18 Wheeler Legal Requirements
Every year, trucks, 18-wheelers, and tractor trailers are involved in numerous accidents. They carry dangerous loads and their insurance requirements are higher than that of private vehicles.
Driver fatigue is a frequent cause of truck accidents. The law restricts the amount of time truck drivers can drive and requires them to keep accurate logs of their hours of service.
Weight limit
As Americans continue to shift their purchasing habits away from traditional retail and toward online shopping the roads are becoming increasingly crowded with trucks from Amazon, FedEx, and other shipping companies. In the process, many drivers struggle to keep pace with the speed and maneuverability of these big vehicles. This is a problem for everyone however it's especially difficult for passenger cars and smaller trucks to maneuver around these massive vehicles.
There are laws that govern the maximum legal limit for 18-wheelers. This applies to the truck and the cargo that it carries. It's essential to know the legal limits to ensure you can avoid driving over them and risking your life.
The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 pounds. There are different weight limits for axle groups and single axles. For example the Federal Bridge Formula sets a single-axle limit of 20,000 pounds, while axles spaced more than 40 inches but no more than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are limited to 34,000 pounds. States also have their own weight restrictions, which apply to single-axle vehicles and axle groups.
State-by-state the penalties for a violation of the weight limit can range from fines up to $16,000. In some cases the driver's employer could be responsible for these fines as well. Repeat offenders could also be liable for higher fines.
Lane restrictions
In addition to weight restrictions, laws of a majority of states govern where trucks are allowed to drive on highways. For instance, certain states exclude large trucks and prohibit them from driving on the left side on multilane highways. This law is designed to stop cars from following trucks too closely and potentially causing an accident.
In these scenarios the truck driver will be forced to change lanes and risk collisions with cars that are driving in front of them. To ensure that trucks are able to pass slower vehicles quickly they must be in the right direction. Truck drivers must be able to watch other motor vehicles in the left lane for dangers or traffic control devices that require them to make a turn.
Ignoring these laws puts themselves and other motorists at risk of serious accidents. If an individual is injured by a truck that has violated the lane restriction laws, they may be entitled to compensation.
Trucks have some of the largest blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and require plenty of space to maneuver. In some instances, drivers in smaller vehicles block trucks when changing lanes, and this can cause them to be jackknifed. Sometimes drivers slow down their speed so that trucks are unable to pass them. This puts both parties in danger of a crash.
Bumper guards
Before installing bumper guards, check the laws of your state. Some states are not allowed to install bumper guards, whereas others only allow them on cars parked. These devices are worthwhile to invest in when parking your vehicle in busy areas or in cities with lots of parallel parking. They stop dents and scrapes which are usually caused by taller drivers backing into your truck or SUV.
They can also stop collisions with trees' branches. Off-road vehicles typically have cowcatchers that look similar to the ones on freight trains. They can be used to shove debris and brush away and even shield headlights.
There are a number of different ways to put up bumper guards, including mat-style protectors. The stick-on type is the most convenient to use, as it can be removed within minutes without leaving an unattractive residue. This type does not offer the most protection, and isn't able to cover all areas of your vehicle.
Some companies make mat-style protectors that can be rolled up or folded for easy transport and storage. The LuvTap is a favored model that is constructed of soft cotton material that can be adjusted to suit different sizes of vehicles. It also comes with shiny silver reflectors, which improve visibility in dim lighting. It is equipped with two straps which can be used to attach it to your vehicle's trunk and then flipped back up when needed.
Insurance
Truck accidents can be traumatic and can cause serious injuries or the death of a loved one. This is why federal and state regulations oblige trucking companies to carry much larger insurance policies than typical passenger vehicles. These policies can be worth as much as 40 times that of a standard policy. Insurance companies for trucks, however, will do anything to avoid paying accident victims claims. They frequently try to entice injured victims into making a recorded statement or employ other methods to limit their liability. It is essential to consult an attorney from a Denver truck crash lawyer when filing an 18 wheeler claim.
The requirements for insurance on trucks are complicated and vary by jurisdiction. The most commonly used coverage is the primary liability. 18 wheeler accident lawsuit toledo covers property damage caused by the truck in the event of an accident. It is also a good idea to have cargo insurance as well as non-trucking liability. The former covers the truck while it is hauling a load, and is usually included in the contract of a driver of a truck with their carrier. The latter, also referred to "bobtail" coverage, shields both the driver and the truck in between loads.
If you have been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, it is important to understand that the insurance limits for tractor-trailers are considerably lower than those that are required for passenger vehicles. This means that you'll need to negotiate with the insurance company of the trucking company to get an equitable settlement. A seasoned Memphis truck accident lawyer can determine all potentially liable parties including the driver as well as the trucking company and any dram shops who may have over-served the driver.