15 Surprising Stats About 18-Wheeler Wreck Lawyer

Is an 18 Wheeler Legal?

There are many accidents involving cars that cause medical bills and physical damage, as well as absence from work. When an 18-wheeler is involved, the consequences are far more severe.

If this happens, the victims can file a claim for financial compensation. This is where an attorney from New Orleans truck accident attorney can help.

Weight Limits

In general healdsburg 18 wheeler accident lawsuit wheelers can carry 80,000 pounds, knightdale 18 wheeler accident attorney including the weight of cargo. This is a strict limitation that requires trucking companies to pack their vehicles as full as possible and could result in overloading. Drivers who exceed the limit could be penalized. The penalties vary based on the location they reside in.

If you examine the lights of an 18-wheeler, you'll usually be able to determine if they're exceeding the speed limit. A single flash from their blinkers means that it's safe to merge the front of them, whereas flashes of high intensity or multiple flashes indicate that it's not. Truck drivers also make use of their lights to communicate, so keep an an eye out for them when merging.

It's important to always leave plenty of space between your vehicle and an 18-wheeler, especially when you are passing. Trucks need plenty of room to slow down and stop and if you cut them off, it could lead to a deadly crash. While truck drivers are often considered to be bullies on the road 72% of accidents between passenger cars and trucks result from car drivers.

Axles Axles

Semi-trucks, like cars, require multiple axles in order to rotate the wheels. A semi-truck typically has four wheels, which includes the steer and drive axles. Trailers usually have two tandem axles. This can make them much longer than a typical passenger car, and it's important to be aware of this when driving alongside one of these vehicles.

The weight limits of axles are based on a variety of factors, including the Federal Bridge Formula, and the single axle and axle group legal limit posted by each state. The limit for each state can be higher than the Federal limit that is why it is vital for truckers and drivers to know the federal and state limit on axle weight before they travel.

Moving standard freight shipments is enough of a challenge but adding additional weight increases the chance of accidents. A trucker who overloaded his trailer is in violation of the law and could be held liable for any injuries that result. If you've suffered injuries in an accident involving an South elgin 18 Wheeler accident lawsuit-wheeler, a truck accident lawyer can determine if the driver was carrying more than the maximum amount allowed, and whether this negligence caused your injury.

Speed Limits

For any driver, speeding is among the leading causes of truck accidents. This is especially applicable to large trucks, which are more likely to crash due to their size and weight. Because of this, it is important for truckers to obey the speed limits of every route they travel.

However truck drivers are usually required to deliver their goods quickly, and they may not be able slow down enough for the conditions. This can lead drivers to drive dangerously, which can cause harm to other drivers.

Fortunately, it is possible to reduce the chance of accidents by using speed limiters. This device automatically restricts the speed of a vehicle to a safe limit. It is able to be installed on many different types.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is studying an amendment to the rulebook that would require truckers use these devices. The agency has issued a revised notice of proposed rulemaking in order to gather feedback on the rule. The previous proposals have talked about restricting truck speeds to 60 to 65 or 68 speed.

Insurance

The majority of private car owners buy a single insurance policy to cover their personal vehicles. Truckers on the other hand do not own the vehicles they drive. Instead, they lease their 18-wheelers to a trucking company. Due to the increased risk associated with commercial vehicles, trucking companies usually require higher liability insurance limits. Additionally, they may purchase bobtail and cargo insurance for their vehicles. Cargo coverage protects the freight that a semi transports, while bobtail insurance covers the truck once it has delivered its load. These policies may provide compensation to grieving victims and family members in the event of an accident.

Maintenance

It is often difficult to estimate the maintenance costs of commercial vehicles. They are costly to maintain and repair, especially when major repairs are needed. However, some trucking companies provide maintenance schedules which provide an estimate of the overall cost of maintaining the vehicle.

Trucks have ten brakes instead 18 and anti-lock breaks are now standard on new trucks. The trucks take about 40 percent longer to stop than a car. This is due in part to the large dimensions of an 18-wheeler as well as its speed increase the stopping distance.

The term "eighteen wheeler" has become synonymous with trucking and is even featured in country music songs like the Red Sovine titles "Giddyup Go" and "Teddy Bear" and the thrash metal group BigRig's track "Roll on". However, it is important to remember that these trucks are not home on the road, and that they must obey the same rules as other drivers. For example, it is illegal for truckers to text while driving because the split second of inattention could result in fatal consequences.