to make use of to force accident victims to accept less than they are entitled to. They have teams of lawyers, insurance adjusters engineers, engineers, and experts who work on their behalf before they know whether an accident victim will seek legal remedy.

In accidents 18-wheelers are usually responsible for a number of serious injuries and property damage due to the fact that they are able to carry heavy load and are so massive in comparison to passenger vehicles. This is particularly so when they collide with motor vehicles. It is vital to hire an attorney who is experienced in 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 biology, chemistry and federal regulations for trucking, medicine, driving standards and other related areas. Our attorneys have the expertise to discover violations of these laws, 18 Wheeler Accident and then show the jury the circumstances that led to your accident.

Many parties could be at fault for truck accidents involving 18-wheelers. Our NY 18 wheeler accident lawsuits wheeler accident lawyer will investigate all liable parties and make sure they pay their fair share of your current and anticipated expenses. This includes trucking companies, owners, maintenance contractors, and even drivers themselves. Our team will also look into weather conditions that might be a factor in the accident.

Insurance

Trucking companies can send large teams of lawyers, adjusters, engineers and experts quickly. They start this process even before they know whether you'll need legal recourse. This is why it's vital to immediately hire an experienced lawyer who can match their resources and bring them down to size.

A lawyer with experience handling 18-wheeler collisions will relieve you of the burden and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. This money can be used to pay for medical expenses, vehicle damage and lost income due to missed work as well as other non-economic damages such as suffering and pain.

18 wheelers are a complex vehicle and require high-end, systematic maintenance to ensure they are safe on the road. Inability to maintain this maintenance and maintain accurate records could lead to devastating accidents.

Tractor-trailers are often used to transport hazardous materials that require special training and licenses. These materials can be explosive or flammable and radiological as well as poisonous. They all pose a risk to other drivers traveling on American highways. A serious accident can also happen if the load is not properly labeled and secured.

A reputable 18 wheeler accident lawyer can pinpoint the exact cause of your crash and hold any responsible parties who are responsible. This may include the driver of the truck, the trucking company and the owner of the trailer and the company that manufactures the truck and its components. This is known as vicarious liability.