What Is 18 Wheeler Law?

Accidents that involve commercial truck drivers, their rigs and 18 wheelers are covered by the 18 wheeler law. These huge vehicles must adhere to strict federal guidelines for maintenance as well as safety and training.

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

Weight Regulations

It is important to understand the weight limits for semi-trucks. Weight limits for single axles as well as group axles are set by the majority of states. There are numerous weigh stations along interstates, where truckers are weighed to ensure that they don't exceed the maximum weight limits for their vehicle or load. If a truck driver gets caught violating these limitations they may be fined or Dunmore 18 wheeler accident attorney even jailed depending on the location and criminal record.

Axle groups have an increased limit because spreading the weight across multiple axles makes the vehicle safer and allows more cargo to be carried. A single tire on an wheel can weigh up to 650 pounds per inch however, when two tires are mounted on the same axle, they can be weighed to 1300 pounds.

There are limitations on the types of trailers that can be used with the tractor. Some states allow only one trailer, whereas others only permit twin or triple trailers. A majority of states also require a fifth-wheel on the trailer that is a piece of metal that sits over the drive wheels, and connects (hooks up) the trailer to the tractor unit. There are both day cabtractors as well as sleeper cabs that have sleeping areas inside the tractor unit and are designed for over-the-road hauling.

Lane Restrictions

Truck drivers must observe speed limits and traffic signals in addition to lane restrictions. Trucks aren't able to travel at the same speed as vehicles for passengers and, should they do, they may cause accidents. In a lot of cases, it is the truck driver who is at fault. This is because truck drivers often drive longer than the limit or violate the hours-of-service regulations, or get sleepy or distracted behind the steering wheel.

Another important limitation on lane is that truck drivers aren't allowed to drive in the left lane. Trucks brake more slowly than cars that are primarily passenger vehicles. This could be a risky problem, especially for people who drive smaller vehicles and may be stranded behind a truck if it suddenly stops or slows down.

Some states specifically single out large trucks and prevent them from using the left lane, and other states limit the usage of the lane in certain circumstances. In some instances these laws are dependent on weight and axel limits, while in others they may be based on vehicle descriptions or directions.

Even if there is no law that is statewide however, you must check local rules regarding limitations on lane usage and follow the rules. Also, you should move to the right when you notice a truck blocking the passing lane.

Ownership

The 18 wheeler and trucking companies have a vast array of resources available to pressure victims of accidents into accepting far less than they should. They have teams of insurance adjusters, lawyers, engineers, and experts who advocate on their behalf before they know if an accident victim will pursue legal action.

In accidents, 18-wheelers are often responsible for catastrophic injuries and extensive property damage because they carry such large loads and are huge when compared to passenger cars. This is particularly true when these trucks collide with motor vehicles. It is essential to have an an experienced attorney fight for your rights and recovery against these powerful, large corporations.

Accidents involving large trucks require an understanding of complex concepts in the fields of biology, chemistry and physics as well as federal trucking regulations medicine, and driving standards. Our attorneys are able to identify any violations of these laws, and then show the jury the factors that led to your accident.

Multiple parties could be accountable for truck accidents involving 18-wheelers. Our NY pitman 18 wheeler accident attorney wheeler accident lawyer will investigate all responsible parties and ensure that they are paid their fair portion of your current and expected expenses. This includes owners of trucking businesses, trucking companies of maintenance contractors, even drivers themselves. Our team will also examine weather conditions that could be a factor in the accident.

Insurance

Trucking companies can send large teams of adjusters, lawyers engineers, and experts quickly. They begin the process before they know whether you are going to seek legal recourse. It is crucial to hire an attorney who can match their resources and reducing them in size.

A lawyer with experience handling 18-wheeler collisions can relieve you of the burden and assist you in getting the compensation you deserve. The money will cover costs like steep medical bills and vehicle damage, as well as lost wages due to missing work, as well as non-economic injuries like pain and suffering.

18-wheelers are a complex vehicle that require high-level, systematic maintenance to keep them on the road. Failure to maintain detailed records and to perform maintenance can result in devastating accidents.

Tractor-trailers are commonly used to transport hazardous materials, that require specialized training and a license. The material could be explosive, flammable or poisonous, all of which can pose serious dangers for other drivers on American roads. Failure to properly label and secure the load could result in a catastrophic accident.

A skilled dunmore 18 wheeler accident attorney-wheeler crash lawyer can determine the exact cause and blame the parties that may be accountable. These may include the truck driver and the trucking company, the owner of the trailer and the manufacturer of the truck or its components. This is called vicarious responsibility.