A Relevant Rant About 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers

What Is 18 Wheeler Law?

Accidents caused by 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.

Trucking companies often force their drivers to work longer and alter logbooks. This can lead to devastating trucking accidents.

Weight Regulations

Knowing the weight limits for semi-trucks is crucial. Weight limits for single axles and group axles are determined by the majority of states. Weigh stations are commonplace along interstates, and truckers are weighed to ensure they don't over the weight limit for 18 wheeler accident their vehicle or load. If a trucker is found violating these limits and is found guilty, they may be fined and even put in jail depending on their criminal history and the state.

Axle groups are able to have an upper limit due to the fact that distributing the weight over more axles makes the vehicle more secure and allows more cargo to be transported. A single tire on a wheel is only weighed up to 650 pounds per inch however, when two tires are on the same axle, it can be weighed as high as 1300 pounds.

There are limitations on the kinds of trailers that can be used in conjunction with the tractor. Some states allow only one trailer, while others only permit twin or triple trailers. Many states also require a fifth wheel on the trailer, which is a plate that is placed above the drive wheels, and connects (hooks up) the trailer to the tractor unit. There are day cab tractors and sleeper cabs that incorporate a sleeping area into the tractor unit and are specifically designed to haul over the road.

Lane Restrictions

Truck drivers must abide by traffic signals and speed limits in addition to the lane limitations. Trucks are not allowed to operate at the same speed as cars for passengers. If they do, accidents are likely to occur. In a lot of cases, the driver of the truck is the culprit in these accidents. Truck drivers may be driving for longer than they are entitled to, breaking hours-of-service regulations and/or being distracted or sleepy behind the steering wheel.

Another important lane restriction is that truck drivers are not allowed to drive in the left lane. This is due to the fact that it takes a lot longer for trucks to stop than passenger vehicles. This could be a risky situation, particularly for smaller cars that may be stuck behind trucks if they suddenly slow down or stop.

There are states that specifically target large trucks and prohibit them from using the left lane, while others limit the use of the lane under specific circumstances. In certain instances these laws are built around axel and weight limits, while in other, they may be based upon vehicle description or directions.

Even if there isn't a statewide regulation on lane limits, you should still look over the local rules and follow the rules. You should also move to the left when you see a truck blocking the passing lane.

Ownership

Trucking and 18 wheeler companies have massive resources to force accident victims to accept less than they should. They have teams of lawyers, insurance adjusters, engineers, and experts working on their behalf, even before they know whether the victim of the accident will pursue legal action.

In accidents, 18-wheelers are often responsible for catastrophic injuries and extensive property damage due to the fact that they carry such hefty loads and are so large when compared to passenger cars. This is especially so when they collide with motor vehicles. It is essential to find an attorney who is experienced in fighting for your rights against these powerful, huge corporations.

Accidents involving large trucks require a thorough understanding of concepts in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology and federal trucking regulations, medical standards, and driving. Our attorneys are able to discover any infringements of these laws, and then show the jury the factors that led to your accident.

Multiple parties could be accountable for 18 wheeler accident lawyers-wheeler truck crashes. Our NY 18 wheeler accident lawyer will investigate all of the accountable parties and ensure they pay their fair share of your current and expected expenses. This includes trucking companies, owners and maintenance contractors, and even drivers themselves. Our team will also examine weather conditions that may have played a part in the accident.

Insurance

Trucking companies can put together large teams of adjusters, lawyers, engineers and experts quickly. They start this process before they know if you intend to pursue legal recourse. It is crucial to hire an attorney who is capable of matching their resources and reducing them in size.

An experienced 18 wheeler accident lawyer can relieve the burden of dealing with these corporations off your hands and concentrate on securing the compensation you deserve. This money can be used to cover medical costs, vehicle damage, lost income from missed work as well as other non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

18 wheeler accidents wheelers are a complex vehicle and require a high-level, systematic maintenance to ensure they are safe on the road. Inability to keep detailed records and perform this maintenance could lead to catastrophe-causing accidents.

Tractor-trailers often are used to transport hazardous materials, that require specialized training and certification. The material may be explosive, flammable, radiological, or poisonous, all of which pose significant risks for other drivers on American roads. In the absence of proper labeling and secure the load could also cause a devastating accident.

A competent attorney for 18-wheelers can pinpoint the exact cause and blame any parties that may be responsible. This could include the driver of the truck, the trucking firm or the owner of the trailer and the company that manufactures the truck and its components. This is called vicarious liability.