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What Is 18 Wheeler Law?

18 wheeler law covers accidents which involve commercial truck drivers as well as their rigs. These massive vehicles are subject to federal regulations regarding maintenance, safety and training.

Unfortunately, trucking companies frequently force their drivers to work longer hours and manipulate log books. This can cause accidents that happen in trucks to be catastrophic.

Weight Regulations

It is important to understand the weight limitations for semi-trucks. Weight limits for single axles as well as group axles are set by the majority of states. It is commonplace to see weigh stations along interstates where truckers are weighed in order to confirm that they do not exceed maximum limits for 18-wheeler accident attorney their vehicle and load. If a trucker is found to be in violation of these limits, they could be penalized or even imprisoned based on the state and their criminal record.

Axle groups are granted an increased limit because spreading the weight across multiple 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 650 pounds per inch of wheel diameter but when there are 2 tires on that same axle it can be measured at 1300 pounds per tire.

There are also limitations on the types of trailers that can be used with a tractor. Certain states only permit one trailer, while others allow twin or triple trailers. In addition, many states require fifth wheels on the trailer. This is a rounded plate on top of the drive wheels that joins (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. There are both day cab tractor and sleeper cabs, which incorporate an area for sleeping inside the tractor unit and are specifically designed for over the road hauling.

Lane Restrictions

Truck drivers must observe traffic rules and speed limits in addition to the lane limitations. Trucks can't drive at the same speed as vehicles for passengers, and even if they do, they can cause accidents. In many cases, the truck driver is the culprit in these accidents. Truck drivers may be driving longer than they are entitled to, or breaking the hours-of service regulations and/or being asleep or distracted behind the driving.

Truck drivers are also barred from driving in the left lane. Trucks are slower to brake than cars that are primarily passenger vehicles. This can be a dangerous issue, especially for those with smaller cars who could be stranded behind trucks when it slows or stops suddenly.

Some states specifically single out large trucks and prohibit them from using the left lane, and other states limit the usage of the lane in specific situations. These laws can be based on weight or axel limit. In other situations they may be solely based on vehicle description.

Even if there's no statewide law regarding lane restrictions you should still check the local rules and abide by the rules. It is also recommended to move to the right when you see trucks passing in the lane so that it does not hinder faster cars from passing you.

Ownership

Companies operating 18 wheelers and trucking have a wealth of resources available to pressure accident victims to accept a lesser amount than what they are entitled to. They have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters who represent them before they even know if the victim of the 18-wheeler accident Attorneys near me will pursue legal action.

In the event of an accident 18-wheelers are frequently responsible for severe injuries and property damage because they carry such large loads and are so large relative to passenger vehicles. This is especially the case when they collide into other motor vehicles. It is important to hire an an experienced attorney defend your rights and recoveries against these powerful, massive corporations.

Large truck accidents require an understanding of complicated concepts in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology and federal trucking regulations, medicine, and driving standards. Our lawyers can identify any violations of these laws and present to the jury the circumstances that caused your accident.

Multiple parties could be accountable for truck accidents involving 18-wheelers. Our NY attorney for accidents involving 18 wheels will investigate all of the responsible parties and ensure that they are liable for their fair portion of your current and expected expenses. This includes trucking firms as well as owners, maintenance contractors and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also study weather conditions that may have contributed to your 18-wheeler accident.

Insurance

Trucking companies can provide large teams of adjusters, lawyers engineers, experts and adjusters quickly. They begin this process before they know if you will seek legal recourse. This is why it's crucial to hire an experienced attorney who will match their resources and reduce them to size.

An attorney who has experience handling 18 wheeler accident attorney near me-wheeler collisions will relieve you of the burden and assist you in getting the compensation you deserve. The money could be used to pay for expenses such as medical bills that are costly car damage, loss of wages due to absence from work, and other injuries like pain and suffering.

18 wheeler accident attorney wheelers are highly complex vehicles that require high-end, consistent maintenance to ensure their safety on the road. Failure to perform this maintenance and keep detailed records can result in tragic accidents.

Tractor-trailers are commonly used to transport hazardous substances, which require special training and licenses. The material may be explosive, flammable, or poisonous, all of which pose significant risks to other drivers on American roads. Failure to properly label and secure the load could result in a fatal 18-wheeler accident attorney.

A competent 18-wheeler accident attorney will determine the exact causes and blame any other parties that may be responsible. This 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 obligation.