What Is 18 Wheeler Law?

18 wheeler law deals with accidents with commercial truck drivers and their rigs. These huge vehicles are subject to strict federal guidelines regarding maintenance, safety and training.

Unfortunately, trucking companies often require their drivers to work longer hours and alter log books. This can cause accidents that happen in trucks to be catastrophic.

Weight Regulations

It is essential to be aware of the weight limits for semi trucks. Many states have single axle and group axle limits on weight that must be adhered to. Weigh stations are commonplace 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 breaking these limits they could face fines and Florence 18 wheeler accident Lawsuit even sentenced to jail subject to their criminal history and the state.

Axle groups have a higher weight limit due to the fact that the vehicle is safer when the weight is spread across more axles. This also allows for the carriage of more cargo. A single tire on a wheel can weigh up to 650 pounds per inch, however, when two tires are on the same axle, it could be weighed up to 1300 pounds.

There are restrictions on the kinds of trailers that can be used in conjunction with a tractor. Some states allow only one trailer, while others only permit triple or twin trailers. Furthermore, many states require five wheels on the trailer, which is a rounded plate on top of the drive wheels that joins (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. There are both day cab tractor and sleeper cabs which include an area for sleeping inside the tractor unit and are designed to haul over the road.

Lane Restrictions

In addition to restrictions on lane usage truck drivers also must be aware of speed limits as well as traffic lights. Trucks can't drive at the same speed as passenger vehicles and, if they do, they may cause accidents. In a lot of cases the truck driver is the primary culprit in these accidents. This is due to the fact that truck drivers can drive longer than they are allowed to, break hours-of-service rules, or become sleepy or distracted behind the driving.

Truck drivers are also prohibited from driving in the left the lane. Trucks brake at a much lower speed than cars that are primarily passenger vehicles. This can be a very risky situation, particularly for cars with smaller wheels that could be stranded behind trucks when they suddenly slow down or stop.

There are states that specifically exclude large trucks and restrict them from using the left lane, whereas other states limit the use of the lane in certain circumstances. In some cases the laws are built around axel and weight limits, whereas in others, they may be based upon vehicle description or directions.

Even if there's no statewide law however, you must check local rules on the lane restriction and adhere to them. It is also recommended to move to the right when you spot a truck blocking the passing lane.

Ownership

Trucking and 18 wheeler companies have a vast array of resources to force accident victims to accept less than what they are entitled to. They have teams of insurance adjusters, lawyers engineers, experts, and even engineers who advocate on their behalf even before they know if the victim of an accident will seek legal remedy.

Due to their massive load and are so much larger than passenger automobiles, 18 wheelers typically cause catastrophic injuries and enormous property damage when they are involved in accidents. This is particularly true when these trucks collide with motor vehicles. It is imperative to hire an attorney with experience fighting for your rights against these powerful, huge corporations.

Accidents involving large trucks require an understanding of complex concepts from the fields of biology, chemistry and physics and federal trucking regulations, medicine, and driving standards. Our lawyers have the knowledge to uncover violations of these laws, and then show the jury why it led to your accident.

18-wheeler truck accidents can be caused by the negligent or reckless actions of multiple parties. Our NY attorney for accidents involving Carlisle 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer wheels will investigate all liable parties and make sure they pay their fair part of your current and expected expenses. This includes trucking firms, owners, maintenance contractors and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also examine weather conditions that could be a factor in your accident.

Insurance

Trucking companies can put together large teams of lawyers, adjusters engineers, experts, and adjusters quickly. They start this process even before they are aware of whether you will seek legal recourse. This is why it's so important to immediately retain a capable attorney who can match their resources and reduce them to size.

A lawyer with experience handling 18-wheeler collisions can ease the burden and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. The money will cover costs like steep medical bills and vehicle damage, as well as lost wages due to missing work, as well as non-economic injuries like suffering and pain.

18 wheelers are highly complex vehicles and require high-level, systematic maintenance to keep them safe on the road. Inability to maintain this maintenance and keep detailed records could lead to tragic accidents.

Tractor-trailers can be used to transport hazardous materials that require specialized training and a license. The material may be explosive, flammable, radiological, or toxic, all of which present significant dangers to other drivers on American roads. Failure to properly label and secure the load could cause a devastating accident.

A reputable 18 wheeler accident wheeler crash lawyer will determine the exact cause of your crash and hold any responsible parties who are responsible. These could include the driver of the truck, the trucking company, the owner of the trailer, and the company that manufactures the truck or its components. This is called vicarious responsibility.