18 Wheeler Lawsuits
Large commercial trucks, including 18 wheelers, can be destructive for passenger vehicles. State and federal laws have strict guidelines on recording hours of service and records to ensure that truckers are not driving for too long and causing horrific motor vehicle accidents.
A seasoned New York
18 wheeler accident lawyer can assist victims make a case for compensation for their injuries. In this article, we'll examine a number of important aspects of the law governing
18 wheeler accident law firm wheelers.
Weight Regulations
If trucks are loaded to the point of exceeding their weight capacity and they are unsafe to drive, they can be dangerous. Drivers of trucks have to go through extensive testing and undergo special training before they are allowed to get behind the wheel. Regular maintenance is required to ensure that trucks are operating in a safe way. If these vehicles are loaded they could put unnecessary stress on the truck, which can lead to mechanical problems like a tire blowout or suspension issue.
Due to their size, trucks are more imposing than regular passenger vehicles and are difficult for drivers to see. This can result in blind spots that could be fatal for smaller vehicles if drivers don't pay attention or fail to check their mirrors. In addition, it takes longer for a truck to stop than a car. Therefore, it's important that truck drivers follow all weight restrictions.
Many states also have regulations concerning the length of commercial trucks. To ensure that they do not overly close to other cars on the road, many states have regulations regarding the length of commercial trucks. Truck drivers may also be fined for if they violate these laws.
While most truck drivers adhere to these guidelines, there are those who make a mistake and violate the law. An experienced 18 wheeler accident lawyer can review the details of your case to determine if there were any violations and help you get compensation for your injuries.
Lane Restrictions
Many have asked whether it is legal to drive an 18-wheeler in the left lane. In fact, it is illegal for trucks to drive in the left lane unless they are passing a vehicle or are preparing to turn left. The laws vary from state to state, and if a truck driver violates the rules, they could be facing severe fines or a lawsuit from an injured car accident victim.
According to Connecticut General Statutes 14-230, it is against law for trucks (or any vehicle with more than two axels) to drive in the far left road with three or more lanes in both directions, with the exception of when passing another vehicle or getting ready to turn left. This lane restriction is designed with safety in mind, as large trucks can often be difficult to see smaller cars in their rear blind spots and require more space to pass by vehicles on the right.
Truck drivers are limited in the amount of time they are allowed to drive, and also when they can. This is because trucking companies want to ensure that their drivers get enough rest and not driving too fast. Trucking companies are required to keep track of their drivers' driving hours and shifts for officials from the state, weigh-station employees, or our lawyers to review following an accident involving a dangerous trucker.
Underride Collisions
Trucks are massive vehicles that pose a serious danger to other drivers on the road. Even a minor truck accident can result in devastating injuries and massive medical bills. These accidents could be the result of a variety of factors, including negligence, malfunctioning equipment, or even bad weather conditions. A New York 18-wheeler crash lawyer can help you build your case and pursuing compensation for your loss.
One of the most dangerous kinds of accidents involving large trucks is an underride collision. If a smaller vehicle slides beneath a trailer of a large truck the load of the cargo in the trailer may often crush or shear off the top of the vehicle. This can cause the possibility of a fatal neck or head injury.
The most common cause of side underride collisions is lack of visibility on the part of the trucker. Truckers should install road flares and reflector triangles at certain distances behind their trucks to make it more visible on the road, particularly in low-light conditions. In addition, some drivers may think that a truck is illuminated due to bright lights nearby at truck stops or gas stations.
If you are involved with a collision involving an 18-wheeler truck the trucking company their insurance company and their engineers will immediately send teams of lawyers, investigators and experts to start building their case. Do not talk to any of these individuals until you have discussed your case with a qualified lawyer. An experienced attorney will manage all communications with the parties responsible while you focus on healing from your injuries.
Liability
18 wheelers, also referred to as semi trucks or tractor-trailer trucks, are large commercial vehicles that pose dangerous for everyone on the road. Their enormous size makes them difficult to maneuver, and can cause numerous fatal multi-vehicle accidents. They are vulnerable to rear-end collisions, and often carry dangerous loads.
An experienced truck accident lawyer can help victims of crashes that involve large trucks receive fair compensation for their losses. Victims could be entitled to compensation, which includes for medical expenses, lost wages and property damage. An attorney can look at the facts of the case and legal precedents to determine who is accountable for the accident.
Federal regulations govern trucking companies in terms of safety, driver education and maintenance of vehicles. A truck accident lawyer with years of experience can look into the accident and determine if the rules were violated. The lawyer can look over the driver's book and download crucial information from the black box in the truck,
18 wheeler accident and inspect the wrecked vehicle to uncover crucial evidence.
If the truck driver is responsible for an accident, the law allows the victim to seek compensation from his or her employer through vicarious liability laws. However, the truck driver could be acting as an independent owner-operator in a personal injury lawsuit. In these instances, victims may file a claim and recover damages through their personal insurance policies.