The 10 Most Terrifying Things About 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers

What Is 18 Wheeler Law?

Accidents with commercial truck drivers, their rigs, and 18 wheelers are covered under the law governing 18 wheeler accident lawsuits wheelers. These massive vehicles must comply with strict federal guidelines for maintenance security, safety, and training.

Unfortunately, trucking companies often press their drivers to complete longer hours and manipulate log books. This can cause trucking accidents to be catastrophic.

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 observed. Weigh stations are common on interstates, where truckers are weighed to ensure they do not exceed the weight limit for their vehicle or load. If a trucker is found to be in violation of these limits, they may be fined or even imprisoned based on the state they reside in and their criminal record.

Axle groups have a higher limit because distributing the weight across multiple axles increases the safety of the vehicle and allows more cargo to be carried. For instance a single tire mounted on an axle is able to weigh 650 pounds per inch of wheel diameter, but when there are two tires on the same axle it could be weighed at 1300 pounds per tire.

There are limitations on the kinds of trailers that can be used in conjunction with the tractor. Certain states only permit one trailer, while other states only permit twin or triple trailers. In addition, many states require a fifth wheel on the trailer, which is a rounded plate on top of the drive wheels that couples (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. Day cab tractors and sleeper cabs are offered. They both come with a sleeping area in the tractor unit.

Lane Restrictions

In addition to restrictions on lane usage truck drivers also must adhere to speed limits and traffic lights. Trucks cannot drive at the same speed as vehicles for passengers, and if they do, they could cause accidents. In many instances, it is the driver of the truck at fault. This is because truck drivers may drive longer than they are allowed to, break hours-of-service rules, or become tired or distracted behind the steering wheel.

Truck drivers are also barred from driving in the left the lane. This is because trucks take longer trucks to brake than passenger vehicles. This could be a risky issue, especially for those who drive smaller vehicles and may be stranded behind the truck when it slows or stops suddenly.

Some states specifically exclude large trucks and restrict them from using the left lane, while others limit the usage of the lane in specific situations. These laws could be based either on axel or weight limits. In other instances they may be based solely on the vehicle description.

Even if there is no statewide law it is important to check local rules about the lane restrictions and adhere to the rules. You should also move to the right when you spot a truck blocking the passing lane.

Ownership

Companies that operate 18 wheelers and 18 Wheeler accident Lawsuit trucks have massive resources available to force victims of accidents into accepting far less than what they are entitled to. They have teams of insurance adjusters and lawyers who represent them before they know whether the victim of an accident will pursue legal action.

Due to their massive load and are larger than passenger vehicles, 18 Wheeler Accident lawsuit wheelers frequently cause catastrophic injuries and enormous property damage in accidents. This is particularly true when these trucks collide with motor vehicles. It is important to have an experienced attorney defend your rights and recovery against these powerful, massive corporations.

Large vehicle accidents require an understanding of the most complex concepts in the fields of physics and chemistry, biology as well as federal regulations for trucking and medical practices, driving regulations, and other related fields. Our lawyers have the knowledge to uncover violations of these laws, and then show the jury the circumstances that led to your accident.

18-wheeler truck accidents can be caused by the careless or reckless acts of a number of parties. Our NY attorney for accidents involving 18 wheels will investigate all responsible parties and ensure they are liable for their fair share of your current and anticipated expenses. This includes trucking firms and owners, maintenance contractors and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also examine the weather conditions that could have contributed to your accident.

Insurance

Trucking companies have a wealth of resources at their disposal and can swiftly deploy teams of insurance adjusters, lawyers engineers, 18 Wheeler Accident Lawsuit experts, and lawyers to help defend the victims of accidents. They begin this process before they are aware of whether you will seek legal recourse. This is why it's crucial to hire an experienced lawyer who can match their resources and cut them to size.

An attorney who has experience handling 18-wheeler collisions will ease your burden and assist you in getting the compensation you deserve. The money could be used to pay for medical expenses, vehicle damages as well as lost income from missing work, and other non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

18-wheelers are a complex vehicle that require high-level, systematic maintenance to keep them on the road. Failure to perform this maintenance and keep detailed records could lead to tragic accidents.

Tractor-trailers often carry hazardous material that requires specialized training and specialized licensing to transport. The material is explosive, flammable or poisonous, all of which could pose a significant risk to other drivers on American roads. An accident that is catastrophic could occur if the cargo is not properly labeled and secured.

A competent 18-wheeler accident attorney can determine the cause and blame any parties who are accountable. These could include the driver of the truck as well as the trucking company, the owner of the trailer, and the company that manufactures the truck or its components. This is known as vicarious liability.