18 Wheeler Legal Requirements

Trucks, 18 wheeler accidents wheelers and tractor-trailers are involved many wrecks every year. They carry dangerous loads and have greater insurance requirements than private cars.

Driver fatigue is a typical reason for truck accidents. The law limits the length of time truck drivers can drive and requires them to keep accurate logs of their working hours.

Weight limit

As Americans continue to shift their shopping habits away from traditional in-person retail and towards online commerce the roads are becoming increasingly crowded with trucks from Amazon, FedEx, and other shipping companies. Many drivers are struggling to keep up with these large vehicles in terms of speed and maneuverability. It's a challenge for all drivers, but smaller vehicles and passenger cars have a harder time maneuvering around these massive vehicles.

Fortunately there are laws that regulate the legal maximum weight limit for 18 Wheeler Accident Lawsuits wheelers. This applies to the truck and the cargo that it carries. It is essential to know the legal restrictions to avoid driving over and placing your life in danger.

The maximum gross vehicle mass for trucks is 80,000 lbs. There are weight limits that differ for axle groups and single axles. For example, the Federal Bridge Formula sets a single-axle limit of 20,000 pounds and axles that are spaced more than 40 inches but not more than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are limited to 34,000 pounds. States also have their own weight restrictions, which apply to single axle vehicles and axle groups.

The penalties for exceeding the weight limit vary from state to state, but can include fines of up to $16,000. In some instances the driver's employer could be responsible for these fines as well. In addition, repeat offenders could be penalized more than first-time offenders.

Lane restrictions

Most states have laws that regulate where trucks can drive on highways. For instance, certain states impose a ban on large trucks and ban them from driving in the left lane on multilane roadways. This law is intended to prevent cars from following trucks close and causing an accident.

In such a situation truck drivers have no choice but to switch lanes or risk a collision. To be able to pass slower vehicles quickly they must be in the right-hand lane. Truck drivers should also be able to watch other motor vehicles on the left side of the lane, looking for any traffic devices or hazards which require them to make a turn.

Those who ignore these laws put themselves and other drivers at risk of serious accidents. If an individual is injured by a truck that has violated the lane restriction laws they could be entitled to compensation.

Trucks have the biggest blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and need plenty of space to maneuver. Some drivers cut off trucks when changing lanes. This could cause them to in a jackknife. Sometimes drivers slow down much that the truck cannot move past them. This puts both drivers at risk of a crash.

Bumper guards

Before installing bumper guards, you should look up the laws of your state. Some states prohibit them while some allow them for vehicles parked. These devices are worthwhile to invest in when parking your vehicle in busy areas or cities that have plenty of parallel parking. They can prevent scrapes and dents that can result from taller drivers backing into your car or SUV.

They can also be useful in stopping collisions with tree branches. They look like cowcatchers on freight trains, and are a common feature of off-road vehicles. They clear away dirt and other debris and they can even help by providing headlight protection.

There are several ways to install a bumper guard made of rubber. They include mat-style protectors as well as sticks-on rubber strips. The stick-on type is the easiest to install since it can be removed within minutes without leaving sticky residue. This kind of cover doesn't offer much protection and isn't able to cover all areas of your vehicle.

Certain companies manufacture mat-style protectors which can be folded or folded for easy storage and transport. The Luv-Tap, a popular model made from soft cotton that can be adjusted to various vehicle sizes is a popular item. It also has bright silver reflectors that improve visibility in dim lighting. It includes two straps that can be used to secure it to your vehicle's trunk and then flipped back up at any time.

Insurance

Truck accidents can be catastrophic and result in serious injuries or the loss of a loved one. Federal and state regulations demand that trucking companies carry larger insurance policies than cars for passengers. They can be worth up to 40 times the amount of the standard insurance. The trucking insurance companies will do whatever they can to avoid paying victim claims. They frequently try to trick injured people into giving a written statement or employ other strategies to reduce their liability. It is important to work with a Denver truck crash lawyer in the event of filing an 18 wheeler claim.

The requirements for insurance for trucks are complicated and vary by jurisdiction. The most frequent type of coverage is primary liability, which covers damages to property that the truck causes in an accident. It is also important to think about liability insurance and cargo insurance for other purposes. The former protects the truck when it is hauling a load, and is usually included in a trucker's contract with their carrier. The latter, also referred to "bobtail" coverage, shields both the driver and the truck when it is between loads.

If you're injured in a tractor trailer accident the insurance limits for trailers and tractors are much lower than those required for passenger automobiles. You will have to fight the insurance firm of the trucking company to negotiate an equitable settlement. A knowledgeable Memphis truck accident lawyer can determine all potentially liable parties, including the truck driver as well as the trucking company and any dram shop that might have over-served the driver.