10 Facts About 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers That Will Instantly Put You In Good Mood

What Is 18 Wheeler Law?

18 wheeler law regulates accidents involving commercial truck drivers and their rigs. These massive vehicles must comply with strict federal guidelines for maintenance as well as safety and training.

Trucking companies often make their drivers to work longer and manipulate logbooks. This can result in catastrophic trucking accidents.

Weight Regulations

It is essential to be aware of the weight restrictions for semi trucks. Weight limits for single axles and group axles are determined by the majority of states. It is typical to see weigh stations along interstates where truckers are weighed to verify that they do not exceed the maximum limits of their vehicle and load. If a trucker gets discovered to be violating these limits, they may be fined or even imprisoned, based on the state and their criminal record.

Axle groups are granted a higher limit because distributing the weight across more axles is safer for the vehicle and allows more cargo to be transported. For example one tire on an axle can be weighed at 650lbs per inch of wheel diameter. However, when there are two tires on the same axle it can be weighted at 1300 pounds for each tire.

There are also limitations on the types of trailers that can be used in conjunction with a tractor. Certain states only permit one trailer, while others allow twin or triple trailers. A lot of states also require a fifth-wheel on the trailer that is a plate that is placed above the drive wheels and couples (hooks up) the trailer to the tractor unit. Day cab tractor models as well as sleeper cabs are available. They all have sleeping spaces inside the tractor unit.

Lane Restrictions

In addition to lane restrictions, truck drivers must also comply with speed limits and traffic lights. Trucks are not allowed to drive at the same speed as cars used by passengers. If they do, accidents may occur. In most cases the driver of the truck is the culprit in these accidents. This is due to truck drivers being able to drive longer than they are allowed to or violate the hours-of-service regulations, or become sleepy or distracted behind the vehicle.

Another important restriction on lane use is that truck drivers are not allowed to drive in the left or right. This is because it takes much longer for trucks to brake than cars. This can be a dangerous issue, especially for those who drive smaller vehicles and may be stranded behind a truck if it slows or stops suddenly.

There are states that specifically target large trucks and restrict them from using the left lane, and other states limit the use of the lane only in specific situations. In some cases, these laws are built around axel and weight limits, whereas in others, they may be based on the description of the vehicle or 18 wheeler accident lawyer directions.

Even if there is no statewide law however, you must check local regulations regarding limitations on lane usage and follow the rules. You should also move over to the left if you spot trucks passing in the lane in order to not hinder faster cars from taking over.

Ownership

Trucking and 18 wheeler companies have a vast array of resources available to pressure accident victims into accepting less than they deserve. They have teams of lawyers, insurance adjusters engineers, experts, and even engineers who advocate on their behalf before they know whether the victim of an accident will pursue legal action.

Due to their massive load and are so much larger than passenger vehicles, 18 wheelers frequently cause a lot of injuries and huge property damage when they are involved in accidents. This is particularly relevant when these trucks collide into other motor vehicles. It is vital to hire a lawyer who has experience fighting for your rights against these powerful, large corporations.

Accidents involving large trucks require an understanding of complex concepts from the fields of biology, chemistry, physics and federal trucking regulations medical regulations, and driving rules. Our lawyers are able identify any violations of these laws and explain to the jury what led to your accident.

18 wheeler accident lawyers-wheeler truck accidents are often caused by the careless or reckless acts of a number of parties. Our NY 18 wheeler accident lawyer will investigate all accountable parties and ensure they are paid their fair share of your current and anticipated costs. This includes trucking firms, owners of maintenance contractors, even the drivers themselves. Our team will also examine weather conditions that might be a factor in your accident.

Insurance

Trucking companies have a wealth of options available and can quickly send teams of insurance adjusters, lawyers engineers, experts, and lawyers to develop a strategy for defense against the victims of accidents. They start this process before they even decide if you will to pursue legal recourse. It is important to retain an attorney who can match their resources and reducing them in size.

A lawyer with experience handling 18-wheeler collisions can ease the burden and help you get the compensation you're due. This money can be used to cover medical costs, vehicle damage, lost income from missed work and other damages that are not economic such as pain and suffering.

18-wheelers are a complex vehicle that require a high-level, structured maintenance to keep them on the road. Inability to keep detailed documents and carry out this maintenance could lead to catastrophe-causing accidents.

Tractor-trailers often are used to transport hazardous substances, which require special training and licensing. The material could be explosive, flammable, or toxic, all of which pose significant risks to other drivers on American roads. Failure to properly label and secure the load could also result in a catastrophic accident.

A qualified 18-wheeler crash attorney can determine the cause of the accident and pinpoint any parties that may be accountable. This could include the driver of the truck, the trucking company and the owner of the trailer and the manufacturer of the truck and its components. This is called vicarious responsibility.