What Is 18 Wheeler Law?
18 wheeler law deals with accidents that involve commercial truck drivers and their rigs. These huge vehicles must adhere to strict federal guidelines for maintenance as well as safety and training.
Companies that transport trucks often force their drivers to work longer and alter logbooks. This can lead to devastating trucking accidents.
Weight Regulations
It is essential to be aware of the weight restrictions for semi-trucks. Many states have single axle and group axle weight limits which must be observed. It is typical to see weigh stations along interstates where truckers are weighed to verify that they aren't exceeding the maximum limits for their vehicle and load. If a trucker is found in violation of these limits and is found guilty, they may be fined or even imprisoned according to their criminal record and the state.
Axle groups have a higher limit because distributing the weight over more axles makes the vehicle safer and allows more cargo to be transported. A single tire on an wheel can only weigh up to 665 pounds per inch however, when two tires are mounted on the same axle, it can be weighed to 1300 pounds.
There are limitations on the types of trailers which can be used with a tractor. Certain states only permit one trailer, while other states only permit triple or twin trailers. Furthermore, 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. There are day cabtractors as well as sleeper cabs that have sleeping areas inside the tractor unit. They are made to be used for hauling over the road.
Lane Restrictions
Truck drivers must observe speed limits and traffic signals in addition to the lane limitations. Trucks cannot drive at the same speed as cars used by passengers. If they do, accidents could occur. In most cases, the truck driver is at fault in these accidents. Truck drivers may be driving longer than they are entitled to, or breaking the hours-of service regulations, or being asleep or distracted behind the steering wheel.
Another important restriction on lane use is that truck drivers aren't allowed to drive in the left side of the lane. Trucks brake more slowly than cars that are primarily passenger vehicles. This could result in a dangerous situation, especially for cars with smaller wheels that could be stuck behind trucks if they suddenly slow down or stop.
Certain states prohibit the use of lanes under certain circumstances, while some states limit the use of lanes for large trucks. These laws can be based either on weight or axel limits. In other instances they may be based solely on the vehicle description.
Even if there is no law that is statewide, you should check local rules regarding the lane restriction and adhere to the rules. It is also recommended to move to the right when you spot trucks blocking the lane.
Ownership
Trucking and 18 wheeler companies have huge resources to force victims of accidents to accept a lesser amount than what they are entitled to. They have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters who advocate on their behalf before they know if the accident victim will pursue legal action.
Because they can carry massive loads and are so much larger than passenger vehicles, 18 wheelers frequently cause massive injuries and property damage when they are involved in accidents. This is particularly so when they collide with other motor vehicles. It is essential to find a lawyer who has experience fighting for your rights against these powerful, huge corporations.
Accidents involving large trucks require a deep understanding of concepts that are derived from biology, chemistry and physics and federal trucking regulations, medical regulations, and driving rules. Our lawyers can find any violations of these laws and explain to the jury what caused your accident.
Multiple parties could be accountable for truck accidents involving 18-wheelers. Our NY 18 wheeler accident lawyer will investigate all responsible parties and ensure they are liable for their fair share of your current and expected expenses. This includes owners of trucking businesses, trucking companies as well as maintenance contractors and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also examine the weather conditions that could be a factor in the accident.
Insurance
Trucking companies have an abundance of options available and are able to quickly deploy teams of insurance adjusters, lawyers engineers, experts, and lawyers to develop a strategy for defense against the victims of accidents. They begin this process before they are aware of whether you'll be seeking legal recourse. This is why it is vital to immediately hire an experienced attorney who will match their resources and bring them down to size.
A lawyer with expertise in dealing with 18-wheeler accidents will relieve you of the burden and help you get the compensation you're entitled to. The money could be used to pay for medical expenses, vehicle damage as well as lost income from missing work and other non-economic losses like suffering and pain.
18 wheelers are complex vehicles and require high-level, systematic maintenance to keep them safe on the road. Failure to do this maintenance and keep detailed records can result in devastating accidents.
Tractor-trailers are commonly used to transport hazardous materials, which require specialized training and a license. These materials may be explosive or flammable and radiological as well as poisonous. They all pose a danger to other drivers on American highways. Failure to properly label and secure the load could result in a catastrophic accident.
A qualified 18-wheeler crash attorney can determine the exact cause and blame the parties who are accountable. These could include the driver of the truck or the trucking company the owner of the trailer, and the company that manufactures the truck or its components. 18 wheeler accident settlement santa maria is referred to as vicarious liability.