What Is 18 Wheeler Law?

Accidents caused by commercial truck drivers their rigs and 18 wheelers are covered by the 18 wheeler accident lawyer wheeler law. These huge vehicles must be subject to strict federal guidelines for maintenance, safety, and training.

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

Weight Regulations

Knowing the weight limits for semi trucks is essential. Many states have single axle and group axle weight limits which must be observed. It is commonplace to see weigh stations along interstates where truck drivers are weighed in order to confirm that they do not exceed the maximum weight limit for their vehicle and load. If a trucker is found breaking these limits and is found guilty, they may be fined and even sentenced to jail according to their criminal record and the state.

Axle groups have a greater weight limit because the vehicle is safer when the weight is spread over a wider range of axles. This also permits the carriage of more cargo. A single tire on a wheel can only be weighed up to 700 pounds per inch, however, if two tires are on the same axle, it could be weighed up to 1300 pounds.

There are limitations on the kinds of trailers that can be used with the tractor. Some states allow only one trailer, while others only permit triple or twin trailers. In addition, many states require fifth wheels on the trailer. This is a round plate that is above the drive wheels that couples (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. There are day cab tractor and sleeper cabs that have a sleeping area into the tractor unit and are designed to haul over the road.

Lane Restrictions

In addition to limitations on lane width truck drivers also must comply with speed limits and traffic lights. Trucks aren't allowed to drive at the same speeds as cars for 18 wheeler accident Lawsuits passengers. If they do, accidents can occur. In a lot of instances, it is the driver of the truck that is the one to blame. Truck drivers may be driving for longer than they are entitled to, breaking hours-of-service regulations or simply being distracted or sleepy behind the wheel.

Another important limitation on lane is that truck drivers aren't permitted to drive in the left right lane. Trucks brake much slower than cars for passenger use. This can pose a danger issue, especially for those who drive smaller vehicles and may be stuck behind trucks when it suddenly stops or slows down.

There are states that specifically target large trucks and prohibit them from using the left lane. However, other states limit the use of the lane only in certain circumstances. In certain cases these laws are built around axel and weight limits, whereas in others they may be based upon vehicle description or direction signs.

Even if there's no statewide law regarding lane restrictions you should still be aware of local rules and follow them. You should also shift to the right side if you see a truck in the passing lane in order to not hinder faster vehicles from taking over.

Ownership

Trucking and 18 wheeler accident Lawsuits wheeler companies have a wealth of resources to force accident victims to accept less than they deserve. They have teams of insurance adjusters, lawyers engineers, experts, and lawyers who advocate on their behalf before they know if the victim of the accident is going to seek legal relief.

Because they can carry massive loads and are much bigger than passenger vehicles, 18 wheelers frequently cause massive injuries and property damage in accidents. This is particularly relevant when they collide with other motor vehicles. It is imperative to hire an attorney who has experience fighting for your rights against these powerful, large corporations.

Accidents involving large vehicles require an in-depth understanding of the concepts in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology as well as federal regulations for trucking, medicine, driving standards and other related fields. Our lawyers have the knowledge to identify violations of these laws, and then show the jury how it led to your accident.

Multiple parties can be responsible for the 18-wheeler truck crash. Our NY 18 wheeler accident attorney-wheeler accident lawyer will investigate the responsible parties and ensure that they are responsible for your current and anticipated expenses. This includes trucking firms, owners, maintenance contractors, and even drivers themselves. Our team will also analyze the weather conditions that could be a factor in the accident.

Insurance

Trucking companies are able to provide large teams of lawyers, adjusters, engineers and experts quickly. They start the process before they know whether you are going to pursue legal recourse. It is essential to retain an attorney who can match their resources and helping them decrease in size.

A lawyer with experience in handling 18-wheeler crashes will relieve you of the burden and assist you in getting the compensation you deserve. This money can be used to cover medical expenses, vehicle damages as well as lost income from missing work as well as other non-economic damages like suffering and pain.

18-wheelers are complex vehicles which require sophisticated, systematic maintenance to keep them on the road. Inability to keep detailed records and perform this maintenance can result in catastrophe-causing accidents.

Tractor-trailers are commonly used to transport hazardous materials which require specialized training and a license. These materials could be flammable or explosive or radiological or poisonous. They all pose a significant risk to other drivers traveling on American highways. In the absence of proper labeling and secure the load could result in a fatal accident.

A competent attorney for 18-wheelers will determine the exact cause and blame the individuals who could be accountable. These may include the driver of the truck as well as the trucking company, the owner of the trailer, and the company that manufactures the truck or its components. This is known as vicarious liability.