What Is 18 Wheeler Law?

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

Unfortunately, trucking companies frequently require their drivers to work longer hours and alter log books. This can cause trucking accidents to be catastrophic.

Weight Regulations

Knowing the weight limits for semi trucks is essential. The majority of states have single axle and group axle weight limits which must be adhered to. Weigh stations are prevalent along interstates where truckers are weighed to ensure they do not exceed the maximum weight limits for their vehicle or load. If a truck driver gets caught violating these limitations they may be fined or even imprisoned, based on the location and criminal record.

Axle groups are granted an increased limit because spreading the weight over more axles increases the safety of the vehicle and allows for more cargo to be carried. For example one tire on an axle is able to weigh 650 pounds per inch of wheel diameter but when there are two tires on the same axle, it can be weighted at 1300 lbs per tire.

There are also limitations on the types of trailers that can be used in conjunction with the tractor. Some states allow only one trailer, while other states allow triple or twin trailers. In addition, some states require the fifth wheel to be installed on the trailer, which is a rounded plate on top of the drive wheels that couples (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. Day cab tractors and sleeper cabs are offered. They both include an area for sleeping in the tractor unit.

Lane Restrictions

In addition to restrictions on lane usage Truck drivers must also comply with speed limits and traffic lights. Trucks can't drive at the same speed as cars and should they do, they may cause accidents. In most cases, it's the driver of the truck who is at fault. Truck drivers may be driving longer than they are entitled to, violating hours-of-service rules or simply being distracted or sleepy behind the driving.

Truck drivers are also prohibited from driving in the left side of the road. Trucks brake at a much lower speed than passenger cars. This could be a risky issue, particularly for those with smaller cars who could be stranded behind the truck when it slows or stops abruptly.

There are states that specifically single out large trucks and prevent them from using the left lane. However, others only restrict the usage of the lane in certain circumstances. In certain instances these laws are based on weight and axel limits, whereas in others they may be based on vehicle descriptions or direction signs.

Even if there isn't a statewide law on lane restrictions, you should still be aware of local rules and adhere to them. It is also recommended to move to the left when you see trucks blocking the lane.

Ownership

Trucking and 18 wheeler companies have massive resources to force accident victims into accepting far less than what they are entitled to. They have teams of lawyers, insurance adjusters engineers, experts, and even engineers who work on their behalf even before they know if an accident victim will seek legal remedy.

In accidents 18-wheelers can be blamed for catastrophic injuries and extensive property damage because they are able to carry heavy loads and are huge compared to passenger vehicles. This is particularly true when these trucks collide with motor vehicles. It is imperative to hire a lawyer who has experience fighting for your rights against these powerful, huge corporations.

Accidents involving large trucks require an understanding of complicated concepts that are derived from biology, chemistry and physics and federal trucking regulations medical regulations, and driving rules. Our lawyers are able to discover violations of these laws and demonstrate to the jury the circumstances that led to your accident.

Multiple parties could be accountable for the 18-wheeler truck crash. Our NY 18 wheeler accident law firm-wheeler accident lawyer will investigate the parties accountable and ensure that they are responsible for your current and anticipated expenses. This includes trucking firms, owners and maintenance contractors, and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also investigate the weather conditions that may have contributed to your accident.

Insurance

Trucking companies are able to deploy large teams of lawyers, adjusters engineers, and experts quickly. They begin this process before they know if you will seek legal recourse. That's why it's crucial to hire a capable attorney who can match their resources and reduce them to size.

An attorney who has experience handling 18-wheeler collisions can ease the burden and help you obtain the compensation you're entitled to. The money could be used to pay for expenses like steep medical bills or vehicle damage, loss of wages due to absence from work, as well as non-economic injuries like suffering and pain.

18 wheelers are extremely complex vehicles and require a high-level, systematic maintenance to ensure they are safe on the road. Failure to keep accurate records and 18 Wheeler Accident Lawsuit to perform maintenance can lead to devastating accidents.

Tractor-trailers are commonly used for transporting hazardous materials, that require specialized training and a license. These materials can be explosive or flammable and radiological as well as poisonous. They all pose a major risk to other drivers traveling on American highways. A serious accident can also occur if the load was not properly labeled and secured.

A competent attorney for 18 Wheeler Accident Lawsuit-wheelers can determine the exact cause and blame the parties that may be accountable. This could include the driver of the truck, the trucking firm and the owner of the trailer, as well as the manufacturer of the truck and its components. This is referred to as vicarious liability.