15 Gifts For The 18-Wheeler Wreck Lawyer Lover In Your Life
Is an 18 Wheeler Legal?
There are a lot of accidents in the car that result in physical and medical costs and time away from work. However, when an 18 wheeler gets involved it can be a lot more dangerous.
Victims are able to make a claim and receive the financial compensation they deserve if this happens. This is where a New Orleans truck accident attorney can be of assistance.
Weight Limits
18-wheelers can carry up to 80,000 pounds including the volume and weight of cargo. This is a very tight limitation that requires trucking companies to load their vehicles as full as possible and could result in overloaded. Drivers who exceed the limit could be fined. The penalties vary based the place they live.
If you look at the lights of an 18-wheeler you'll usually be able to determine if they're going over the speed limit. A single flash from their blinkers suggests that it's safe to merge in ahead of them, whereas flashes with multiple lights mean that it's not. Keep an eye out for truck drivers who use their lights to communicate.
Always leave a wide gap between your car and an 18-wheeler. This is particularly important when passing. If you cut off the truck, it could result in an unfatal crash. While truck drivers are often considered to be bullies on the road 72% of crashes between trucks and passenger cars result from car drivers.
Number of Axles
As opposed to cars, semi-trucks have multiple axles in order to rotate the wheels. A typical semi-truck has four wheels, including the drive and steer axles. Trailers typically have two tandem axles. It is important to keep in mind that these vehicles are much longer than the average automobile.
The weight limits of axles are based on a variety of factors including the Federal Bridge Formula, and the single axle and axle group legal limits set by each state. The state limit may be higher than the Federal limit which is why it is crucial for truckers and drivers to know the federal and state axle weight limits prior to traveling.
The process of transporting freight isn't difficult enough, but adding extra weight increases the risk of an accident. A trucker who overloads his trailer is in violation of the law and may be held responsible for any injuries that result. If you've been injured in an accident involving an 18-wheeler, a lawyer for truck accidents can determine if the driver was carrying more than the maximum amount allowed, and if this negligence was the reason for your injuries.
Speed Limits
As any driver knows, speeding is one of the most common causes of truck accidents. This is especially the case for larger trucks, which are much more likely to crash due to their weight and size. Truckers must therefore observe speed limits on all roads they travel on.
However truck drivers are often pressured to make quick deliveries, and they might not be able to slow down enough for the conditions. This can cause drivers to drive recklessly, which could be fatal for other drivers.
Fortunately, it is possible to minimize the risk of these accidents by using speed limiters. This is a device which will automatically restrict the speed of a vehicle to a safe limit, and it can be fitted in a variety of types of trucks.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is examining the possibility of a new rule that would require truckers to use these devices. The agency has released a new notice of proposed rulemaking, in order to collect feedback on the proposed rule. In earlier proposals, it was suggested that truck speeds be limited to 60, 65 or even 68 miles per hour.
Insurance
Most private vehicle owners purchase a single insurance policy to cover their personal vehicles. Truckers, on the other hand, don't own the trucks they drive. They rent their 18 wheeler accident attorneys-wheelers instead from a trucking company. Because of the risky nature of commercial vehicles, trucking companies usually require higher liability insurance limits. They can also purchase cargo and bobtail insurances for their vehicles. Cargo insurance covers the cargo the semi is transporting while bobtail insurance protects the truck when it delivers its load. These policies are able to compensate victims and grieving family members in the event of an accident.
Maintenance
It's often difficult to get an accurate estimation of maintenance costs for commercial vehicles. It is expensive to maintain and repair, particularly when major repairs are required. Some trucking companies provide maintenance schedules to estimate the cost of maintaining a vehicle.
Trucks are typically equipped with 10 brakes, not 18 wheeler Accident lawsuit - hyeonhae.co.kr, and anti-lock brakes have become standard in newer vehicles. In general, trucks take around 40 percent longer than a typical car to stop. This is due to the large dimension and speed of an 18-wheeler.
The term "eighteen wheeler" has become synonymous with trucking. It's mentioned in country music tracks like the Red Sovine titles "Giddyup Go" and "Teddy Bear" and the thrash metal group BigRig's hit song "Roll on". However, it's important to keep in mind that these vehicles are not at home on the road and they are subject to the same rules as other drivers. For instance, it is illegal for truck drivers to text while driving, as the smallest moment of distraction could result in fatal consequences.