"Ask Me Anything": Ten Responses To Your Questions About 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer

18 Wheeler Legal Requirements

Every year trucks, 18 wheeler accident lawyer-wheelers and tractor trailers are involved in many accidents. They transport dangerous loads and have higher insurance requirements than vehicles owned by private individuals.

The majority of truck accidents are caused by fatigued drivers. The law restricts the amount of time truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires them to keep accurate records of their working hours.

Weight limit

As Americans are continuing to shift away from traditional retail in-person and towards online shopping, the road is becoming more crowded with trucks of Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. Many drivers struggle to keep up with these huge vehicles' speed and maneuverability. This is a challenge for all drivers, but smaller cars and passenger vehicles are finding it difficult to maneuver around these large vehicles.

Fortunately there are laws in place that regulate the legal maximum weight limit for 18 wheelers. This includes the truck and the cargo it is carrying. You must be aware of the legal limitations to avoid driving over and placing your life in danger.

The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 pounds. There are different weight limits for axle groups as well as single axles. Federal Bridge Formula, for example, restricts the weight of single axles to 20,000 pounds. Tandem axles are however limited to 34,000 pounds. States also have their specific weight restrictions, which apply to single-axle vehicles and axle groups.

The penalties for exceeding the weight limit differ from state to state but could include fines of up to $16,000. In some cases the driver's employer could be responsible for these fines as well. Repeat offenders may also face higher fines.

Lane restrictions

Many states have laws that regulate where trucks are allowed to drive on highways. Certain states, like prohibit large trucks from operating in the left lane of a multilane highway. This law is designed to keep cars from following trucks too closely, and possibly causing an accident.

In these situations truck drivers have no choice but to change lanes or risk a collision. To ensure that trucks can pass slower vehicles quickly they must be in the right direction. Truck drivers should also be able observe other motor vehicles on the left side of the lane, looking for any traffic devices or hazards that require them to make the turn.

The consequences of not following these laws put them and other motorists at risk of serious accidents. If someone is injured by a truck that has violated the lane restriction laws they could be entitled compensation.

Trucks require a lot of space to move around. They have the largest blind spots on the road. Some drivers block trucks when changing lanes. This can cause them in a jackknife. Other times, drivers slow down to a point where the truck can't be able to pass them, and this puts both parties at risk of an accident.

Bumper guards

Before installing bumper guards, review the laws in your state. Some states don't allow bumper guards, whereas others only allow them on cars that are parked. These devices are worth investing in for protection when parking your vehicle in busy areas or in cities with lots of parallel parking. They help prevent dents and scrapes that often result from taller drivers backing into your car or SUV.

They can also be useful in preventing collisions with tree branches. Off-road vehicles often have these cowcatchers that resemble the ones on freight trains. They help clear brush and other debris, and they can even help by providing headlight protection.

There are a variety of different ways to install a bumper guard, such as mat-style protectors. The most convenient is the stick-on design, which can be removed in just a few minutes without leaving any sticky residue. This type does not offer any protection, and it does not cover all the corners of your vehicle.

Certain companies make mat-style protectors that fold or folded for easy storage and transport. The Luv-Tap, a well-known model made of a soft cotton material that can be adapted to different vehicle sizes, is a popular product. It also has shiny silver reflectors, which improve visibility under poor lighting conditions. It has two straps that can be used to connect it to your vehicle's trunk and then flipped back up at any time.

Insurance

Accidents involving trucks can be devastating and result in serious injuries or even the loss of a loved one. Federal and state regulations require that trucking companies purchase larger insurance policies than cars for passengers. They could be worth 40 times as much as the standard insurance policy. However, trucking insurers will do everything they can to avoid paying the victims of accidents. They will often trick injured people into making an official statement or employ other techniques to minimize their liability. It is important to consult with a Denver truck crash attorney when filing an 18 wheeler accident claim.

The requirements for insurance for trucks are complicated and vary by the jurisdiction. The most frequently used type of coverage is the primary liability. This will cover property damage caused by the truck in the event of 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 an item and is often included in the contract between drivers and their carriers. It is sometimes called "bobtail" insurance and protects the truck and driver during the time between loads.

If you're injured in a tractor trailer accident, the minimum insurance limits required for trailers and tractors is much lower than those required for passenger automobiles. You'll need to fight the insurance firm of the trucking company for an equitable settlement. A seasoned Memphis truck accident lawyer can identify all potentially liable parties, including the truck driver and the trucking company and any dram shop that might have over-served the driver.