18 wheeler accident law firm Wheeler Legal Requirements

Every year truck, 18-wheelers and tractor trailers are involved in many accidents. They carry dangerous loads and have greater insurance requirements than private cars.

Accidents involving trucks are usually caused by fatigued drivers. The law limits the amount of time truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires they keep accurate logs.

Weight limit

As Americans continue to shift their shopping habits away from traditional retail and towards online commerce the roads are becoming crowded with trucks from Amazon, FedEx, and other shipping companies. This means that many drivers struggle to keep pace with the speed and maneuverability of these big vehicles. It's a challenge for 18 Wheeler Accident all drivers, but smaller vehicles and passenger vehicles are finding it difficult to maneuver around these huge vehicles.

Fortunately there are laws in place that regulate the maximum legal weight limit for 18 wheelers. This includes both the truck itself and the cargo it carries. It is important to know the legal limits so you can avoid driving over them and placing yourself in danger.

The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 pounds. However, there are different weight limits for axle groups as well as single axles. Federal Bridge Formula, for example, limits the weight of one axle to 20000 pounds. Tandem axles, however, are limited to 34,000 lbs. In addition to these rules, states also have their own specific weight restrictions for single axles and axle groups.

The penalties for over-weight vary from state to state and can include fines of up to $16,000. In certain cases, the driver's employer may be responsible for these fines, too. Repeat offenders could also be liable for greater fines.

Lane restrictions

Many states have laws that restrict where trucks can travel on highways. Some states, for instance prohibit large trucks from operating in the left lane of multilane highways. This law is designed to prevent cars from following trucks close and causing an accident.

In such situations truck drivers have no choice but to change lanes or risk a collision. To ensure that trucks are able to move swiftly over slower vehicles, they need to be in the right lane. Truck drivers must also be able observe other motor vehicles in the left lane to look for hazards or traffic devices that require them to make turns.

By not complying with these laws, they put themselves and other motorists at risk of serious accidents. If an individual is injured by a vehicle that has not complied with the laws governing lane restrictions, they could be entitled compensation.

Trucks require plenty of space to maneuver. They have the biggest blind spots on the road. In some instances, drivers in smaller cars cut off trucks when changing lanes, and this can cause them to make a jackknife. In other instances, drivers slow down to a level that allows the truck to be able to pass them, and this puts both parties at risk of accident.

Bumper guards

Bumper guards can be a great option to shield your vehicle from damage but you should verify the laws of your state prior to installing them. Some states prohibit them, while others permit them on parked vehicles. These devices are recommended for security when parking your vehicle in busy areas or cities that have plenty of parallel parking. They can prevent scrapes and dents which are usually caused by taller drivers backing into your truck or SUV.

They are also useful in stopping collisions with tree branches. They resemble cowcatchers on freight trains and are a common feature of off-road vehicles. They can be used to shove debris and brush away and even shield headlights.

There are several ways to install a rubber bumper. These include mat-style protectors and sticky rubber strips. The easiest to use is the stick-on type which can be removed in only minutes without leaving any sticky residue. This kind of cover doesn't offer any protection, and it does not cover all areas of your vehicle.

Certain companies manufacture mat-style protectors that can be folded up or folded to make it easy for transport and storage. The Luv-Tap, a well-known model made of soft cotton that can be adjusted to different vehicle sizes is a popular item. It also features bright silver reflectors that improve visibility under poor 18 Wheeler accident lighting conditions. It comes with two straps, which secure it to the trunk of your car and can be flipped off when needed.

Insurance

The consequences of truck accidents can be catastrophic and cause serious injuries or even the death of a loved one. State and federal regulations require that trucking companies have larger insurance policies than cars for passengers. These policies may be worth as much as 40 times more than a standard insurance policy. The trucking insurance companies will do everything to avoid paying accident victim claims. They usually trick injured people into giving statements that are recorded or employ other methods in order to reduce their liability. It is crucial to consult an experienced Denver truck crash lawyer when submitting an 18 wheeler accident claim.

The requirements for trucking insurance are complex and vary according to jurisdiction. The most common coverage is primary liability. This is a protection for property damage that is caused by the truck in the event of an accident. It is also important to think about liability insurance and cargo insurance for those who do not work. The first covers the truck as it carries an item and is often included in the contract between a driver and their carrier. The latter is sometimes referred to as "bobtail" insurance and protects the driver as well as the truck between loads.

If you suffer injuries in a tractor-trailer collision, the minimum insurance limits for trailers and tractors is considerably lower than those for passenger cars. You'll have to battle the insurance company of the trucking company to negotiate a fair settlement. A knowledgeable Memphis truck accident lawyer can determine all potentially liable parties which include the truck driver and the trucking firm, and any dram shops that might have served the driver too much.