18 Wheeler Legal Requirements

Trucks, 18 wheeler accident law firm wheelers and tractor-trailers get involved in many wrecks each year. They transport dangerous loads and have higher insurance requirements than private cars.

Driver fatigue is a common reason for truck accidents. The law restricts the amount of time that truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires that they keep exact logs.

Weight limit

As Americans continue to shift away from traditional retail in-person and move towards online commerce the road is becoming more overrun by trucks from Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. This means that many drivers struggle to keep pace with the speed and maneuverability of these large vehicles. It's a problem for all drivers, however smaller vehicles and passenger cars have a harder time maneuvering around these huge vehicles.

There are laws that govern the legal limit of 18-wheelers. This includes the truck and the cargo it carries. It's essential to know the legal limit so you can avoid driving over them and placing yourself in danger.

The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 pounds. There are different weight limits for axle groups and single axles. For example the Federal Bridge Formula sets a single-axle limit of 20,000 pounds, while axles spaced over 40 inches but no more than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are limited to 34,000 pounds. States also have their specific weight restrictions, both for single-axle vehicles and axle groups.

The penalties for over-weight differ from state-to-state however, they can be accompanied by fines up to $16,000. In some instances fines could be ordered by the driver's employers. In addition, repeat offenders may face higher fines than first-time offenders.

Lane restrictions

In addition to weight restrictions, the laws of most states regulate where trucks may drive on highways. Certain states, like, prohibit large trucks from driving in the left lane of multilane highways. This law is designed to prevent cars from following trucks too close to causing accidents.

In such situations the truck driver is left with no choice but change lanes or risk a collision. To ensure that trucks are able to get by slower vehicles swiftly, they need to be in the right direction. Truck drivers must also be able monitor firm other motor vehicles in the left lane in order to look for any traffic devices or hazards that require them to make an turn.

People who do not follow these laws put themselves and other drivers at risk of serious accidents. If a motorist has been injured by a truck that has violated lane restriction laws, they may be entitled compensation.

Trucks require a lot space to maneuver. They have the biggest blind spots on the road. In certain instances, drivers in smaller cars cut trucks off when changing the lane, which could cause them to be jackknifed. Sometimes drivers slow down so much that the truck cannot pass them. This puts both parties at risk of an accident.

Bumper guards

Before installing bumper guards, you should review the laws in your state. Certain states do not permit bumper guards, while others only permit them on vehicles that are parked. These devices are also worthwhile to invest in when parking your vehicle in busy areas or cities with many parallel parking. They prevent scrapes and dents that can result from taller drivers backing into your truck or SUV.

They can also stop collisions with tree branches. They resemble cowcatchers from freight trains, and are an integral part of off-road vehicles. They help clear the debris and brush, and they can even assist with headlight protection.

There are many ways to install a bumper guard made of rubber. They include mat-style protectors as well as stick-on rubber strips. The most straightforward is the stick-on style which can be removed in just minutes without leaving any sticky residue. However, this style doesn't offer much protection and does not cover all the corners of your truck.

Certain companies manufacture mat-style protectors that can be rolled or folded to make it easy for transport and storage. The Luv-Tap, a well-known model made of a soft cotton material that can be adapted to different vehicle sizes, is a popular product. It also features shiny silver reflectors, which improve visibility in dim lighting. It comes with two straps, which secure it to the trunk of your vehicle. They can be flipped off when it is required.

Insurance

Accidents involving trucks can be devastating and can cause serious injuries or even the death of a loved ones. This is why federal and state regulations require trucking companies to have more insurance policies than regular passenger cars. They could be worth 40 times the amount of a standard policy. Insurance companies for trucks, however, will do whatever they can to avoid paying victim claims. They will often trick injured people into giving an official statement or employ other methods to minimize their liability. It is important to consult an experienced Denver truck crash attorney when submitting an 18-wheeler accident claim.

The requirements for insurance on trucks are complicated and vary by jurisdiction. The most commonly used coverage is the primary liability. It will cover property damage caused by the truck in the event of an accident. It is also a good idea to have cargo insurance, as well as non-trucking liability. The former covers the truck when it is transporting a load, and it is often included in the contract of a driver of a truck with their carrier. The latter, also referred to "bobtail" protection, covers both the truck and its driver during the time between loads.

If you are injured in a tractor trailer accident the insurance limits required for tractors and trailers are much lower than those required for passenger cars. You'll need to fight the insurance company of the trucking company to get a fair settlement. A knowledgeable Memphis truck accident lawyer can pinpoint the parties that could be liable, including the truck driver and the trucking firm, and any dram shop that might have served the driver too much.