What Is 18 Wheeler Law?
Accidents that involve commercial truck drivers, their rigs, and
18 wheeler accident attorneys wheelers are covered by the law of 18 wheels. These massive vehicles are subject to strict federal guidelines regarding maintenance, safety and training.
Trucking companies often require their drivers to work longer and manipulate logbooks. This can lead to devastating trucking accidents.
Weight Regulations
Understanding the weight limits of semi trucks is essential. Many states have single axle and group axle limits on weight that must be adhered to. There are numerous weigh stations along interstates, and truckers are weighed to ensure they don't exceed the weight limits for
18 wheeler accident their vehicle or load. If a truck driver gets found to be in violation of these limits, they may be fined or even imprisoned, based on the state of their residence and criminal record.
Axle groups have an upper limit due to the fact that distributing the weight across multiple axles increases the safety of the vehicle and allows for more cargo to be transported. For instance, a single tire on an axle can be weighed at 650lbs per inch of wheel diameter, but when there are 2 tires on that same axle it could be weighted at 1300 lbs per tire.
There are restrictions on the types of trailers that can be used with the tractor. Some states allow only one trailer, while others only allow triple or twin trailers. Some states also require a fifth-wheel on the trailer that is a plate that is placed above the drive wheels and joins (hooks up) the trailer to the tractor unit. Day cab tractors and sleeper cabs are available. They both have a sleeping area inside the tractor unit.
Lane Restrictions
Truck drivers must adhere to speed limits and traffic signals in addition to the lane limitations. Trucks aren't permitted to drive at the same speed as cars for passengers. If they do, accidents could occur. In a lot of cases the driver of the truck is the culprit in these accidents. This is due to truck drivers being able to be driving for longer than is permitted or violate the hours-of-service regulations, or get sleepy or distracted behind the steering wheel.
Truck drivers are also barred from driving in the left side of the road. This is because it takes a lot longer for trucks to stop than cars. This could result in a risky situation, especially for cars that are smaller and could be stranded behind trucks when they suddenly slow down or stop.
Certain states specifically single out large trucks and prohibit them from using the left lane, whereas others limit the usage of the lane in specific circumstances. In some instances the laws are determined by weight and axel limits, whereas in other they may be based on vehicle descriptions or directions.
Even if there's no law that is statewide it is important to check local regulations regarding the lane restrictions and adhere to them. You should also move over to the left if you see trucks in the passing lane, so that it does not block faster cars from overtaking you.
Ownership
The 18 wheeler and trucking companies have a wealth of resources to force victims of accidents into accepting less than they deserve. They have teams of insurance adjusters, lawyers engineers, experts, and lawyers that work for their clients even before they know whether the victim of the accident will pursue legal recourse.
Because they carry huge loads and are so much larger than passenger automobiles, 18 wheelers typically cause massive injuries and property damage when they are involved in accidents. This is particularly true when these trucks collide into other motor vehicles. It is important to hire an a skilled attorney defend your rights and
18 wheeler accident recover against these large, powerful corporations.
Accidents involving large trucks require an understanding of complex concepts that are derived from biology, chemistry, physics and federal trucking regulations medical standards, and driving. Our lawyers have the knowledge to identify violations of these laws and show the jury how they contributed to your accident.
18-wheeler truck accidents are usually caused by the negligent or reckless actions of multiple parties. Our NY 18 wheeler accident lawyer will investigate all liable parties and make sure they are paid their fair part of your current and anticipated costs. This includes owners of trucking companies, trucking companies as well as maintenance contractors and even drivers themselves. Our team will also examine the weather conditions that could have played a part in your accident.
Insurance
Trucking companies can provide large teams of adjusters, lawyers engineers, and experts quickly. They start this process even before they are aware of whether you'll seek legal recourse. It is essential to find an attorney who can match their resources and reducing them in size.
An experienced
18 wheeler accident lawyer can relieve the burden of dealing with these large corporations off your shoulders and concentrate on getting you the compensation you're due. This money can be used to pay medical costs, vehicle damage as well as lost income from missing work, and other non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
18 wheeler accident lawsuit wheelers are a complex vehicle and require high-end, systematic maintenance to ensure their safety on the road. Failure to maintain detailed logs and perform the necessary maintenance can lead to catastrophe-causing accidents.
Tractor-trailers are often used for transporting hazardous materials, which require specialized training and certification. They can be explosive or flammable or radiological, as well as poisonous. They all pose a significant risk to other motorists on American highways. A catastrophic accident could also occur if the cargo is not properly labelled and secured.
A qualified 18 wheeler accident lawyer can pinpoint the exact reason for your accident and hold liable any parties who could be accountable. These may include the truck driver as well as the trucking company, the owner of the trailer, and the manufacturer of the truck or its components. This is known as vicarious liability.