johnrifle49

18 Wheeler Legal Requirements Every year trucks, 18-wheelers and tractor trailers are involved in numerous accidents. They transport dangerous loads and have higher insurance requirements than private vehicles. Driver fatigue is a frequent cause of truck accidents. The law limits the amount of time truck drivers are allowed to drive and requires they keep precise logs. Weight limit As Americans continue to shift away from traditional retail stores in person and shift towards online shopping, the streets are becoming more overrun by trucks from Amazon, FedEx and other shipping companies. Many drivers struggle to keep up with these massive vehicles with their speed and maneuverability. This is a problem for all drivers, but smaller vehicles and passenger cars are having a tough time maneuvering around these large vehicles. There are laws that regulate the legal maximum for 18-wheelers. This applies to both the truck itself and the cargo it transports. It's important to know the legal limit so you can avoid driving over them and put yourself in danger. The maximum gross vehicle weight for trucks is 80,000 pounds. However, there are different weight limits for axle groups and single axles. For 18 wheeler accident attorney escondido , the Federal Bridge Formula sets a single-axle limit of 20,000 pounds, when axles spaced greater than 40 inches but not more than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are limited to 34,000 pounds. In addition to these rules states also have their own weight limits for single-axle and axle groups. State-by-state, penalties for a violation of the weight limit may range from fines of up to $16,000. In some cases the driver's employer could be accountable for these fines too. Repeat offenders may also be subject to higher fines. Lane restrictions Most states have laws that regulate where trucks can drive on highways. For instance, certain states separate big trucks and block them from driving on the left side on multilane roadways. This law is intended to stop vehicles from following trucks too closely and could cause an accident. In these situations, the truck driver would be forced to change lanes, and risk collision with cars who are driving in front of them. To ensure that trucks can get by slower vehicles swiftly they must be in the right lane. Truck drivers must also be able to watch other motor vehicles on the left lane to look for any traffic devices or hazards which require them to make an turn. Those who ignore these laws put themselves and other drivers at risk for serious accidents. If a motorist has been injured by a vehicle that has violated lane restriction laws, they could be entitled to compensation. Trucks have the largest blind spots of any vehicle on the road, and need plenty of room to move around. Some drivers cut off trucks when changing lanes. This could cause them to in a jackknife. Sometimes drivers slow down their speed so that the truck is unable to pass them. This puts both parties at risk of a crash. Bumper guards Bumper guards can be a great way to protect your truck from damage, however, you must check the laws of your state prior to installing them. Certain states ban them, while others permit them for vehicles that are parked. These devices are beneficial to have when parking your vehicle in busy areas or cities that have a lot of parallel parking. These devices protect your vehicle from scratches and scratches caused by larger drivers backing up onto your vehicle or SUV. They can also prevent collisions with branches of trees. Off-road vehicles often have these cowcatchers, which resemble those on freight trains. They push aside brush and other debris and they may even help in securing headlights. There are a variety of different ways to put up bumper guards, including stick-on rubber strips and mat-style protectors. The stick-on type is the easiest to use since it can be removed in a matter of minutes without leaving sticky residue. The stick-on style doesn't provide the most protection, and does not cover all areas of your vehicle. Certain companies make mat-style protectors which can be folded or folded for easy storage and transport. The LuvTap, a familar model made from a soft cotton material which can be adjusted to different vehicle sizes is a popular item. It also comes with shiny silver reflectors that improve visibility in dim lighting. It comes with two included straps, which secure it to the trunk of your vehicle and can be flipped out when required. Insurance Truck accidents can cause serious injuries or even death. Federal and state regulations demand that trucking companies carry more insurance policies than those for passenger cars. These policies can be worth 40 times more than the standard insurance. However, trucking insurers will do everything they can to avoid paying accident victims. They will often trick injured people into signing a written statement or employ other techniques to minimize their liability. It is important to consult an experienced Denver truck crash lawyer when filing an 18 wheeler claim. Insurance requirements for trucks are complex and vary according to jurisdiction. The most commonly used type of insurance is primary liability, which covers damage to property that the truck causes in the event of an accident. It is also a good idea to have cargo insurance as well as non-trucking liability. The first covers the truck when it transports loads and is usually included in the contract between a driver and their carrier. It is sometimes referred to as “bobtail” insurance, and it safeguards the driver and truck during the time between loads. If you suffer injuries in a tractor-trailer collision, the minimum insurance limits required for tractors and trailers are considerably lower than those for passenger cars. You'll have to battle the insurance company of the trucking company for a fair settlement. A seasoned Memphis truck accident lawyer can determine all potentially liable parties including the truck driver and the trucking company and any dram shops that might have over-served the driver.