What Is 18 Wheeler Law?

Accidents caused by commercial truck drivers their rigs, and 18 wheelers are covered by the law governing 18 wheelers. These huge vehicles must be subject to strict federal guidelines for maintenance as well as safety and training.

Unfortunately, trucking companies frequently force their drivers to work longer hours and manipulate log books. This can lead accidents with trucks that are catastrophic.

Weight Regulations

Understanding the weight limits for semi trucks is vital. Most states have both single axle and group axle weight limits which must be adhered to. Weigh stations are common along interstates where truckers are weighed to ensure that they do not over the weight limit for their vehicle or load. If a trucker is found breaking these limits they could face fines and even put in jail depending on their criminal history and the state.

Axle groups are given a higher limit as distributing the weight over more axles is safer for the vehicle and allows for more cargo to be transported. A single tire on an wheel can weigh up to 665 pounds per inch but when two tires are on the same axle, they can be weighed up to 1300 pounds.

There are limitations on the types of trailers that can be used in conjunction with the tractor. Some states only allow one trailer, while other states only allow triple or twin trailers. Many states also require a fifth wheel on the trailer that is a plate which sits over the drive wheels and connects (hooks up) the trailer with the tractor ecs-pw-pc2.ecs.csus.edu unit. There are day cab tractor and sleeper cabs which include an area for sleeping inside the tractor unit. They are made to haul over the road.

Lane Restrictions

Truck drivers must obey traffic signals and speed limits in addition to lane restrictions. Trucks aren't allowed to drive at the same speed as cars used by passengers. If they do, accidents may occur. In many instances the driver of the truck is the culprit in these accidents. Truck drivers could be driving for longer than they are permitted to, breaking hours-of-service regulations and/or being distracted or asleep behind the driving.

Truck drivers are also forbidden from driving in the left the lane. Trucks brake much slower than cars that are primarily passenger vehicles. This can be a very risky situation, especially for cars that are smaller and could be stuck behind trucks when they suddenly slow down or stop.

Some states specifically single out big trucks and block them from using the left lane, and other states limit the use of the lane under specific circumstances. These laws may be based on the weight of the vehicle or axel limits. In other cases they may be solely based on vehicle's description.

Even if there is no law that is statewide however, you must check local rules regarding the lane restriction and adhere to the rules. It is also recommended to move to the left when you see trucks blocking the lane.

Ownership

Companies operating 18 wheelers and trucking have huge resources available to force accident victims into accepting far less than they deserve. They have teams of lawyers, insurance adjusters, engineers, and experts who work for their clients even before they know if the victim of an accident will pursue legal recourse.

In accidents prattville 18 wheeler accident law firm-wheelers can be blamed for a plethora of injuries and property damage because they carry such hefty loads and are so large compared to passenger vehicles. This is especially so when they collide into other motor vehicles. It is vital to hire an attorney who is experienced in fighting for your rights against these powerful, huge corporations.

Large vehicle accidents require an in-depth understanding of the concepts in the fields of physics, biology, chemistry, federal regulations for trucking and medical practices, driving regulations and many other related fields. Our lawyers are able to uncover any violations of these laws, and show the jury what led to your accident.

18-wheeler truck crashes are typically caused by the negligence or reckless actions of several parties. Our NY attorney for malone 18 wheeler accident law firm wheeler accidents will investigate all accountable parties and ensure they pay their fair portion of your current and expected costs. This includes trucking firms, owners, maintenance contractors and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also look into the weather conditions that may have contributed to the accident.

Insurance

Trucking companies have a wealth of resources available to them and can quickly deploy teams of lawyers, insurance adjusters engineers, engineers, and experts to develop a strategy for defense against the victims of accidents. They begin the process before they know whether you are going to pursue legal recourse. It is essential to retain an attorney who is capable of matching their resources and bringing them down in size.

An experienced 18 wheeler accident lawyer can take the burden of dealing with these corporations off your shoulders and focus on getting you the compensation you're due. This can be used to cover expenses like medical bills that are expensive car damage, loss of wages due to absence from work, and other injuries like pain and suffering.

18-wheelers are a complex vehicle that require a high-level, Vimeo.Com structured maintenance to keep them on the road. Failure to maintain detailed records and to perform maintenance could lead to devastating accidents.

Tractor-trailers frequently carry hazardous materials that requires specialized training and specialized licenses to transport. These materials could be explosive or flammable or radiological, as well as poisonous. They all pose a risk to other drivers on American highways. Failure to properly label and secure the load could also result in a catastrophic accident.

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