What Is 18 Wheeler Law?

18 wheeler law covers accidents that involve commercial truck drivers and their rigs. These massive vehicles are subject to strict federal guidelines regarding maintenance, safety and training.

Unfortunately, trucking companies frequently 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. Weight limits for single axles and group axles are set by most states. Weigh stations are commonplace on interstates, where truckers are weighed to ensure they do not over the weight limit for their vehicle or load. If a truck driver is caught violating these limitations they could be fined, or even jailed based on the state they reside in and their criminal record.

Axle groups have a higher weight limit because the vehicle is safer when the weight is spread across more axles. This also allows for the transportation of more cargo. A single tire on an wheel can only be weighed up to 700 pounds per inch, however, when two tires are mounted on the same axle, they can be weighed up to 1300 pounds.

There are also limitations on the types of trailers that can be used in conjunction with a tractor. Some states permit only one trailer, while other states allow triple or twin trailers. Additionally, a lot of states require a fifth wheel on the trailer, which is a circular plate over the drive wheels which joins (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. Day cab and night cab tractors as well as sleeper cabs are offered. They all have a sleeping area in the tractor unit.

Lane Restrictions

Truck drivers must obey speed limits and traffic signals in addition to the lane limitations. Trucks cannot drive at the same speed as vehicles for passengers, and if they do, they can cause accidents. In many instances the driver of the truck is at fault in these accidents. This is because truck drivers often drive longer than the limit or break the rules of hours-of-service, or be distracted or sleepy behind the driving.

Another important restriction on lane use is that truck drivers aren't permitted to drive in the left or right. Trucks brake much slower than passenger cars. This could be a risky problem, particularly for those in cars that are smaller and could be stuck behind a truck when it stops abruptly or slows down.

Some states restrict the use of lanes in certain circumstances, while some states limit the use of lanes for large trucks. In certain cases these laws are dependent on weight and lawyers axel limits, whereas in other they could be based on vehicle description or directions.

Even if there isn't a statewide law governing lane restrictions, you must still review the local rules and abide by the rules. Also, you should move to the right when you see trucks in the passing lane, so that it does not hinder faster vehicles from overtaking you.

Ownership

Companies that operate 18 wheelers and trucks have massive resources available to pressure accident victims to accept a lesser amount than they should. They have teams of insurance adjusters, lawyers engineers, engineers, and experts who work on their behalf, even before they know if the victim of the accident will pursue legal action.

Due to their massive load and are much larger than passenger vehicles, 18 wheelers frequently cause catastrophic injuries and enormous property damage when they are involved in accidents. This is particularly relevant when these trucks collide with motor vehicles. It is essential to have an an experienced attorney defend your rights and get you justice against these powerful, massive corporations.

Accidents involving large trucks require an understanding of complicated concepts that are derived from biology, chemistry and physics and federal trucking regulations medicine, and driving standards. Our attorneys are able to uncover any violations of these laws and then show the jury the factors that led to your accident.

18-wheeler truck accidents can be caused by the negligent or reckless acts of a number of parties. Our NY attorney for 18 wheeler accidents will investigate all of the responsible parties and ensure they are liable for their fair share of your current and expected expenses. This includes trucking companies, owners of maintenance contractors, even the drivers themselves. Our team will also investigate weather conditions that might have played a part in your accident.

Insurance

Trucking companies have an abundance of options available and can quickly send teams of lawyers, insurance adjusters engineers, experts, and lawyers to create a defense against accident victims. They start this process even before they know whether you'll need legal recourse. It is essential to find an attorney who can match their resources and bringing them down in size.

An experienced 18 wheeler accident law firm wheeler accident lawyer can alleviate the burden of dealing with these corporations off your hands and focus on obtaining the compensation you're entitled to. The money could be used to pay for lawyers medical expenses, vehicle damage and lost income due to missed work as well as other non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.

18 wheelers are a complex vehicle and require high-end, systematic maintenance to ensure their safety on the road. Failure to do this maintenance and keep accurate records could lead to disastrous accidents.

Tractor-trailers can be used to transport hazardous substances, which require special training and licenses. The material may be explosive, flammable or poisonous, all of which pose significant risks to other drivers on American roads. In the absence of proper labeling and secure the load could cause a devastating accident.

A qualified 18 wheeler crash lawyer can determine the precise cause of your crash and hold liable any parties who are responsible. This could include the driver of the truck, the trucking company and the owner of the trailer as well as the manufacturer of the truck and its components. This is referred to as vicarious liability.