What Is 18 Wheeler Law?
18 wheeler law regulates accidents involving commercial truck drivers and their rigs. These massive vehicles must follow strict federal guidelines for maintenance, safety, and training.
Unfortunately, trucking companies frequently pressure their drivers to work longer hours and alter log books. This can cause catastrophic trucking accidents.
Weight Regulations
It is essential to be aware of the weight restrictions for semi-trucks. Most states have both single axle and group axle limits on weight that must be adhered to. It is typical to see weigh stations on interstates where drivers are weighed in order to verify that they do not exceed the maximum weight limits for their vehicle and load. If a trucker is caught breaking these limits they could face fines and even sentenced to jail depending on their criminal record and the state.
Axle groups have a higher limit of weight since the vehicle is safer when the weight is distributed across more axles. This also permits the transport of more cargo. For example a single tire on an axle may be weighed at 650lbs per inch of wheel diameter. However, when there are 2 tires on that same axle it could be weighed at 1300 pounds per tire.
There are limitations on the types of trailers that can be used in conjunction with the tractor. Certain states only permit one trailer, while other states only permit triple or twin trailers. Furthermore, many states require fifth wheels on the trailer. This is a rounded plate on top of the drive wheels which joins (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. Day cab tractors as well as sleeper cabs can be found. They both come with a sleeping area in the tractor unit.
Lane Restrictions
In addition to lane restrictions truck drivers must comply with speed limits and traffic lights. Trucks aren't permitted to travel at the same speed as cars for passengers. If 18 wheeler accident case durham do, accidents could occur. In many cases, it is the driver of the truck who is responsible. Truck drivers could be driving longer than they are permitted to, or breaking the hours-of service regulations or simply being distracted or asleep behind the wheel.
Another important restriction on lane usage is that truck drivers are not allowed to drive in the left or right. Trucks brake at a much lower speed than passenger cars. This could result in a dangerous situation, especially for smaller vehicles that could be stranded behind trucks when they suddenly slow down or stop.
Certain states specifically exempt large trucks and prevent them from using the left lane, and other states limit the use of the lane in specific situations. In certain instances the laws are based on weight and axel limits, while in others they may be based upon vehicle description or direction signs.
Even if there's no state-wide law on lane restrictions, you should still check the local rules and observe them. You should also shift to the right when you see a truck in the pass lane so that it does not hinder faster cars from taking over.
Ownership
The trucking and 18-wheeler companies have a wealth of resources to use in order to force accident victims to accept less than they are entitled to. They have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters who represent them before they even know whether the accident victim will pursue legal action.
In accidents 18-wheelers can be blamed for a number of serious injuries and property damage because they carry such large loads and are incredibly large when compared to passenger cars. This is especially so when they collide into other motor vehicles. It is essential to find an attorney who has experience fighting for your rights against these massive, powerful corporations.
Large-scale accidents require an in-depth understanding of the concepts in the fields of physics, biology, chemistry and trucking regulations from the federal government, medicine, driving standards, and other related fields. Our lawyers can discover any infringements of these laws, and explain to the jury what caused your accident.
18-wheeler truck accidents are usually caused by the careless or reckless actions of a variety of parties. Our NY attorney for accidents involving 18 wheels will investigate all accountable parties and ensure they are liable for their fair part of your current and anticipated expenses. This includes trucking firms as well as owners, maintenance contractors and even drivers themselves. Our team will also look into the weather conditions that could have played a part in your accident.
Insurance
Trucking companies are able to send large teams of lawyers, adjusters engineers, experts and adjusters quickly. They begin this process before they know whether you'll seek legal recourse. That's why it's crucial to hire an experienced attorney who can match their resources and bring them down to size.
A seasoned 18-wheeler crash lawyer can take the burden of dealing with these large corporations off your shoulders and concentrate on getting you the compensation you are entitled to. This money can be used to cover medical expenses, vehicle damage and lost income due to missed work and other non-economic losses such as suffering and pain.
18 wheelers are a complex vehicle and require high-end, systematic maintenance to ensure their safety on the road. Failure to perform this maintenance and keep accurate records could result in catastrophic accidents.
Tractor-trailers can be used for transporting hazardous materials, which require special training and licensing. The material may be explosive, flammable, radiological or poisonous, all of which could pose a significant risk for other drivers on American roads. Failure to properly label and secure the load could also result in a catastrophic accident.
A competent 18-wheeler accident attorney can pinpoint the exact cause and blame any individuals who could be accountable. This may include the driver of the truck, the trucking firm as well as the owner of the trailer and the company that manufactures the truck and its components. This is known as vicarious liability.