18 wheeler accident lawsuits Wheeler Legal Requirements

Trucks, 18 wheelers, and tractor-trailers have been involved in many wrecks every year. They transport dangerous loads, and their insurance requirements are more stringent than those for private vehicles.

Driver fatigue is a typical reason for truck accidents. The law restricts the amount of time truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires they keep precise logs.

Weight limit

As Americans are continuing to shift away from traditional retail in-person to online commerce the road is becoming increasingly filled with trucks from Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. Many drivers are struggling to keep up with these large vehicles their speed and maneuverability. It's a problem for all drivers, but smaller vehicles and passenger vehicles are having a tough time maneuvering around these huge vehicles.

Fortunately, there are laws in place to regulate the weight limit for 18 wheeler accident law firms wheelers. This includes the truck as a whole and the cargo it transports. It is important to know the legal limitations to avoid driving over and risking your life.

The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 pounds. There are different weight limits for axle groups as well as single axles. Federal Bridge Formula, for instance, limits the weight of a single axle to 20,000 pounds. Tandem axles are, however, limited to 34,000 lbs. States also have their specific weight restrictions, both for single-axle vehicles as well as axle groups.

State-by state, the penalties for exceeding the weight limit vary from fines to $16,000. In certain cases fines could be ordered by the driver's employers. Repeat offenders may also be subject to higher fines.

Lane restrictions

Many states have laws that restrict where trucks can travel on highways. For instance, some states exclude large trucks and prohibit them from driving in the left lane on roads with multiple lanes. This law is intended to stop cars from following trucks that are too close to causing accidents.

In these instances the truck driver has no choice but to change lane or risk a collision. In order for trucks to be capable of passing slower cars quickly, they must be in the right lane. Truck drivers must also be able to observe other motor vehicles in the left side of the lane, looking for hazards or traffic devices that require them to take the turn.

By not complying with these laws, they put themselves and other motorists at risk of serious accidents. If a motorist is injured by a truck which has violated lane restriction laws he or she may be entitled to compensation.

Trucks have the most blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and they need plenty of space to move. Some drivers cut off trucks when they change lanes. This can result in them in a jackknife. Sometimes drivers slow down so much that the truck cannot get by them. This puts both parties in danger of a collision.

Bumper guards

Before installing bumper guards, check the laws of your state. Certain states do not permit bumper guards, while others only permit them on cars that are parked. These devices are also worthwhile to invest in when parking your vehicle in busy areas or in cities that have lots of parallel parking. These devices can prevent scratches and scratches caused by drivers who are taller backing up into your SUV or truck.

They can also be useful in preventing collisions with tree branches. Off-road vehicles often have these cowcatchers, which look like the ones found on freight trains. They clear away the debris and brush, and can also assist with headlight protection.

There are many different ways to put up a bumper guard, including stick-on rubber strips and mat-style protectors. The most straightforward is the stick-on design which can be removed in just minutes, without leaving any sticky residue. However, it isn't very secure and does not protect all the corners of your truck.

Some companies make mat-style protectors that can be rolled or folded for easy transport and storage. The LuvTap, a familar model made from soft cotton that can be adjusted for various vehicle sizes It is a well-loved product. It also features shiny silver reflectors, which improve visibility in dim light conditions. It has two straps that can be used to fix it to the trunk of your car and flip it up in the event of need.

Insurance

Truck accidents can be catastrophic and cause serious injuries or even the loss of a loved one. This is the reason state and federal regulations require trucking companies carry higher insurance premiums than standard passenger cars. They can be worth 40 times more than a standard policy. The trucking insurance companies will do everything to avoid paying victim claims. They often try to trick injured people to give a recorded account or use other tactics to reduce their liability. It is crucial to consult an attorney from a Denver truck crash attorney when submitting an 18 wheeler accident claim.

The requirements for trucking insurance are complex and differ by state. The most common coverage is the primary liability. This protects property from damage caused by the truck in an accident. You should also consider liability insurance and cargo insurance for non-trucking. The first protects the truck while it is hauling an item and is often included in the contract between drivers and their carriers. It is sometimes referred to as "bobtail" insurance and 18 wheeler accident protects the driver and the truck between the loads.

If you have been injured in an 18 wheeler accident, you must be aware that the minimum insurance limits for tractor-trailers is much lower than the ones required for passenger vehicles. You'll have to fight the insurance firm of the trucking company to negotiate an equitable settlement. A knowledgeable Memphis truck accident lawyer will determine all parties potentially responsible including the truck driver, 18 wheeler accident the trucking company, and any dram shops who may have served the driver too much.