Don t Believe These "Trends" About 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers

What Is 18 Wheeler Law?

Accidents that involve commercial truck drivers, their rigs and 18 wheelers are covered by the law governing 18 wheelers. These massive vehicles are subject to strict federal guidelines regarding maintenance, safety, and training.

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

Weight Regulations

It is important to understand the weight restrictions for semi trucks. Many states have single axle and group axle limits on weight that must be observed. It is not uncommon to find weigh stations along interstates where truckers are weighed to verify that they do not exceed the maximum weight limit for their vehicle and load. If a trucker is found violating these limits they could face fines and even sentenced to jail subject to their criminal history and the state.

Axle groups have an upper limit due to the fact that distributing the weight over more axles increases the safety of the vehicle and allows for more cargo to be transported. A single tire on an wheel can only weigh up to 665 pounds per inch however, if two tires are mounted on the same axle, it can be weighed to 1300 pounds.

There are limitations on the types of trailers that can be used with a tractor. Some states allow only one trailer, while other states permit triple or twin trailers. In addition, many states require the fifth wheel to be installed on the trailer which is a round plate that is above the drive wheels which joins (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. Both day cab tractors and sleeper cabs are offered. They both come with a sleeping area inside the tractor unit.

Lane Restrictions

Truck drivers must abide by traffic rules and speed limits in addition to the lane limitations. Trucks can't drive at the same speed as vehicles for passengers and if they do, they can cause accidents. In many cases the truck driver is the one at fault in these accidents. This is because truck drivers often drive longer than they are allowed to and break hours-of service rules or become sleepy or distracted behind the vehicle.

Another important restriction on lane usage is that truck drivers aren't allowed to drive in the left lane. Trucks brake much slower than passenger cars. This can pose a danger problem, especially for people in smaller cars who may be stuck behind a truck when it slows or stops abruptly.

Certain states specifically exclude large trucks and restrict them from using the left lane, and others restrict the use of the lane under specific situations. In some instances the laws are built around axel and weight limits, while in others they may be based upon vehicle description or directions.

Even if there's no statewide law regarding lane restrictions you should still look over the local rules and abide by them. It is also recommended to move to the right when you spot a truck blocking the passing lane.

Ownership

Companies that operate 18 wheelers and trucks have a vast array of resources to pressure accident victims into accepting far less than they should. They have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters who advocate on their behalf before they know whether the victim of the accident will pursue legal action.

Because they are able to carry enormous loads and are much bigger than passenger vehicles, 18 wheelers can cause massive injuries and property damage in accidents. This is particularly the case when they collide with motor vehicles. It is imperative to hire an attorney with experience fighting for your rights against these large, powerful corporations.

Large vehicle accidents require an understanding of the most complex concepts in the fields of physics, biology, chemistry and federal regulations for trucking and medical practices, driving regulations and related areas. Our lawyers have the knowledge to identify violations of these laws, and then show the jury how it led to your accident.

There are many parties that can be responsible for 18-wheeler truck crashes. Our NY 18 wheeler accident lawyer, this site, will investigate all liable parties and make sure they pay their fair share of your current and expected expenses. This includes trucking firms, owners and maintenance contractors, and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also analyze weather conditions that could be a factor in your accident.

Insurance

The trucking industry has a wealth of resources available to them and can quickly deploy teams of lawyers, insurance adjusters, engineers, and experts to develop a strategy for defense against the victims of accidents. They start this process before they know whether you are going to seek legal recourse. It is crucial to hire an attorney who can match their resources and helping them decrease in size.

An attorney who has expertise in dealing with 18-wheeler accidents will ease your burden and help you receive the compensation you're due. This money can be used to pay for medical expenses, vehicle damage, lost income from missed work and other damages that are not economic like suffering and pain.

18-wheelers are complex vehicles that require high-level, systematic maintenance to keep them on the road. Failure to keep accurate records and perform this maintenance could lead to catastrophic accidents.

Tractor-trailers are commonly used to transport hazardous substances, that require special training and licensing. They can be explosive or flammable or radiological or poisonous. They all pose a major risk to other drivers traveling on American highways. Failure to properly label and secure the load could cause a devastating accident.

A skilled 18-wheeler crash lawyer can pinpoint the exact causes and blame any other individuals who could be accountable. This could include the driver of the truck, the trucking firm and the owner of the trailer, as well as the company that manufactures the truck and its components. This is referred to as vicarious liability.