Trucks, 18 wheelers, and tractor-trailers get involved in numerous wrecks each year. They transport dangerous loads and have higher insurance requirements than private cars.
Driver fatigue is a typical cause of truck accidents. The law restricts the amount of time truck drivers can be on the road and requires them to keep accurate records of their working hours.
Weight limit
As Americans continue to shift their purchasing habits away from traditional in-person shopping and toward online shopping the roads are getting crowded by trucks from Amazon, FedEx, and other shipping companies. As a result, many drivers are struggling to keep up with the speed and maneuverability of these big vehicles. This is a problem for everyone however it is particularly challenging for small and passenger car trucks to maneuver around these massive vehicles.
There are laws that govern the maximum legal limit for 18 wheeler accident lawyers-wheelers. This applies to the truck itself as well as the cargo it carries. It's crucial to know the legal limit so you can avoid driving over them and placing yourself in danger.
The maximum gross vehicle mass for trucks is 80,000 lbs. There are different weight limits for axle groups and single axles. For instance the Federal Bridge Formula sets a single-axle limit of 20,000 pounds, 18 wheeler Accident attorneys while axles spaced more than 40 inches but less than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are restricted to 34,000 pounds. States also have their specific weight restrictions, which apply to single-axle vehicles and for axle groups.
State-by-state the penalties for a violation of the weight limit vary from fines to $16,000. In certain cases, the driver's employer may be responsible for these fines, too. Repeat offenders could also face higher fines.
Lane restrictions
Most states have laws which restrict where trucks can travel on highways. For instance, some states exclude big trucks and block them from driving on the left side on multilane highways. This law is intended to stop vehicles from following trucks too close to the road and causing accidents.
In these instances the truck driver will have no choice but to change lanes and risk a collision with cars that are driving behind them. In order for trucks to be able to pass slower cars quickly, they must be in the right lane. Truck drivers must also be able monitor other motor vehicles on the left side of the lane, looking for hazards or traffic devices that require them to take a turn.
By not complying with these laws, they put themselves and other motorists at risk of serious accidents. If a motorist has been injured by a vehicle that violated the laws governing lane restrictions, he or she may be entitled compensation.
Trucks have the most blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and require plenty of space to move around. In some cases, drivers in smaller vehicles cut off trucks when they change lanes, which can cause them to make a jackknife. In other instances drivers slow down to a point that the truck is unable to pass through them, which puts both parties at risk of an accident.
Bumper guards
Before installing bumper guards, you should consult your state's laws. Some states are not allowed to install bumper guards, and some only allow them on cars parked. These devices are worth investing in for protection when parking your vehicle in busy areas or in cities with many parallel parking. These devices prevent scratches and dents caused by larger drivers backing up onto your SUV or truck.
They can also avoid collisions with branches of trees. They look like cowcatchers on freight trains, 18 Wheeler Accident Attorneys and they're commonplace on off-road vehicles. They can be used to push debris and other debris away, and even protect headlights.
There are a variety of different ways to put up bumper guards, such as stick-on rubber strips and mat-style protectors. The stick-on style is the easiest to install, as it can be removed within minutes without leaving sticky residue. However, this style does not provide much protection and does not cover all the corners of your truck.
Some companies make mat-style protectors that can be folded up or folded to make it easy for transport and storage. The LuvTap, a familar model made of a soft cotton material which can be adjusted to various vehicle sizes It is a well-loved product. It also has bright silver reflectors to improve visibility in low lighting conditions. It comes with two included straps that connect it to the trunk of your vehicle. It can be flipped out when required.
Insurance
Truck accidents can result in grave injuries and even death. This is the reason federal and state regulations require trucking companies carry higher insurance premiums than regular passenger cars. These policies can be worth 40 times that of the standard insurance policy. Insurance companies for trucks, however, will do everything to prevent paying accident victim claims. They frequently trick injured people into making a written statement or employ other strategies to limit their liability. If you are filing a claim after an 18-wheeler accident attorneys crash it is crucial to consult with a Denver truck accident lawyer.
The requirements for trucking insurance are complex and vary according to jurisdiction. The most commonly used coverage is primary liability. This covers property damage caused by the truck in an accident. It is recommended to have cargo insurance and non-trucking liability. The former covers the truck while it is transporting a load and it is often included in the contract of a driver of a truck with their carrier. The latter is sometimes called "bobtail" insurance and protects the truck and driver between the loads.
If you've been injured in an 18 wheeler accident law firm wheeler accident, you should know that the minimum insurance limits for tractor-trailers are significantly lower than the limits required for passenger vehicles. This means that you will likely have to fight with the insurance company of the trucking company for a fair settlement. A Memphis truck accident lawyer will identify all parties that are liable, including the trucking company, the driver and any dram store which may have served the driver excessive amounts of alcohol.
