The Main Problem With 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers And How You Can Fix It

What Is 18 Wheeler Law?

Accidents that involve commercial truck drivers, their rigs, and 18 Wheeler accident Lawsuits wheelers are covered under the law of 18 wheels. These huge vehicles must be subject to strict federal guidelines for maintenance safety, training, and maintenance.

Unfortunately, trucking companies frequently force their drivers to work longer hours and manipulate log books. This can cause accidents involving trucks to be devastating.

Weight Regulations

It is essential to be aware of the weight limitations for semi trucks. Many states have single axle and group axle weight limits which must be adhered to. Weigh stations are common along interstates where truckers are weighed to ensure they do not exceed the maximum weight limits for their vehicle or load. If a trucker is found in violation of these limits, they could be fined and 18 wheeler accident lawsuits even sent to jail depending on their criminal history and the state.

Axle groups have a greater weight limit due to the fact that 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 can only weigh 650 pounds per inch of wheel's diameter. However, when there are 2 tires on the same axle it can be weighted at 1300 pounds for each tire.

There are restrictions on the kind of trailers that can be used in conjunction with a tractor. Some states will only allow one trailer, while other states only permit triple or twin trailers. In addition, many states require a fifth wheel on the trailer. This is a round plate that is above the drive wheels which joins (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. Day cab tractors and sleeper cabs are available. They both include a sleeping area inside the tractor unit.

Lane Restrictions

Truck drivers must obey traffic rules and speed limits in addition to the lane limitations. Trucks cannot drive at the same speed as cars and when they do, they can cause accidents. In a lot of cases, it's the truck driver at fault. This is due to truck drivers being able to drive longer than the limit or violate the hours-of-service regulations, or become sleepy or distracted behind the steering wheel.

Truck drivers are also banned from driving in the left the lane. This is due to the fact that it takes a lot longer for trucks to brake than cars. This can be a very dangerous situation, especially for smaller vehicles that could be stuck behind trucks when they suddenly slow down or stop.

There are states that specifically exclude large trucks and prohibit them from using the left lane. However, others only restrict the use of the lane in specific circumstances. In some instances the laws are determined by weight and axel limits, while in other they may be based upon vehicle description or direction signs.

Even if there isn't a statewide regulation on lane limits, you must still review the local rules and abide by the rules. You should also move over to the right side if you spot trucks in the passing lane, so that it does not hinder cars overtaking you.

Ownership

The 18-wheeler and trucking companies have many resources they can employ to pressure victims of accidents to accept less than what they're entitled to. They have teams of lawyers, insurance adjusters, engineers, and experts that work on their behalf, even before they know whether an accident victim will pursue legal recourse.

In accidents 18-wheelers are frequently responsible for severe injuries and property damage due to the fact that they carry such heavy loads and are incredibly large when compared to passenger cars. This is especially true when these trucks collide into other motor vehicles. It is crucial to have an an experienced attorney fight for your rights and get you justice against these large, powerful corporations.

Accidents involving large trucks require a thorough understanding of concepts from the fields of biology, chemistry and physics, federal trucking regulations, medicine, and driving standards. Our lawyers have the knowledge to discover violations of these laws, and then show the jury how it led to your accident.

18-wheeler truck accidents can be caused by the negligent or reckless acts of a number of parties. Our NY 18-wheeler accident lawyer will investigate the parties responsible and ensure that they pay their fair share for your present and future costs. This includes trucking companies as well as owners, maintenance contractors and even drivers themselves. Our team will also investigate weather conditions that might have contributed to your accident.

Insurance

Trucking companies can send large teams of adjusters, lawyers engineers, experts and adjusters quickly. They begin this process before they know if you'll need legal recourse. That's why it's so important to immediately retain an experienced lawyer who can match their resources and cut them to size.

An experienced 18 wheeler accidents wheeler crash lawyer will alleviate the burden of dealing with these big corporations off your hands and focus on getting you the compensation you deserve. This can be used to cover expenses such as high medical bills or vehicle damage, lost wages from missing work, and other injuries like suffering and pain.

18-wheelers are highly complex vehicles which require sophisticated, systematic maintenance to ensure they remain on the road. Failure to do this maintenance and maintain accurate records can result in disastrous accidents.

Tractor-trailers can be used to transport hazardous materials that require special training and licenses. The material is explosive, flammable or toxic, all of which can pose serious dangers for other drivers on American roads. In the absence of proper labeling and secure the load could also result in a fatal accident.

A reputable 18 wheeler accident lawyer can pinpoint the exact cause of your crash and liable for any party that are accountable. This may include the driver of the truck, the trucking company or the owner of the trailer and the company that manufactures the truck and its components. This is known as vicarious liability.