What Is 18 wheeler accident law firm Wheeler Law?

18 wheeler law regulates accidents involving commercial truck drivers and their rigs. These massive vehicles must follow strict federal guidelines for maintenance safety, training, and maintenance.

Trucking companies often force their drivers to work for longer and manipulate logbooks. This can lead to devastating trucking accidents.

Weight Regulations

Understanding the weight limits for semi trucks is vital. The majority of states have single axle and group axle weight limits that must be observed. Weigh stations are common along interstates where truckers are weighed to ensure that they don't exceed the weight limit for their vehicle or load. If a truck driver gets found to be in violation of these limits, 18 wheeler Accident Lawyer they may 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 more secure when the weight is distributed over a wider range of axles. This also permits the transportation of more cargo. For example, a single tire on an axle can weigh 650 pounds per inch of wheel diameter. However, when there are 2 tires on the same axle it could be weighted at 1300 pounds for each tire.

There are limitations on the types of trailers that can be used in conjunction with the tractor. Certain states only permit one trailer, whereas others only allow triple or twin trailers. In addition, many states require a fifth wheel on the trailer, which is a round plate above the drive wheels that couples (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. There are day cab tractors and sleeper cabs that incorporate a sleeping area into the tractor unit and are designed for over-the-road hauling.

Lane Restrictions

In addition to the lane restrictions truck drivers also must comply with speed limits and traffic lights. Trucks aren't able to travel at the same speed as vehicles for passengers and if they do, they could cause accidents. In most cases, it's the driver of the truck who is responsible. Truck drivers might be driving for longer than they are permitted to, or breaking the hours-of service regulations or be distracted or asleep behind the steering wheel.

Another important restriction on lane usage is that truck drivers are not allowed to drive in the left or right. Trucks brake much slower than cars that are primarily passenger vehicles. This could be a dangerous situation, especially for smaller cars that may be stuck behind trucks when they suddenly slow down or stop.

Certain states restrict the use of lane lanes in certain circumstances, and some restrict the use of lanes for large trucks. In some cases, these laws are based on weight and axel limits, while in other they could be based on vehicle description or direction signs.

Even if there isn't a statewide law governing lane restrictions, you should still be aware of local rules and observe them. It is also recommended to move to the right when you see trucks blocking the lane.

Ownership

Companies operating 18 wheelers and trucking have massive resources to pressure victims of accidents to accept a lesser amount than they should. They have teams of lawyers and 18 wheeler accident lawyer insurance adjusters who advocate on their behalf before they even know if the victim of the accident will take legal action.

Because they carry huge loads and are much bigger than passenger vehicles, 18 wheelers can cause catastrophic injuries and enormous property damage in accidents. This is especially relevant when they collide with motor vehicles. It is important to have a seasoned attorney fight for your rights and recovery against these massive, powerful corporations.

Large vehicle accidents require an understanding of the most complex concepts in the fields of physics and biology, chemistry, federal regulations for trucking as well as medical standards, driving and other related areas. Our attorneys have the expertise to identify violations of these laws, and then show the jury how they contributed to your accident.

Multiple parties can be responsible for 18-wheeler truck crashes. Our NY 18 wheeler accident lawyer will investigate all liable parties and make sure they are liable for their fair share of your current and anticipated expenses. This includes trucking companies and owners, maintenance contractors and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also investigate weather conditions that could have played a role in your accident.

Insurance

The trucking industry has a wealth of resources available to them and can quickly send teams of lawyers, insurance adjusters engineers, experts, and lawyers to develop a strategy for defense against accident victims. They begin the process before they know if you intend to seek legal recourse. It is essential to find an attorney who can match their resources and helping them decrease in size.

An experienced 18 wheeler accidents wheeler crash lawyer can help you deal with these corporations off your shoulders and concentrate on securing the compensation you deserve. This money can be used to pay medical expenses, vehicle damage, lost income from missed work, and other non-economic damages such as suffering and pain.

18 wheelers are a complex vehicle and require high-end, systematic maintenance to keep them safe on the road. Inability to maintain this maintenance and maintain detailed records can result in disastrous accidents.

Tractor-trailers can be used to transport hazardous materials that require special training and licenses. These materials may be explosive or flammable, radiological or poisonous. They all pose a risk to other drivers traveling on American highways. In the absence of proper labeling and secure the load could result in a fatal accident.

A reputable 18 wheeler accident lawyer will determine the exact reason for your accident and hold any responsible parties who are responsible. This could include the truck driver and the trucking company, the owner of the trailer, and the company that manufactures the truck or its components. This is referred to as vicarious obligation.