What Is 18 Wheeler Law?
18 wheeler law deals with accidents that involve commercial truck drivers and their rigs. These massive vehicles must follow strict federal guidelines for maintenance, safety, and training.
Unfortunately, trucking companies often pressure their drivers to work longer hours and alter log books. This can cause accidents that happen in trucks to be catastrophic.
Weight Regulations
Understanding the weight limits for semi-trucks is crucial. Most states have both single axle and group axle limits on weight that must be adhered to. Weigh stations are common along interstates, where truckers are weighed to ensure that they do not exceed the weight limits for their vehicle or load. If a truck driver is discovered to be violating these limits, they could be penalized or even imprisoned based on the location and criminal record.
Axle groups are granted an upper limit due to the fact that distributing the weight across more axles makes the vehicle more secure and allows more cargo to be carried. For example, a single tire on an axle may be weighed at 650lbs per inch of wheel diameter but when there are 2 tires on that same axle it can be weighted at 1300 pounds for each tire.
There are limitations on the types of trailers that can be used with the tractor. Some states allow only one trailer, while other states only allow triple or twin trailers. In addition, many states require five wheels on the trailer. This is a rounded plate on top of the drive wheels which joins (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. There are both day cab tractors as well as sleeper cabs which include a sleeping area into the tractor unit. They are designed to haul over the road.
Lane Restrictions
In addition to restrictions on lane usage truck drivers must be aware of speed limits as well as traffic lights. Trucks aren't permitted to operate at the same speed as cars for passengers. If they do, accidents could occur. In many instances, the driver of the truck is at fault in these accidents. This is due to truck drivers being able to be driving for longer than is permitted or break the rules of hours-of-service, or become sleepy or distracted behind the driving.
Another important lane restriction is that truck drivers are not allowed to drive in the left right lane. This is because it takes much longer for trucks to stop than cars. This could create a dangerous situation, especially for cars that are smaller and could be stuck behind trucks if they suddenly slow down or stop.
Certain states prohibit the use of lanes in certain circumstances, while others restrict it for big trucks. In some instances these laws are built around axel and weight limits, whereas in other, they may be based on vehicle description or direction signs.
Even if there is no law that is statewide that you can follow, you should be aware of local rules on limitations on lane usage and follow them. You should also move to the left when you see a truck blocking the passing lane.
Ownership
The trucking and gainesville 18 wheeler accident attorney-wheeler businesses have an abundance of resources to use in order to force accident victims into accepting less than what they are entitled to. They have teams of insurance adjusters, lawyers engineers, experts, and lawyers that work on their behalf even before they know whether the victim of an accident is going to seek legal relief.
In accidents celina 18 wheeler accident law firm-wheelers are usually responsible for severe injuries and property damage due to the fact that they carry such large load and are so massive when compared to passenger cars. This is particularly relevant when these trucks are involved in collisions with other motor vehicles. It is vital to hire an attorney with experience fighting for your rights against these powerful, large corporations.
Large-scale accidents require a thorough understanding of complex concepts in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology as well as federal regulations for trucking as well as medical standards, driving and other related areas. Our attorneys are able to find any violations of these laws and show the jury what caused your accident.
Multiple parties can be responsible for truck accidents involving 18-wheelers. Our NY 18-wheeler accident lawyer will investigate the responsible parties and ensure that they are liable for your current and anticipated expenses. This includes trucking companies and owners, maintenance contractors and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also look into weather conditions that might have played a part in your accident.
Insurance
The trucking industry has a wealth of resources at their disposal and can quickly send teams of insurance adjusters, lawyers engineers, experts, and even engineers to create a defense against accident victims. They start this process even before they know if you'll need legal recourse. It is important to retain an attorney who can match their resources and helping them decrease in size.
A lawyer who has expertise in handling sumner 18 wheeler accident law firm-wheeler accidents will relieve you of the burden and assist you in getting the compensation you're due. The money could be used to pay for expenses like medical bills that are expensive car damage, loss of wages due to absence from work, and other damages such as pain and suffering.
18-wheelers are complex vehicles that require high-level, systematic maintenance to ensure they remain on the road. Inability to maintain this maintenance and keep accurate records could result in devastating accidents.
Tractor-trailers can be used for transporting hazardous materials, that require special training and licensing. The material is flammable, explosive, radiological or poisonous, and all of these pose significant risks to other drivers on American roads. Failure to properly label and secure the load could cause a devastating accident.
A competent attorney for 18-wheelers will determine the exact cause and blame any parties who are responsible. These could include the driver of the truck and the trucking company, the owner of the trailer and the company that manufactures the truck or its components. This is referred to as vicarious responsibility.