18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer 10 Things I'd Like To Have Known Earlier

18 Wheeler Legal Requirements

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

The majority of truck accidents are caused by driver fatigue. The law limits the amount of time that truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires that they keep exact logs.

Weight limit

As Americans continue to shift their shopping habits away from traditional retail and towards online commerce the roads are becoming more crowded with trucks belonging to Amazon, FedEx, and other shipping companies. In  18 wheeler accident lawsuit midland , many drivers struggle to keep pace with the speed and maneuverability of these large vehicles. This is a challenge for all drivers, but smaller vehicles and passenger cars have a harder time maneuvering around these large vehicles.

There are laws that define the legal limit of 18-wheelers. This applies to both the truck itself and the cargo it transports. It's important to be aware of the legal limit so you can avoid driving over them and risking your life.

The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 pounds. However, there are several different weight limits for axle groups and single axles. For example the Federal Bridge Formula sets a single-axle limit of 20,000 pounds and axles that are spaced more than 40 inches but less than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are limited to 34,000 pounds. States also have their own weight restrictions, for single-axle vehicles and axle groups.

The penalties for exceeding the weight limit vary from state to state, but can include fines up to $16,000. In certain cases fines can also be imposed by the driver's employer. Repeat offenders could also be liable for higher fines.

Lane restrictions

In addition to weight restrictions, laws of most states regulate where trucks are allowed to drive on highways. Some states, for example, prohibit large trucks from operating in the left lane of the multilane highways. This law is designed to stop cars from following trucks too close to the road and causing accidents.

In these instances, a truck driver has no choice but to change lane or risk a collision. In order for trucks to be able to pass slower vehicles quickly they must be in the right lane. Truck drivers also need to be able monitor other motor vehicles in the left lane for potential hazards or traffic control devices that require the driver to turn.

Those who ignore these laws put themselves and other drivers at risk of serious accidents. If a motorist is injured due to a vehicle that has not complied with the lane restriction laws, they could be entitled compensation.

Trucks require plenty of space to maneuver. They have the largest blind spots on the road. Some drivers block trucks when they change lanes. This could cause them to jackknife. Sometimes, drivers slow down to a point where the truck can't pass them, and this puts both parties at risk of an accident.

Bumper guards

Before installing bumper guards, look up the laws of your state. Some states are not allowed to install bumper guards, and some only allow them on parked cars. These devices are also beneficial to have when parking your vehicle in crowded areas or cities with plenty of parallel parking. These devices guard against scratches and scratches caused by drivers who are taller backing up into your SUV or truck.

They can also stop collisions with branches of trees. They look like cowcatchers on freight trains, and they're a common feature of off-road vehicles. They clear away brush and other debris and they can even assist in securing headlights.

There are a variety of different ways to install bumper guards, such as mat-style protectors. The most convenient is the stick-on type, which can be removed in only minutes without leaving any sticky residue. However, this style isn't very secure and does not completely cover the entire length of your truck.

Certain companies manufacture mat-style protectors that can be rolled up or folded to make it easy for transport and storage. The Luv-Tap is a popular model made of a soft cotton material which can be adjusted to various vehicle sizes and is a sought-after product. It also comes with bright silver reflectors for better visibility in low-light conditions. It comes with two straps that can be used to attach it to the trunk of your car and then flipped back up when needed.

Insurance

Accidents involving trucks can be devastating and can cause serious injuries or the loss of a loved one. This is the reason federal and state regulations require trucking companies to have much larger insurance policies than normal passenger cars. These policies could be worth up to 40 times the amount of the standard insurance. However, trucking insurers will do everything to avoid paying accident victims. They often bribe injured people into making an official statement, or use other tactics to minimize their liability. It is important to work with an experienced Denver truck crash lawyer when filing an 18 wheeler claim.

The requirements for trucking insurance are a bit complicated and differ depending on jurisdiction. The most frequent type of coverage is primary liability, which covers damage to property that the truck causes 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 hauls an item and is often included in the contract between the driver and their carrier. The latter, also referred to "bobtail" coverage, shields both the driver and the truck when it is between loads.

If you have been injured in an 18 wheeler accident, you need to know that the minimum insurance limits for tractor-trailers is significantly lower than the limits required for passenger vehicles. This means that you'll need to negotiate with the insurance provider of the trucking company to get a fair settlement. A seasoned Memphis truck accident lawyer can identify all parties potentially responsible including the truck driver and the trucking company and any dram shops that may have served the driver too much.