10 Tell-Tale Signs You Need To Buy A 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers

What Is 18 Wheeler Law?

Accidents that involve commercial truck drivers, their rigs, and 18 wheelers are covered under the law governing 18 wheelers. These massive vehicles are subject to strict federal guidelines regarding maintenance, safety, and training.

Unfortunately, trucking companies often force their drivers to work longer hours and alter log books. This can cause accidents involving trucks to be devastating.

Weight Regulations

It is important to understand the weight limits for semi-trucks. Weight limits for single axles as well as group axles are set by the majority of states. Weigh stations are common along interstates where truckers are weighed to ensure they do not exceed the maximum weight limits for their vehicle or load. If a trucker gets caught violating these limitations they could be penalized or even imprisoned based on the state they reside in and their criminal record.

Axle groups are granted a higher limit because distributing the weight over more axles is safer for the vehicle and allows for more cargo to be transported. For example a single tire mounted on an axle is able to be weighed at 650lbs per inch of wheel diameter but when there are 2 tires on the same axle it can be measured at 1300 pounds per tire.

There are limitations on the kinds of trailers that can be used in conjunction with a tractor. Certain states only permit one trailer, while others only permit triple or twin trailers. Additionally, a lot of states require fifth wheels on the trailer which is a round plate that is above the drive wheels which joins (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. There are day cabtractors as well as sleeper cabs which include a sleeping area into the tractor unit and are specifically designed to haul over the road.

Lane Restrictions

In addition to restrictions on lane usage truck drivers must follow speed limits and traffic lights. Trucks are not allowed to drive at the same speed as cars for passengers. If they do, accidents can occur. In many instances, the driver of the truck is the one at fault in these accidents. Truck drivers may be driving for longer than they are allowed to, violating hours-of-service rules, or being tired or distracted behind the steering wheel.

Truck drivers are also banned from driving in the left right lane. Trucks brake much slower than cars for passenger use. This could be a dangerous situation, particularly for smaller cars that may get stuck behind trucks when they suddenly slow down or stop.

Some states limit the use of lanes in specific circumstances, while some states limit it for big trucks. In certain cases these laws are based on weight and axel limits, whereas in others, they may be based on vehicle description or directions.

Even if there isn't a statewide regulation on lane limits, you should still be aware of local rules and adhere to the rules. Also, you should move to the left if you see trucks passing in the lane, so that it does not block faster cars from passing you.

Ownership

The 18 wheeler accident lawyers-wheeler and trucking firms have an array of resources they can make use of to force victims of accidents to accept less than what they are entitled to. They have teams of insurance adjusters, lawyers engineers, experts, and lawyers working on their behalf, even before they know whether the victim of an accident will pursue legal action.

Because they are able to carry enormous loads and are much larger than passenger vehicles, 18 wheelers can cause massive injuries and property damage in accidents. This is especially the case when they collide with other motor vehicles. It is essential to find a lawyer who has experience fighting for your rights against these large, powerful corporations.

Large vehicle accidents require an understanding of the most complex concepts in the fields of physics and biology, chemistry as well as federal regulations for trucking, medicine, driving standards, and other related areas. Our lawyers are able find any violations of these laws and present to the jury the circumstances that led to your accident.

Multiple parties can be responsible for 18 wheeler accidents-wheeler truck crashes. Our NY 18 wheeler accident lawyer will investigate all accountable parties and ensure they are paid their fair share of your current and expected expenses. This includes owners of trucking companies, trucking companies, maintenance contractors, and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also analyze the weather conditions that may be a factor in your accident.

Insurance

The trucking industry has a wealth of resources available and can quickly deploy teams of lawyers, 18 Wheeler Accident insurance adjusters, engineers, and experts to create a defense against accident victims. They start this process even before they know whether you'll be seeking legal recourse. That's why it's so important to immediately retain a capable attorney who can match their resources and reduce them to size.

An attorney who has experience handling 18-wheeler collisions can ease the burden and assist you in getting the compensation you're due. The money could be used to pay medical costs, vehicle damage and lost income due to missed work and other damages that are not economic such as suffering and pain.

18 wheelers are complex vehicles and require high-level, systematic maintenance to keep them safe on the road. Failure to maintain detailed records and perform this maintenance can cause devastating accidents.

Tractor-trailers are commonly used to transport hazardous substances, which require special training and licenses. They can be flammable or explosive or radiological, as well as poisonous. They all pose a risk to other motorists on American highways. A fatal accident could occur if the load was not properly labelled and secured.

A reputable 18 wheeler crash lawyer can pinpoint the exact causes of your accident and hold accountable any other parties that are accountable. This may include the driver of the truck, the trucking company or the owner of the trailer as well as the manufacturer of the truck and its components. This is called vicarious liability.