What Is 18 Wheeler Law?

Accidents caused by commercial truck drivers their rigs, and 18 wheelers are covered by the law of 18 wheels. These massive vehicles must follow strict federal guidelines for maintenance security, safety, and training.

Unfortunately, trucking companies frequently press their drivers to complete longer hours and alter log books. This can lead accidents with trucks that are catastrophic.

Weight Regulations

Understanding the weight limits of semi trucks is essential. Weight limits for single axles as well as group axles are determined by the majority of states. There are numerous weigh stations along interstates, where truckers are weighed to ensure that they do not exceed the weight limit for their vehicle or load. If a trucker is found in violation of these limits they could face fines and even sent to jail according to their criminal record and the state.

Axle groups have a greater weight limit due to the fact that the vehicle is safer when the weight is spread across multiple axles. This also permits the transportation of more cargo. A single tire on an wheel is only weighed up to 650 pounds per inch but when two tires are on the same axle, it could be weighed up to 1300 pounds.

There are restrictions on the types of trailers which can be used with the tractor. Some states will only allow one trailer, while others only allow triple or twin trailers. Furthermore, many states require fifth wheels on the trailer, which is a round plate above the drive wheels, which connects (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. There are day cab tractors and sleeper cabs that incorporate sleeping areas inside the tractor unit. They are made for over the road hauling.

Lane Restrictions

In addition to lane restrictions truck drivers also must comply with speed limits and traffic lights. Trucks cannot drive at the same speed as passenger vehicles and, if they do, they may cause accidents. In many instances, it's the truck driver at fault. Truck drivers might be driving longer than they are entitled to, ignoring the hours-of-service regulations or simply being distracted or sleepy behind the steering wheel.

Truck drivers are also prohibited from driving in the left right lane. Trucks brake much slower than passenger cars. This can pose a danger issue, especially for those with smaller cars who could be stuck behind the truck when it slows or stops suddenly.

Certain states specifically target large trucks and prohibit them from using the left lane, and other states limit the use of the lane under specific circumstances. In certain instances the laws are determined by weight and axel limits, while in other they may be based upon vehicle description or directions.

Even if there's no law that is statewide, you should check local rules on lane restrictions and follow them. It is also recommended to move to the right if you see a truck in the pass lane so that it does not hinder faster vehicles from approaching you.

Ownership

The trucking and 18-wheeler businesses have a wealth of resources to use in order to force accident victims to accept less than what they are entitled to. They have teams of lawyers, insurance adjusters, engineers, and experts who advocate on their behalf before they know if the victim of an accident will seek legal remedy.

Because they can carry massive loads and are much larger than passenger automobiles, 18 wheelers typically cause a lot of injuries and huge property damage in accidents. This is especially true when these trucks collide with other motor vehicles. It is essential to have an an experienced attorney defend your rights and recovery against these massive, powerful corporations.

Large-scale accidents require an understanding of the most complex concepts in the fields of physics and biology, chemistry as well as federal regulations for trucking, medicine, driving standards and other related fields. Our attorneys have the expertise to discover violations of these laws and show the jury why it led to your accident.

18-wheeler truck accidents are usually caused by the negligence or reckless actions of a variety of parties. Our NY attorney for accidents involving 18 wheels will investigate all of the responsible parties and ensure that they are paid their fair portion of your current and expected expenses. This includes trucking firms, owners, maintenance contractors, and even drivers themselves. Our team will also investigate weather conditions that may have contributed to the accident.

Insurance

Trucking companies can put together large teams of lawyers, adjusters engineers, experts and adjusters quickly. They start the process before they decide if you will to pursue legal recourse. This is why it is crucial to hire a capable attorney who can match their resources and bring them down to size.

An attorney who has expertise in handling 18-wheeler accidents can relieve you of the burden and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. This money can be used to pay for medical expenses, vehicle damages, lost income from missed work and other non-economic losses such as pain and suffering.

18 wheelers are highly complex vehicles and require high-end, systematic maintenance to ensure their safety on the road. Failure to keep accurate logs and perform the necessary maintenance can result in devastating accidents.

Tractor-trailers are often used to transport hazardous materials that require specialized training and certification. The material is explosive, flammable, radiological or toxic, all of which could pose a significant risk to other drivers on American roads. Failure to properly label and secure the load could result in a catastrophic accident.

A qualified shiloh 18 wheeler accident lawyer-wheeler crash attorney can pinpoint the exact cause and blame any parties that may be responsible. This may include the driver of the truck, the trucking firm or the owner of the trailer and the manufacturer of the truck and its components. This is known as vicarious liability.