How To Outsmart Your Boss 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer

18 wheeler accident attorneys Wheeler Legal Requirements

Trucks, 18 wheelers, and tractor-trailers get involved in many wrecks each year. They transport dangerous loads and their insurance requirements are more stringent than the requirements for private vehicles.

Driver fatigue is a common cause of truck accidents. The law limits the amount of time that truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires that they keep accurate logs.

Weight limit

As Americans continue to shift their shopping habits away from traditional in-person shopping and towards online commerce, the road is becoming increasingly crowded with trucks from Amazon, FedEx, and other shipping companies. Many drivers are struggling to keep up with these massive vehicles in terms of speed and maneuverability. This is a challenge for everyone however it's especially difficult for passenger cars and smaller trucks to maneuver around these huge vehicles.

Fortunately, there are laws in place that define the maximum legal weight limit for 18 wheelers. This applies to the truck itself as well as the cargo it carries. It's crucial to know the legal limits so that you can avoid driving over them and risking your life.

The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 pounds. There are different weight limits for axle groupings and single axles. For instance the Federal Bridge Formula sets a single-axle limit of 20,000 pounds while axles spaced over 40 inches but less than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are restricted to 34,000 pounds. States also have their specific weight limits, both for single-axle vehicles and axle groups.

State-by-state, penalties for exceeding the weight limit can range from fines to $16,000. In some instances fines could be imposed by the driver's employer. In the event of repeat offenders, they could be subject to higher fines than first-time offenders.

Lane restrictions

In addition to weight restrictions, laws of the majority of states regulate how trucks can travel on highways. For instance, certain states impose a ban on large trucks and restrict them from the left lane on multilane highways. This law is designed to keep vehicles from following trucks too closely, and potentially causing an accident.

In these instances the truck driver will be forced to change lanes or risk a collision with cars that are driving behind them. To ensure that trucks are able to easily pass slower vehicles they must be in the right direction. Truck drivers must also be able monitor other motor vehicles in the left lane for potential hazards or traffic control devices that require them to make a turn.

If they do not adhere to these laws, they put themselves and other drivers at risk for serious accidents. If someone is injured by the truck that has violated the lane restriction laws they could be entitled compensation.

Trucks require a lot space to move around. They have the largest blind spots on the road. Some drivers block trucks when they change lanes. This could cause them to jackknife. In other instances drivers slow down to the level where trucks are unable to pass them, and this puts both parties at risk of accident.

Bumper guards

Bumper guards can be a great way to protect your vehicle from damage but you should verify your state laws before installing them. Some states ban them, while others permit them on vehicles that are parked. They can also be used to protect your vehicle when you park in crowded areas, or in cities where parallel parking is common. They stop dents and scrapes which are usually caused by taller drivers backing into your car or SUV.

They also help prevent collisions with tree branches. Off-road vehicles are often equipped with cowcatchers, which look like those found on freight trains. They can be used to shove debris and other debris away, and even protect headlights.

There are a number of different ways to put up a bumper guard, including stick-on rubber strips and mat-style protectors. The stick-on type is the simplest to use because it can be removed within minutes without leaving an unattractive residue. This kind of vehicle does not provide much protection, and it does not cover all areas of your vehicle.

Certain companies make mat-style protective covers that fold or folded for easy storage and transport. The Luv-Tap is a popular model made of soft cotton that can be adjusted to various vehicle sizes is a popular item. It also has bright silver reflectors that increase visibility under poor lighting conditions. It is equipped with two straps which can be used to connect it to the trunk of your vehicle and can be flipped up at any time.

Insurance

The consequences of truck accidents can be catastrophic and cause serious injuries or the loss of a loved one. Federal and state regulations demand that trucking companies carry more insurance policies than cars for passengers. These policies may be worth 40 times that of the standard insurance policy. Trucking insurance companies, however, will do anything to avoid paying accident victims claims. They will often trick injured victims into signing a recorded statement or employ other techniques in order to reduce their liability. It is crucial to consult an attorney from a Denver truck crash attorney in the event of filing an 18 wheeler accident claim.

The requirements for trucking insurance are complex and differ by state. The most popular insurance is primary liability. It will cover property damage caused by the truck in an accident. It is also a good idea to have cargo insurance, as well as non-trucking liability. The first protects the truck as it carries a load and is often included in the contract between the driver and their transporter. It is sometimes referred to as "bobtail" insurance and safeguards the driver and truck between loads.

If you have been injured in an 18 wheeler accident lawyers-wheeler accident, you need to know that the insurance limits for tractor-trailers is significantly lower than the limits required for passenger vehicles. This means that you will likely be fighting the insurance provider of the trucking company to get an equitable settlement. A seasoned Memphis truck accident lawyer can identify all parties potentially responsible which include the truck driver and the trucking company and any dram shops that might have over-served the driver.