5 Laws That Can Benefit The 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers Industry
What Is 18 Wheeler Law?
Accidents that involve commercial truck drivers, their rigs, and 18 wheelers are covered by the 18 wheeler law. These massive vehicles are subject to federal regulations 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
It is important to understand the weight limitations for semi-trucks. The majority of states have single axle and group axle weight limits which must be adhered to. It is commonplace to see weigh stations along interstates where truck drivers are weighed to ensure that they aren't exceeding the maximum weight limit for their vehicle and load. If a trucker is found in violation of these limits, they could be fined and even sent to jail subject to 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 spread over a wider range of axles. This also allows for the carriage of more cargo. A single tire on an wheel is only weighed up to 665 pounds per inch however, if two tires are on the same axle, it could be weighed up to 1300 pounds.
There are restrictions on the kind of trailers that can be used with the tractor. Certain states only permit one trailer, while other states only permit triple or twin trailers. Some states also require a fifth wheel on the trailer, which is a plate which sits over the drive wheels and couples (hooks up) the trailer to the tractor unit. There are day cab tractors as well as sleeper cabs, which incorporate a sleeping area inside the tractor unit and are designed to be used for hauling over the road.
Lane Restrictions
Truck drivers must observe traffic rules and speed limits in addition to the lane limitations. Trucks aren't allowed to travel at the same speed as passenger vehicles. If they do, accidents may occur. In most cases, the driver of the truck is the primary culprit in these accidents. Truck drivers may be driving for longer than they are allowed to, or breaking the hours-of service regulations, or being tired or distracted behind the wheel.
Truck drivers are also banned from driving in the left side of the road. This is due to the fact that it takes a lot longer for trucks to brake than passenger vehicles. This can pose a danger issue, particularly for those in smaller cars who may be stuck behind trucks when it suddenly stops or slows down.
Some states restrict the use of lanes in specific circumstances, while others restrict it for big trucks. These laws could be based on the weight of the vehicle or axel limits. In other cases, they could be based solely on vehicle's description.
Even if there's no statewide law that you can follow, you should be aware of local rules about the lane restriction and adhere to the rules. You should also shift to the right when you spot a truck in the pass lane to ensure that it does not hinder faster vehicles from approaching you.
Ownership
Companies that operate 18 wheeler accident lawyer wheelers and trucks have massive resources available to force accident victims into accepting less than they deserve. They have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters who represent them before they even know whether the victim of an accident will take legal action.
In accidents 18 wheeler accident attorney-wheelers are frequently responsible for a number of serious injuries and property damage because they carry such heavy loads and are incredibly large when compared to passenger cars. This is especially relevant when they collide with other motor vehicles. It is essential to find an attorney who has experience fighting for your rights against these powerful, large corporations.
Accidents involving large trucks require an understanding of complex concepts that are derived from physics, chemistry, biology as well as federal trucking regulations medical standards, and driving. Our lawyers are able identify any violations of these laws and explain to the jury what led to your accident.
18-wheeler truck accidents are often caused by the negligence or reckless actions of several parties. Our NY 18 wheeler accident lawyer will investigate all liable parties and make sure they are liable for their fair portion of your current and anticipated expenses. This includes trucking companies, owners, maintenance contractors, and 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer even drivers themselves. Our team will also look into the weather conditions that could have contributed to the accident.
Insurance
Trucking companies are able to send large teams of lawyers, adjusters, engineers and experts quickly. They start this process even before they are aware of whether you'll seek legal recourse. It is crucial to hire an attorney who can match their resources and helping them decrease in size.
A lawyer with expertise in handling 18-wheeler accidents can ease the burden and help you receive the compensation you're entitled to. The money could be used to cover medical costs, vehicle damage, lost income from missed work, and other non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
18 wheelers are a complex vehicle and require high-end, systematic maintenance to keep them safe on the road. Failure to keep accurate documents and carry out this maintenance can result in disastrous accidents.
Tractor-trailers are often carrying hazardous materials that requires specialized training and specialized licenses to transport. These materials could be flammable or explosive and radiological as well as poisonous. They all pose a major danger to other drivers on American highways. A fatal accident could happen if the load is not properly labelled and secured.
A reputable 18 wheeler crash lawyer can determine the precise reason for your accident and liable for any party that are accountable. These may include the driver of the truck as well as the trucking company, the owner of the trailer and the manufacturer of the truck or its components. This is also known as vicarious liability.
