What Is 18 Wheeler Law?

Accidents involving commercial truck drivers, their rigs and 18 wheelers are covered by the law of 18 wheels. These massive vehicles are subject to strict federal guidelines regarding maintenance, safety and training.

Unfortunately, trucking companies often require their drivers to work longer hours and manipulate log books. This can result in catastrophic trucking accidents.

Weight Regulations

Understanding the weight limits of semi trucks is essential. Most states have both single axle and group axle weight limits that must be observed. There are numerous weigh stations along interstates, and truckers are weighed to ensure that they don't over the weight limit for their vehicle or load. If a trucker is found breaking these limits and is fined, they could be penalized or even imprisoned according to their criminal record and the state.

Axle groups are able to have a higher limit because distributing the weight across more axles is safer for the vehicle and allows for more cargo to be transported. For 18 wheeler accidents example a single tire mounted 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 weighed at 1300 pounds per tire.

There are restrictions on the types of trailers which can be used in conjunction with the tractor. Some states allow only one trailer, while other states permit triple or twin trailers. A majority of states also require a fifth-wheel on the trailer that is a plate that sits over the drive wheels and couples (hooks up) the trailer to the tractor unit. There are day cab tractors and sleeper cabs, which incorporate a sleeping area into the tractor unit and are designed to haul over the road.

Lane Restrictions

In addition to lane restrictions truck drivers must be aware of speed limits as well as traffic lights. Trucks can't drive at the same speed as passenger vehicles, and even if they do, they might cause accidents. In most cases the driver of the truck is the one at fault in these accidents. Truck drivers may be driving for longer than they are entitled to, ignoring the hours-of-service regulations or be asleep or distracted behind the driving.

Truck drivers are also prohibited from driving in the left lane. This is due to the fact that it takes a lot longer for trucks to stop than passenger vehicles. This could create a risky situation, particularly for cars that are smaller and could get stuck behind trucks when they suddenly slow down or stop.

Some states limit the use of lanes under certain circumstances, while others restrict it for big trucks. In some instances, these laws are built around axel and weight limits, while in others they could be based upon vehicle description or directions.

Even if there isn't a statewide law regarding lane restrictions you should still look over the local rules and follow them. It is also recommended to move to the left when you see a truck blocking the passing lane.

Ownership

Trucking and 18 wheeler accident law firm wheeler companies have a vast array of resources available to force accident victims into accepting far less than they should. They have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters who advocate on their behalf before they even know if the victim of the accident will pursue legal action.

In accidents 18-wheelers can be blamed for severe injuries and property damage due to the fact that they carry such large loads and are huge when compared to passenger cars. This is especially relevant when they collide with motor vehicles. It is important to have a seasoned attorney fight for your rights and get you justice against these large, powerful corporations.

Accidents involving large trucks require a thorough understanding of concepts in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology and federal trucking regulations, medical and driving regulations. Our lawyers are able find any violations of these laws, and present to the jury the circumstances that caused your accident.

18-wheeler truck accidents are often caused by the negligent or reckless actions of multiple parties. Our NY attorney for 18 wheeler accidents will investigate all of the liable parties and make sure they pay their fair share of your current and anticipated costs. This includes owners of trucking companies, trucking companies of maintenance contractors, even the drivers themselves. Our team will also investigate the weather conditions that could have played a part in the accident.

Insurance

The trucking industry has a wealth of resources at their disposal and can quickly send teams of lawyers, insurance adjusters engineers, experts, and even engineers to build a defense against the victims of accidents. They begin this process before they know if you will seek legal recourse. It is essential to retain an attorney who can match their resources and bringing them down in size.

An experienced 18-wheeler crash lawyer will alleviate the burden of dealing with these large corporations off your shoulders and concentrate on securing the compensation you're entitled to. This money can be used to pay medical costs, vehicle damage as well as lost income from missing work and other non-economic losses like pain and suffering.

18 wheelers are highly complex vehicles that require high-end, consistent maintenance to keep them safe on the road. Inability to keep detailed records and to perform maintenance can result in disastrous accidents.

Tractor-trailers can be used for transporting hazardous materials, which require specialized training and certification. This material can be explosive, flammable, or poisonous, and all of these pose significant risks for other drivers on American roads. In the absence of proper labeling and secure the load could cause a devastating accident.

A qualified 18-wheeler crash attorney can pinpoint the exact cause of the accident and pinpoint any individuals responsible. These could include the truck driver or the trucking company the owner of the trailer and the company that manufactures the truck or its components. This is called vicarious liability.