18 Wheeler Legal Requirements

Trucks, 18 wheeler accident lawsuit wheelers, and tractor-trailers get involved in many wrecks each year. They transport dangerous loads and 18 wheeler accident lawsuit have higher insurance requirements than vehicles owned by private individuals.

Driver fatigue is a common cause of truck accidents. The law limits how long truck drivers can be on the road and requires them to keep precise records of their hours of service.

Weight limit

As Americans continue to move away from traditional retail in-person to online shopping, the roads are becoming increasingly overrun by trucks from Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. Many drivers are struggling to keep up with these huge vehicles with their speed and maneuverability. This is a problem for all drivers, however smaller vehicles and passenger cars have a harder time maneuvering around these huge vehicles.

Fortunately, there are laws in place that define the maximum legal weight limit for 18 Wheeler Accident Lawsuit wheelers. This includes the truck and the cargo it carries. It is essential to know the legal restrictions to avoid driving over and risking your life.

The maximum gross vehicle mass for trucks is 80,000lbs. There are different weight limits for axle groupings and single axles. For example the Federal Bridge Formula sets a single-axle limit of 20,000 pounds while axles spaced more than 40 inches but less than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are limited to 34,000 pounds. States also have their specific weight limits, both for single-axle vehicles and for axle groups.

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

Lane restrictions

In addition to weight restrictions, laws of a majority of states govern where trucks may drive on highways. Certain states, like prohibit large trucks from operating in the left lane on multilane highways. This law is intended to prevent cars from following trucks close to causing accidents.

In these situations the truck driver is left with no choice but change lanes or risk a collision. In order for trucks to be able to pass slower vehicles quickly they must be in the right lane. Truck drivers should also be able to observe other motor vehicles in the left lane and look for any traffic devices or hazards that require them make 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 that has violated lane restriction laws, they may be entitled to compensation.

Trucks require plenty of space to maneuver. They have the biggest blind spots on the road. Some drivers cut off trucks when changing lanes. This could cause them to jackknife. Sometimes drivers slow down so much that the truck cannot pass them. This puts both parties in danger of an accident.

Bumper guards

Before installing bumper guards, consult your state's laws. Certain states do not permit bumper guards, and some only permit them on parked cars. These devices are also worthwhile to invest in when parking your vehicle in busy areas or cities with many parallel parking. They help prevent dents and scrapes which are usually caused by taller drivers backing into your truck or SUV.

They also help prevent collisions with trees' branches. Off-road vehicles often have these cowcatchers, which look like the ones on freight trains. They remove the debris and brush, and they can even help by securing the headlights.

There are several ways to install a bumper guard made of rubber. These include mat-style protectors and sticks-on rubber strips. The most convenient is the stick-on type that can be removed in a matter of minutes, without leaving any sticky residue. The stick-on style doesn't provide the most protection, and does not cover all areas of your vehicle.

Some companies make mat-style protectors that can be rolled up or folded for easy transport and 18 Wheeler Accident Lawsuit storage. The Luv-Tap, a popular model made of soft cotton which can be adjusted to various vehicle sizes and is a sought-after product. It also features shiny silver reflectors that improve visibility in poor lighting conditions. It comes with two included straps that attach it to the trunk of your vehicle. It can be flipped off when it is required.

Insurance

Accidents involving trucks can cause serious injuries or even death. Federal and state regulations require that trucking companies carry larger insurance policies than cars for passengers. These policies can cost up to 40 times more than a standard policy. The trucking insurance companies will do anything to avoid paying accident victim claims. They often bribe injured people into signing statements that are recorded, or use other tactics in order to reduce their liability. It is crucial to work with an experienced Denver truck crash lawyer when submitting an 18 wheeler accident claim.

The requirements for trucking insurance are complicated and vary based on jurisdiction. The most frequent type of coverage is primary liability, which covers damage to property that the truck causes in the event of an accident. It is an excellent idea to carry cargo insurance and non-trucking liability. The first protects the truck as it hauls loads and is usually included in the contract between drivers and their carriers. The latter is often referred to as "bobtail" insurance and protects the driver as well as the truck between the loads.

If you're injured in a tractor-trailer collision the minimum insurance limits required for tractors and trailers are significantly lower than the limits for passenger automobiles. This means that you'll be fighting the insurance company of the trucking company to get an equitable settlement. A seasoned Memphis truck accident lawyer can determine all parties potentially responsible which include the truck driver and the trucking firm, and any dram shops who may have over-served the driver.