What Is 18 Wheeler Law?
18 wheeler law regulates accidents which involve commercial truck drivers as well as their rigs. These massive vehicles must comply with strict federal guidelines for maintenance security, safety, and training.
Trucking companies often make their drivers to work longer and manipulate logbooks. This can cause accidents with trucks that are catastrophic.
Weight Regulations
Knowing the weight limits for semi-trucks is crucial. The majority of states have single axle and group axle limits on weight that must be observed. It is commonplace to see weigh stations along interstates where truckers are weighed in order to confirm that they are not exceeding the maximum limits for their vehicle and load. If a trucker is found to be in violation of these limits, they could be fined, or even jailed based on the state of their residence and criminal record.
Axle groups have a greater limit on weight because the vehicle is more secure when the weight is distributed over a wider range of axles. This also permits the carriage of more cargo. For example, a single tire on an axle may be weighed at 650lbs per inch of wheel's diameter. However, when there are 2 tires on that same axle it could be weighted at 1300 pounds for each tire.
There are limitations on the types of trailers that can be used in conjunction with a tractor. Some states only allow one trailer, while others only allow triple or twin trailers. A lot of states also require a fifth wheel on the trailer, which is a plate that is placed over the drive wheels, and connects (hooks up) the trailer to the tractor unit. Both day cab tractors as well as sleeper cabs can be found. They both include a sleeping space inside the tractor unit.
Lane Restrictions
In addition to limitations on lane width Truck drivers must also comply with speed limits and traffic lights. 18 wheeler accident lawyer independence to travel at the same speed as cars and, even if they do, they could cause accidents. In most instances, it is the truck driver who is at fault. This is because truck drivers often be driving for longer than is permitted and break hours-of service rules or become sleepy or distracted behind the vehicle.
Another important lane restriction is that truck drivers are not permitted to drive in the left right lane. Trucks brake more slowly than cars for passenger use. This could be a risky situation, especially for smaller vehicles that could get stuck behind trucks when they suddenly slow down or stop.
Some states specifically target large trucks and restrict them from using the left lane, and others only restrict the use of the lane under specific circumstances. In some instances, these laws are built around axel and weight limits, whereas in others they could be based on vehicle description or direction signs.
Even if there's no statewide law governing lane restrictions, you should still check the local rules and observe the rules. You should also move to the right when you see a truck blocking the passing lane.
Ownership
The 18-wheeler and trucking firms have many resources they can make use of to force victims of accidents to accept less than they are entitled to. They have teams of insurance adjusters, lawyers, engineers, and experts who advocate for their clients even before they know whether an accident victim will pursue legal action.
In the event of an accident 18-wheelers are usually responsible for a plethora of injuries and property damage because they carry such hefty load and are so massive in comparison to passenger vehicles. This is particularly so when they are involved in collisions with other motor vehicles. It is crucial to have an a skilled attorney defend your rights and recovery against these large, powerful corporations.
Large truck accidents require a thorough understanding of concepts in the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, federal trucking regulations, medicine, and driving standards. Our lawyers have the knowledge to discover violations of these laws and show the jury how they contributed to your accident.
18-wheeler truck accidents can be caused by the negligence or reckless actions of multiple parties. Our NY 18 wheeler accident lawyer will investigate all accountable parties and ensure they pay their fair portion of your current and expected expenses. This includes trucking firms as well as owners, maintenance contractors and even drivers themselves. Our team will also examine weather conditions that may have played a part in your accident.
Insurance
Trucking companies have vast options available and can quickly deploy teams of insurance adjusters, lawyers engineers, experts, and lawyers to help defend accident victims. They begin this process before they know whether you will seek legal recourse. It is essential to retain an attorney who can match their resources and helping them decrease in size.
A seasoned 18-wheeler crash lawyer can take the burden of dealing with these corporations off your hands and concentrate on securing the compensation you deserve. This money can be used to pay medical costs, vehicle damage loss of income due to missed work and other damages that are not economic such as suffering and pain.
18 wheelers are highly complex vehicles and require a high-level, systematic maintenance to ensure they are safe on the road. Failure to maintain detailed records and perform this maintenance can result in catastrophe-causing accidents.
Tractor-trailers are often carrying hazardous materials, which requires special training and specialized licensing to transport. The material is explosive, flammable or toxic, all of which pose significant risks to other drivers on American roads. An accident that is catastrophic could occur if the load is not properly labeled and secured.
A trained 18 wheeler crash lawyer will determine the exact cause of your crash and hold liable any parties who are responsible. This could include the driver of the truck or the trucking company the owner of the trailer, and the manufacturer of the truck or its components. This is called vicarious liability.