What Is 18 Wheeler Law?

Accidents involving commercial truck drivers, their rigs and 18 wheelers are covered under the law of 18 wheels. These massive vehicles are subject to federal regulations regarding maintenance, safety, and training.

Unfortunately, trucking companies frequently pressure their drivers to work longer hours and alter log books. This can lead to devastating trucking accidents.

Weight Regulations

It is essential to understand the weight limits for semi trucks. Many states have single axle and group axle weight limits that must be adhered to. There are numerous weigh stations on interstates, where truckers are weighed to ensure they don't exceed the weight limits for their vehicle or load. If a trucker is found breaking these limits and is fined, they could be penalized and even put in jail depending on their criminal history and the state.

Axle groups are able to have an increased limit because spreading the weight across more axles is safer for the vehicle and allows more cargo to be transported. For instance one tire on an axle is able to be weighed at 650lbs per inch of wheel diameter, but when there are 2 tires on that same axle it can be weighted at 1300 lbs per tire.

There are also restrictions on the type of trailers that can be used in conjunction with a tractor. Some states only allow one trailer, whereas others only permit triple or twin trailers. In addition, many states require fifth wheels on the trailer, which is a circular plate over the drive wheels that couples (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. Day cab and night cab tractors and sleeper cabs can be found. They both come with sleeping spaces inside the tractor unit.

Lane Restrictions

In addition to restrictions on lane usage truck drivers also must follow speed limits and traffic lights. Trucks can't drive at the same speed as passenger vehicles, and if they do, they may cause accidents. In many cases the truck driver is the culprit in these accidents. This is because truck drivers may drive longer than the limit or violate the hours-of-service regulations, or be distracted or sleepy behind the vehicle.

Truck drivers are also barred from driving in the left lane. Trucks brake much slower than cars that are primarily passenger vehicles. This could create a risky situation, particularly for cars with smaller wheels that could be stuck behind trucks if they suddenly slow down or stop.

Certain states restrict the use of lanes in specific situations, while other states restrict it for big trucks. These laws can be based either on weight or axel limit. In other instances, they could be based solely on the vehicle description.

Even if there is no law that is statewide it is important to check local rules regarding 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

Companies operating richmond heights 18 wheeler accident lawsuit wheelers and trucking have huge resources at their disposal to force victims of accidents to accept a lesser amount than what they are entitled to. They have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters who act on their behalf before they know if the victim of the accident will take legal action.

Due to their massive load and are larger than passenger vehicles, 18 wheelers can cause catastrophic injuries and enormous property damage in accidents. This is especially true when these trucks collide with other motor 18 wheeler accident law Firm vehicles. It is vital to hire an attorney who has experience fighting for your rights against these massive, powerful corporations.

Large truck accidents require an understanding of complex concepts from the fields of physics, chemistry, biology, federal trucking regulations, medicine, and driving standards. Our lawyers have the knowledge to discover violations of these laws and show the jury why it led to your accident.

Multiple parties could be accountable for truck accidents involving 18-wheelers. Our NY 18 Wheeler Accident lawsuit-wheeler accident lawyer will investigate the parties accountable and ensure that they are liable for your current and anticipated expenses. This includes trucking companies owners, maintenance contractors, owners and even drivers themselves. Our team will also investigate the weather conditions that could have played a part in your accident.

Insurance

Trucking companies can provide large teams of lawyers, adjusters engineers, and experts quickly. They begin this process before they know whether you'll be seeking legal recourse. It is important to retain an attorney who is capable of matching their resources and helping them decrease in size.

A seasoned 18-wheeler crash lawyer can alleviate the burden of dealing with these large corporations off your shoulders and concentrate on getting you the compensation you're due. The money could be used to pay for medical expenses, vehicle damage and lost income due to missed work and other non-economic losses such as pain and suffering.

18 wheelers are extremely complex vehicles and require high-end, systematic maintenance to ensure their safety on the road. Failure to keep accurate records and to perform maintenance can cause catastrophe-causing accidents.

Tractor-trailers are often carrying hazardous materials that requires specialized training and special licensing for transport. The material is flammable, explosive, radiological, or poisonous, all of which pose significant risks to other drivers on American roads. In the absence of proper labeling and secure the load could also result in a fatal accident.

A competent attorney for Keyser 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer 18-wheelers can determine the exact cause of the accident and pinpoint any parties that may be accountable. These could include the driver of the truck, the trucking company, the owner of the trailer and the manufacturer of the truck or its components. This is known as vicarious liability.