What Is 18 Wheeler Law?

Accidents that involve commercial truck drivers, their rigs and 18 wheeler accidents wheelers are covered under the law governing 18 wheelers. These massive vehicles must follow strict federal guidelines for maintenance security, safety, and training.

Companies that transport trucks often force their drivers to work longer and alter logbooks. This can result in catastrophic trucking accidents.

Weight Regulations

It is crucial to know the weight limits for semi-trucks. Weight limits for single axles as well as group axles are set by the majority of states. Weigh stations are common along interstates, and truckers are weighed to ensure they do not exceed the weight limits for their vehicle or load. If a truck driver gets caught violating these limitations they could be fined, or even jailed depending on the location and criminal record.

Axle groups are granted a higher limit as distributing the weight over more axles increases the safety of the vehicle and allows for more cargo to be carried. A single tire on a wheel is only weighed up to 700 pounds per inch, however, if two tires are on the same axle, it could be weighed up to 1300 pounds.

There are limitations on the kinds of trailers that can be used with the tractor. Some states allow only one trailer, while others only permit twin or triple trailers. A lot of states also require a fifth wheel on the trailer, which is a plate that sits above the drive wheels, and connects (hooks up) the trailer with the tractor unit. There are day cabtractors as well as sleeper cabs that have an area for sleeping inside the tractor unit. They are made to haul over the road.

Lane Restrictions

In addition to the lane restrictions truck drivers also must comply with speed limits and traffic lights. Trucks cannot operate at the same speed as cars used by passengers. If they do, accidents may occur. In a lot of instances, it's the driver of the truck who is responsible. Truck drivers might be driving longer than they are entitled to, breaking hours-of-service regulations, or being tired or distracted behind the wheel.

Truck drivers are also barred from driving in the left side of the road. Trucks brake much slower than passenger cars. This can be a very risky situation, especially for smaller cars that may be stranded behind trucks when they suddenly slow down or stop.

Certain states prohibit the use of lanes in specific circumstances, while others restrict it for large trucks. In some instances these laws are determined by weight and axel limits, while in other they may be based on vehicle descriptions or direction signs.

Even if there is no statewide law it is important to check local rules on lane restrictions and follow them. It is also recommended to move to the right when you notice trucks blocking the lane.

Ownership

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

Because they can carry massive loads and are much larger than passenger vehicles, 18 wheelers often cause severe injuries and massive property damage in accidents. This is particularly relevant when these trucks are involved in collisions with other motor vehicles. It is imperative to hire an attorney who has experience fighting for your rights against these large, powerful corporations.

Large-scale accidents require a thorough understanding of complex concepts in the fields of physics and biology, chemistry and federal regulations for trucking and medical practices, driving regulations and related areas. Our attorneys have the expertise to identify violations of these laws and explain to the jury how they contributed to your accident.

18-wheeler truck accidents are usually caused by the negligent or reckless actions of several parties. Our NY attorney for 18 wheeler accidents will investigate all of the responsible parties and ensure that they are liable for their fair portion of your current and anticipated costs. This includes trucking firms, owners, maintenance contractors and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also examine the weather conditions that could have played a part in your accident.

Insurance

Trucking companies have a wealth of resources available to them and can quickly send teams of lawyers, insurance adjusters, engineers, and 18 wheeler accidents experts to create a defense against the victims of accidents. They start this process before they even decide if you will to seek legal recourse. It is essential to find an attorney who is capable of matching their resources and reducing them in size.

A seasoned 18-wheeler crash lawyer can alleviate the burden of dealing with these big corporations off your shoulders and concentrate on getting you the compensation you're due. The money will cover costs like medical bills that are expensive or vehicle damage, lost wages due to missing work, and also non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

18-wheelers are a complex vehicle which require sophisticated, systematic maintenance to ensure they remain on the road. Failure to maintain detailed records and to perform maintenance can cause catastrophic accidents.

Tractor-trailers frequently carry hazardous materials that requires specialized training and specialized licenses to transport. The material may be explosive, flammable, or toxic, all of which pose significant risks for other drivers on American roads. A catastrophic accident could also occur if the load was not properly labeled and secured.

A qualified 18 wheeler crash lawyer can determine the precise cause of your crash and hold liable any parties that are accountable. This could include the driver of the truck, the trucking company, the owner or the trailer, as well as the company that manufactures the truck and its components. This is called vicarious liability.