What Is 18 Wheeler Law?
Accidents with commercial truck drivers, their rigs and 18 wheelers are covered by the law of 18 wheels. These massive vehicles are subject to federal regulations regarding maintenance, safety, and training.
Trucking companies often make their drivers to work for longer and alter logbooks. This can lead accidents that happen in trucks to be catastrophic.
Weight Regulations
Understanding the weight limits of semi trucks is vital. Weight limits for single axles as well as group axles are set by the majority of states. It is not uncommon to find weigh stations on interstates where drivers are weighed to make sure they aren't exceeding the maximum weight limit for their vehicle and load. If a trucker is caught breaking these limits, they could be fined and even sentenced to jail according to their criminal record and the state.
Axle groups are granted a higher limit because distributing the weight over a wider range of axles increases the safety of the vehicle and allows for more cargo to be transported. For instance a single tire on an axle may be weighed at 650 pounds per inch of wheel's diameter. However, when there are 18 wheeler accident law firm tempe on the same axle, it could be weighted at 1300 pounds for each tire.
There are limitations on the types of trailers that can be used with the tractor. Some states only allow one trailer, while other states only permit triple or twin trailers. Additionally, a lot of states require fifth wheels on the trailer. It is a round plate above the drive wheels that couples (hooks) the trailer to the tractor unit. There are both day cab tractor and sleeper cabs which include a sleeping area into the tractor unit. They are made for over-the-road hauling.
Lane Restrictions
In addition to limitations on lane width truck drivers also must comply with speed limits and traffic lights. Trucks can't drive at the same speed as cars, and even if they do, they may cause accidents. In most instances, it is the driver of the truck who is at fault. This is due to the fact that truck drivers can be driving for longer than is permitted or violate the hours-of-service regulations, or be distracted or sleepy behind the vehicle.
Truck drivers are also forbidden from driving in the left lane. Trucks brake more slowly than cars for passenger use. This can pose a danger issue, especially for those who drive smaller vehicles and may be stuck behind a truck if it slows or stops abruptly.
Certain states prohibit the use of lane lanes in certain circumstances, while others restrict the use of lanes for large trucks. These laws can be based on weight or axel limits. In other cases, they could be based solely on the vehicle description.
Even if there is no statewide law it is important to check local rules about the lane restriction and adhere to the rules. It is also recommended to move to the right when you notice a truck blocking the passing lane.
Ownership
The trucking and 18-wheeler companies have a wealth of resources to make use of to force accident victims into accepting less than they are entitled to. They have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters who represent them before they know whether the accident victim will take legal action.
Because they are able to carry enormous loads and are much bigger than passenger vehicles, 18 wheelers often cause catastrophic injuries and enormous property damage in accidents. This is especially true when these trucks collide with other motor vehicles. It is crucial to have an attorney with experience fighting for your rights against these powerful, huge corporations.
Accidents involving large trucks require an understanding of complicated concepts in the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, federal trucking regulations, medical standards, and driving. Our attorneys are able to discover any infringements of these laws and present to the jury the circumstances that led to your accident.
18-wheeler truck accidents are usually caused by the negligent or reckless actions of a variety of parties. Our NY 18-wheeler accident lawyer will investigate the parties at fault and ensure that they are responsible for your present and future costs. This includes trucking companies owners, maintenance contractors, owners and even the drivers themselves. Our team will also investigate weather conditions that could have played a role in the accident.
Insurance
The trucking industry has a wealth of resources available and can swiftly deploy teams of lawyers, insurance adjusters engineers, engineers, and experts to develop a strategy for defense against the victims of accidents. They begin this process before they know whether you'll be seeking legal recourse. This is why it is essential to get an experienced attorney who can match their resources and reduce them to size.
A lawyer who has expertise in handling 18-wheeler accidents can relieve you of the burden and help you receive the compensation you're entitled to. The money could be used to pay for expenses such as medical bills that are costly car damage, the loss of earnings due to a lack of work, and also non-economic damages like suffering and pain.
18 wheelers are a complex vehicle and require high-end, systematic maintenance to keep them safe on the road. Failure to keep accurate logs and perform the necessary maintenance can result in catastrophe-causing accidents.
Tractor-trailers often carry hazardous material that requires specialized training and specialized licensing to transport. The material may be flammable, explosive, radiological or poisonous, and all of these present significant dangers to other drivers on American roads. Failure to properly label and secure the load could also cause a devastating accident.
A reputable 18 wheeler crash lawyer can determine the precise cause of your crash and hold liable any parties who are responsible. This could include the driver of the truck, the trucking firm or the owner of the trailer and the manufacturer of the truck and its components. This is referred to as vicarious obligation.