What Is 18 Wheeler Law?
Accidents caused by commercial truck drivers their rigs and
18 wheeler accident lawsuit wheelers are covered by the 18 wheeler law. These massive vehicles must follow strict federal guidelines for maintenance as well as safety and training.
Unfortunately, trucking companies often require their drivers to work longer hours and manipulate log books. This can lead to devastating trucking crashes.
Weight Regulations
Knowing the weight limits for semi-trucks is crucial. Many states have single axle and group axle weight limits which must be observed. Weigh stations are prevalent along interstates where truckers are weighed to ensure they do not exceed the weight limit for their vehicle or load. If a trucker is found breaking these limits they could face fines and even put in jail according to their criminal record and the state.
Axle groups have a higher limit on weight because the vehicle is more secure when the weight is distributed across multiple axles. This also allows for the carriage of more cargo. A single tire on an wheel can weigh up to 700 pounds per inch, however, if two tires are mounted on the same axle, they could be weighed up to 1300 pounds.
There are also limitations on the types of trailers that can be used with a tractor. Some states allow only one trailer, while others only permit triple or twin trailers. In addition, many states require five wheels 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 include sleeping spaces inside the tractor unit.
Lane Restrictions
Truck drivers must obey traffic signals and speed limits in addition to lane restrictions. Trucks can't drive at the same speed as vehicles for passengers and even if they do, they might cause accidents. In most instances, it's the truck driver who is at fault. Truck drivers may be driving for longer than they are allowed to, violating hours-of-service rules, or
18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer being asleep or distracted behind the steering wheel.
Another important restriction on lane use is that truck drivers aren't permitted to drive in the left side of the lane. Trucks are slower to brake than cars for passenger use. This can be a very risky situation, especially for cars with smaller wheels that could be stuck behind trucks when they suddenly slow down or stop.
Certain states prohibit the use of lanes in specific circumstances, while some states limit it to large trucks. In certain cases these laws are based on weight and axel limits, whereas in other they may be based on vehicle description or directions.
Even if there's no statewide law regarding lane restrictions you should still check the local rules and observe them. You should also shift to the left when you see a truck blocking the passing lane.
Ownership
The trucking and 18-wheeler companies have a wealth of resources to employ to pressure accident victims into accepting less than they are entitled to. They have teams of lawyers, insurance adjusters engineers, experts, and even engineers who advocate for their clients even before they know whether the victim of an accident is going to seek legal relief.
In the event of an accident
18 wheeler accident lawsuit-wheelers can be blamed for catastrophic injuries and extensive property damage due to the fact that they carry such large load and are so massive relative to passenger vehicles. This is especially relevant when they collide with other motor vehicles. It is vital to hire an attorney with experience fighting for your rights against these massive, powerful corporations.
Large vehicle accidents require an understanding of complex concepts in the fields of physics and chemistry, biology, federal regulations for trucking and medical practices, driving regulations and related fields. Our lawyers are able find any violations of these laws, and explain to the jury what caused your accident.
18-wheeler truck accidents are usually caused by the negligence or reckless acts of a number of parties. Our NY 18 wheeler Accident lawyer (
http://crossnavi.khome137.kr/bbs/board.php?bo_table=free&wr_id=163605) will investigate all of the responsible parties and ensure that they are liable for their fair part of your current and anticipated expenses. This includes trucking firms, owners and maintenance contractors, and even drivers themselves. Our team will also examine the weather conditions that could have played a part in the accident.
Insurance
Trucking companies are able to send large teams of lawyers, adjusters engineers, and experts quickly. They begin this process before they even know whether you will to pursue legal recourse. That is why it is crucial to hire an experienced attorney who will match their resources and reduce them to size.
A lawyer who has experience handling 18-wheeler collisions will relieve you of the burden and help you obtain the compensation you're due. The money could be used to pay for medical costs, vehicle damage loss of income due to missed work and other damages that are not economic like suffering and pain.
18 wheelers are highly complex vehicles and require high-end, systematic maintenance to ensure they are safe on the road. Failure to perform this maintenance and keep detailed records could lead to catastrophic accidents.
Tractor-trailers typically carry dangerous materials that requires specialized training and special licensing for transport. These materials could be flammable or explosive and radiological as well as poisonous. They all pose a significant risk to other motorists on American highways. A fatal accident could occur if the cargo is not properly labeled and secured.
A competent 18-wheeler accident attorney can determine the exact cause and blame any individuals responsible. This may include the driver of the truck, the trucking company or the owner of the trailer and the manufacturer of the truck and its components. This is known as vicarious liability.