What Is 18 wheeler accident lawyers 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 force their drivers to work longer hours and manipulate log books. This can lead to devastating trucking accidents.

Weight Regulations

Understanding the weight limits of semi-trucks is crucial. Weight limits for single axles and group axles are set by the majority of states. It is common to see weigh stations along interstates where truckers are weighed to verify that they do not exceed maximum limits of their vehicle and load. If a truck driver gets found to be in violation of these limits, they could be fined or even jailed depending on the state of their residence and criminal record.

Axle groups have a higher weight limit because the vehicle is more secure when the weight is spread over a wider range of axles. This also permits the transportation of more cargo. A single tire on a wheel can only be weighed up to 700 pounds per inch, but when two tires are on the same axle, it can be weighed as high as 1300 pounds.

There are limitations on the types of trailers that can be used with the tractor. Some states permit only one trailer, while others permit triple or twin trailers. A majority of states also require a fifth-wheel on the trailer that is a plate which sits over the drive wheels and 18 wheeler accident lawyer connects (hooks up) the trailer to the tractor unit. Both day cab tractors and sleeper cabs are readily available. They both include an area for sleeping in the tractor unit.

Lane Restrictions

In addition to limitations on lane width, truck drivers must also follow speed limits and traffic lights. Trucks cannot operate at the same speed as cars used by passengers. If they do, accidents could occur. In most instances, it's the truck driver who is responsible. Truck drivers might be driving for longer than they are entitled to, violating hours-of-service rules or simply being distracted or asleep behind the wheel.

Truck drivers are also forbidden from driving in the left side of the road. Trucks brake more slowly than cars for passenger use. This could result in a dangerous situation, especially for smaller cars that may be stuck behind trucks if they suddenly slow down or stop.

Some states limit the use of lanes under certain circumstances, and some restrict it to large trucks. In certain instances, these laws are built around axel and weight limits, 18 wheeler accident lawyer while in other they may be based on the description of the vehicle or directions.

Even if there is no statewide law, you should check local rules about lane restrictions and follow them. Also, you should move to the right when you spot trucks blocking the lane.

Ownership

Companies that operate 18 wheelers and trucks have huge resources at their disposal to pressure victims of accidents into accepting less than what they are entitled to. They have teams of insurance adjusters, lawyers, engineers, and experts who work for their clients even before they know whether an accident victim will pursue legal action.

In the event of an accident 18-wheelers are frequently responsible for a plethora of injuries and property damage because they carry such hefty loads and are huge relative to passenger vehicles. This is particularly true when these trucks collide with other motor vehicles. It is important to have experienced lawyers defend your rights and get you justice against these large, powerful corporations.

Large vehicle accidents require an understanding of the most complex concepts in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology and federal regulations for trucking as well as medical standards, driving and other related areas. Our attorneys are able to identify any violations of these laws, and show the jury what led to your accident.

Many parties could be at fault for truck accidents involving 18-wheelers. Our NY 18 wheeler accident lawyer will investigate all of the responsible parties and ensure they are paid their fair share of your current and anticipated expenses. This includes trucking companies as well as owners, maintenance contractors and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also look into the weather conditions that could have played a role in your accident.

Insurance

The trucking industry has a wealth of resources at their disposal and are able to quickly deploy teams of insurance adjusters, lawyers engineers, experts, and lawyers to build a defense against accident victims. They begin this process before they even decide if you will to seek legal recourse. It is important to retain an attorney who can match their resources and bringing them down in size.

A seasoned 18-wheeler crash lawyer can alleviate the burden of dealing with these big corporations off your shoulders and concentrate on securing the compensation you're due. The money could be used to pay medical expenses, vehicle damages loss of income due to missed work, and other non-economic damages like suffering and pain.

18-wheelers are highly complex vehicles which require sophisticated, systematic maintenance to keep them on the road. Failure to do this maintenance and maintain accurate records could result in catastrophic accidents.

Tractor-trailers often carry hazardous material, which requires special training and specialized certification to transport. These materials can be explosive or flammable or radiological, as well as poisonous. They all pose a significant danger to other drivers on American highways. A serious accident can also occur if the load was not properly labeled and secured.

A qualified 18 wheeler accident law firms wheeler crash lawyer can determine the exact cause of your crash and hold any responsible parties who are responsible. These may include the driver of the truck and the trucking company, the owner of the trailer and the company that manufactures the truck or its components. This is known as vicarious liability.